...This book is sure to engage the amateur enthusiast and the experienced galanthophile alike. We wish it all the success and appreciation it deserves. Extract from the Foreword by Professor Simon Hiscock and Dr. Chris Thorogood, Director and Deputy Director of Oxford Botanic Gardens.

Snowdrops are known as the ‘harbingers of spring’ at a time when there is little else in flower in the garden to brighten the dull winter months. No-one should be without these dainty white gems which can symbolize innocence, purity and hope. The author describes all known snowdrop species, the cultivation of garden-worthy varieties and their naming as well as their history in early European and English literature. He includes the earliest reference to the English word ‘Snowe Dropps’ in 1615, preceding the previous earliest reference to ‘Snow drops’ in 1633.

For novice gardeners and those who have never grown snowdrops before he describes how to grow just a few reliable varieties, with advice on buying, planting, dividing, looking after snowdrops, labelling, diseases and companion plants. He also dispels the myth that snowdrops are difficult and don’t survive well in gardens, giving advice on all aspects of snowdrop culture. For galanthophiles varieties are recommended to extend their collection. This advice is based on personal experience from growing over 100 different cultivars in his town garden in Oxford.

The sequence of flowering of different snowdrop varieties from October to March is described, including the autumn-flowering Queen Olga’s snowdrop. This diary format of their emergence will help gardeners learn how there can be snowdrops flowering for six months of the year. The book is illustrated with a stunning selection of close-up images of different varieties of snowdrops to help aid identification of these dainty flowers.

Included in the chapter on snowdrop art are many historical images from the earliest-known snowdrop woodcut in Dodoens’ European Herbal, 1568 to more recent 19th century images. No other author on snowdrops has attempted such an extensive description of snowdrop art over the centuries, including advice from Jacquie Hibbert on how to paint snowdrops, or has described the evolution of this art form for snowdrops.

The book concludes with a useful index of all 22 recognized species and over 100 varieties with reference to international collections.

This lavishly illustrated book will be of great appeal to all gardeners, including novice snowdrop gardeners and galanthophiles alike, as well as anyone interested in the naming of snowdrops and the history of snowdrop art.

' A fascinating catalog of their varieties that's sure to be as accessible to the newcomer as it is captivating to the experienced enthusiast...is lavishly illustrated with full color photographs that well depict just why so many find these plants so enchanting'. The Well-read Naturalist

'...presents his personal perspective on these essential winter flowers in a personal and accessible style'. Garden News

' A nice book about snowdrops... beautiful historical illustrations of snowdrops in old editions'. De Tuin

'This quirky recount of everyone's favourite herald of spring and the author's galanthophile journey makes for a charming read.... this packs a lot in. from the outset, it radiates interest... with lashings of interesting enjoyable and useful snippets'. Gardens Illustrated

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