The snowdrop season begins

Now every day sees new snowdrops appearing. The earliest here is Peter Gatehouse which flowers in December. This is followed by Donald Sims – an elegant snowdrop which is flowering now. My absolute favourites early in the year are Mrs Macnamara and Three Ships. Mrs Macnamara is always in flower for Christmas. Her large glistening flowers have illuminated the gloom in our the garden for the last 8 years and we now have a substantial clump even after sharing numerous bulbs with friends and visitors. Three Ships, named after the old Christmas carol, is another beautiful early snowdrop. With flowers like lanterns, crinkled on the outers, and strong green markings, this is a winner which in three years has made a good patch in an open place in full sun.