Top of the 'drops

[mark smyth]

I first showed this almost three years ago and thought it should be shown again for all the new forum members

This is the top twenty snowdrops polled by The Plantsman

  1.   'S. Arnott'
=2.   elwesii 'Comet'
=2.   'Magnet'
  4.   plicatus 'Three Ships'
=5.   'Atkinsii'
=5.   'Bertram Anderson'
=5.   plicatus 'Wendy's Gold'
=8.   'John Gray'
=8.   'Mrs McNamara
=10. plicatus 'Augustus'
=10. 'Bill Bishop'
=12. gracilis
=12. plicatus 'Trym'
=14. ikariae
=14. 'Cicely Hall'
=14. nivalis 'Lady Elphinstone'
=17. elwesii
=17. 'Galatea'
=17. plicatus 'Gerard Parker'
=17. 'Hippolyta'

just outside the top 20 are

=17. 'Mighty Atom'
=17. nivalis
=17. nivalis Sandersii Group
=17. rizehensis
=17. 'Spindlestone Surprise'
=17. nivalis 'Viridapice'

[Anthony Darby]

I would suggest that as most people will not know the names of more than a few snowdrops, the list just reflects that?

[mark smyth]

No, this was a poll of those attending the Galanthus Gala in 2005 who were asked to send in a list of their favourite snowdrops

[KentGardener]

I am very surprised that Diggory and Godfrey Owen don't make an appearance.  I guess the list would be a little different each year.

John

[mark smyth]

Yeah but how many people grow Godfrey Owen and have enough to admire it in a clump?

[loes]

I grow about 45 galanthus now but I only have 10 mentioned in the top-20 list (which by the way consists only 19 names  ).not even an autumn galanthus in it too.strange list.
do you agree with this list?

[Anthony Darby]

Yeah but how many people grow Godfrey Owen and have enough to admire it in a clump?

I rest my case.

[Brian Ellis]

I've just sent my Top 10 list off to the CGS Snowdrop Group.  They don't really reflect the list at all.  In no particular order I listed:
Galanthus 'Lapwing'
G.plicatus 'Diggory'
G.nivalis 'Elfin'
G.'Wasp'
G.'Seagull'
G. reginae-olgae 'Tilebarn Jamie'
G. plicatus 'Wendy's Gold'
G.'Modern Art'
G.elwesii 'Godfrey Owen'
G.elwesii 'David Shackleton'

and I had to add "Whichever is in flower today!" which in this case would probably be Galanthus elwesii 'Sickle' which is in bud and ready to open.

[Alan_b]

How many votes did it take to come in last place on the list ("=17")?  I imagine it was only one or two, judging by the number of equal placements.

My favourite snowdrop tends to be the one I have been admiring around the time I am asked.  So just at the moment it would be G. elwesii Peter Gatehouse.  I like the way you can see a hint of the green on the inner petals even when the flowers are closed.

[KentGardener]

Yeah but how many people grow Godfrey Owen and have enough to admire it in a clump?

Hi Mark

I have a feeling that Godfrey Owen won't take long - it certainly seems to bulk up quickly compared to some snowdrops.  Mine seems to have gone from a single bulb up to about 8 or 9 growing points (not all flowering size) in two years.  I am of the opinion that it definately has that Elwesii vigor.

Regards

John

[Anthony Darby]

How many votes did it take to come in last place on the list ("=17")?  I imagine it was only one or two, judging by the number of equal placements.

.....either that, or a list of 25 snowdrops which you had to rate 1 - 20?

[mark smyth]

No it was an entry form with lines to write the favourites

[mark smyth]

Thanks to John for reminding us of this list.

It would be interesting to see how the list would change if it was done every 5 or 10 years

[KentGardener]

I've just sent my Top 10 list off to the CGS Snowdrop Group.  They don't really reflect the list at all.  In no particular order I listed:
Galanthus 'Lapwing'
G.plicatus 'Diggory'
G.nivalis 'Elfin'
G.'Wasp'
G.'Seagull'
G. reginae-olgae 'Tilebarn Jamie'
G. plicatus 'Wendy's Gold'
G.'Modern Art'
G.elwesii 'Godfrey Owen'
G.elwesii 'David Shackleton'

and I had to add "Whichever is in flower today!" which in this case would probably be Galanthus elwesii 'Sickle' which is in bud and ready to open.

Hi Brian

Very interesting to read again what your personal 2008 top 10 was - can I ask how it stands today? Is there much difference?

cheers

John

[cycnich]

Brian
        Can Iask what the cgs snowdrop group is, thanks Pat.