The Genus Galanthus

Aaron P Davis

Editions

Review

Snowdrops are hot in the garden world,  and with the cover of three national magazines to its credit in the first February of the new century, our erstwhile humble friend has become the Kate Moss of gardening glossies.  However, the fact remains that there has been no monograph on the genus in over 40 years, so this book will surely prove an indispensable reference for all snowdrop enthusiasts.

It reveals, for example, that this is not the first bout of Galanthomania, and that in the 1890's, passions and prices ran high for this woodland favourite.  To visit one of the shrines to the galanthus is a joy.  I recommend Colesbourne Park in Gloucestershire, where in February one can see hundreds of snowdroppers on their knees examining the finer points of different flower markings.

For most gardeners, the author might be rather pedantic on matters of plant nomenclature, but that minor quibble apart, this is an extremely useful guide. - review by Stewart Grimshaw