I don't even have no. 1 as described; just a few unhappy clumps in some of the less-hospitable parts of my garden. If Steve has the time I would be very interested to hear about the particular merits of snowdrops 2 to 10 in his list.
Hi Alan and others
Sorry to be slow to respond.
I'll try to do so briefly;
St Annes is listed and pictured at P.268 in the Book. Its attraction for me is as a tight knit clump with distinctive narrow leaves and flowers like small pearl drops.
Bill Bishop listed and pictured at p.229. The winning combination for me is a large bell-shaped flower borne close to the ground on quite a small plant, and one that readily clumps up.
Margaret Biddulph must be one of the best virescents, originating I believe from Simon Biddulph at Rodmarton (here and generally I am happy to be put right if in error). I found I didn't have a pic of my own and I hope Mark will forgive me if I include for ease of reference one of the excellent pics from his website.
Savill Gold is listed and pictured at p.94 of the Book. I include it because my challenge is to grow this reluctant grower into something healthy and impressive. If anyone can post a pic of such a clump I would be greatly encouraged!
Esther Merton is for me the most perfect double I have seen - better and daintier than Ailwyn. Pic included. Too early for me to say how easy it is to grow.
Marlie Raphael is at p.185 of the Book, but is a mystery lady. An elwesii with distinctive glaucous leaves, it appears that there is some variability around the inner markings; some are as the pic in the Book, others have an upper mark and two lower marks. The soft lime-green markings of inners and outers are common across the variants.
Woronowii Cider with Rosie is another I don't have my own pic for; I include a nice one from Judy's Snowdrops website and hope that doesn't offend. The combination of bright green leaves and the delicate lime-green markings is a winning one.
Rev Hailstone is one of my very earliest; with a wonderful scent; very vigorous. I believe it may be Michael Broadhurst's plant ex-Anglesey Abbey.
Finally Alan's Treat. From Alan Street at Avon Bulbs; green tips to both outers and inners, vigorous, a super plant to grow. My piuc comes from the German website Galanthus-online.de to whom thanks of course.
I MUST take more photos next year.....
