Why are all the ones I want the most expensive.

[Zelenina]

It does seem like an awful lot of money, but maybe not if you compare it to how much stamp collectors pay for little pieces of paper that don't even multiply themselves.

[Nicos]

What a lovely interest/hobby!
I quite admire you have such a specific interest-Tis peeps like you who keep breeders producing new varieties which eventually drop to the price most of us are prepared to pay.

Such pretty little flowers...I had no idea until a couple of years ago that there is such a variety!
I thought they just came in normal or large, single or double!

In France they are called Perce neige ( i.e. Pierce the snow)-isn't that sweet?

Go on....treat yourself, as you say , it's your birthday soon-it's got to be cheaper than a gym membership or weekly horse riding lessons or a ski holiday!....go on-go for it
And yes please, piccies would be really lovely!

[Aberdeenplotter]

I'm sitting here thinking bleeding Norah, the woman must be nuts. Now sit down again any on who bristled at that. It wasn't meant unkindly. After all this forum is populated by nutters innit and of course, I am an onion nut . Takes all kinds to keep this Forum interesting and as has been said snowdrops are really pretty and they do reproduce. Good on ya MISSUS an do please post some pics when they flower

[Deano's "Diggin It"]

Mrs Bee!

I too adore snowdrops! A galanthaphile in the wings!

Have said for a good few years I would invest, but as yet never got around toot

Very much like yourself, I spend little money on myself, having a works uniform I seem to live in at the expense of the firm.

If it's your interest, hobby n obsession! I see many a people paying in excess of 400 quid a year for a season ticket to watch their local football team, You knock ya self out girl!

And I wish you all the very best with it!

[Bigmallly]

I agree, if it's your passion then why not.............many folk would spend more than £40 on a meal.

[veggiechicken]

Prompted by this thread I'm going to sow Galanthus Elwesii seeds when I reach G in http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ers_83722.html

For those of us who like snowdrops but don't need to know exactly which you're growing, this looks interesting
Galanthus, Mixed Species and Hybrids Seeds £3.10 from Chiltern Seeds - Chiltern Seeds Secure Online Seed Catalogue and Shop
"Grumpy" appeals to me

[noviceveggrower]

I must admit that I was quite shocked at £40 for a bulb but then again if it gives you great pleasure then hey why not.
Thinking about it how much do I spend on the allotment or stuff for the garden. If you don't spend it on fancy holidays or clothes then why not. Everyone has a passion and they are yours.
Would love you to post some pictures of your snow drops when they make an appearance

[burnie]

This isn't a rehearsal, this is it, your one shot at living, I spent several years salary on an old Aston Martin(since sold) and I'm planning on spending several thousands of pounds on a camera lens too. You cannae take it with ye, so spend it on what gives you pleasure. I got a bonus a few years back and blew it on a bottle of rare Malt Whisky from Port Ellen, they cost £ 2000 plus today, I loved sitting and drinking it. Some keep it as an investment, I drank mine and no I'm not what you'd call wealthy, just happy.

[Mitzi]

Someone asked about a national collection; I thought there was one at Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire but I've just looked it up and it doesn't say anything about being a national collection, so I don't know where I made that up from.

It seems it's a couple in Carlisle who have the national collection:
Plant Heritage - National Collections Scheme, UK Garden Plants

[Mrs Bee]

I do feel awfully guilty about spending on the bulbs as I am by nature quite frugal but I spend little of my pension on myself.

I spend mainly on other people, so going on the premise of you can't take it with ya when you go, I will leave my list as it is and get on the website at midnight on the third.
The bulbs go very quickly. And there is nothing else I want for my birthday.

The prices are starting to come down now there are more breeders producing.

I haven't thought about planting seeds, but I may give it a go. Although I do leave the snowdrops to seed themselves. Who knows I might get a new snowdrop growing in my garden and make myself some money.

As for a National collection, I am not sure there is a definitive collection. Angelsea Abbey is not too far from us and we usually go on the snowdrop walk in February. They have a very large collection.

All the snowdrops are in an out of the way place there and are marked with numbers to deter thieves from nicking them.

And very near to us is Myddleton House and gardens and they have a snowdrop sale in January with a lot of the snowdrop specialists there selling. I am thinking of going this year, but you have to go early with sharp elbows. Not trusted myself to go before.

I will have to give my credit card to Mr Bee, although he is no ruddy help as he just eggs me on to spend money on myself.

I must write instructions in my will for the snowdrops to be dug up and sold when I am gone. I couldn't bear the bungalow being sold to a non gardener who wouldn't know or understand their worth both aesthetically and monetary.

[Guest]

As long as you enjoy them - then fill ya boots I couldn't do it cos I know they would sulk and rot on me like most planty things I occasionally spend money on. There are no guarantees with any hobby but I am glad to hear yours are happy and multiplying. I also can't wait to see some pics

[Mrs Bee]

And a few years ago I visited a house and garden in Cambridgeshire with mum and sister. It was a birthday treat for me with lunch in a fine dine eating pub across the way.

Looking round the gardens I got talking to the gardener there about snowdrops. He too was a galthanophile and we were swapping notes on what we had. he already had all the ones that I had.

Mum and sister had taken themselves on to the pub to get warm as it was obvious that I was

He asked me if I had Trym. I said it was on my wish list but I had not yet been able to get one.

He took his trowel and asked would I like a green one or a yellow one. I was blown away and being very cheeky said I didn't think I could choose. That wonderful man gave me one of each. It was all I could do to stop myself hugging him. I certainly shook his hand most vigorously.

Apparently my mum said that I skipped in to the pub clutching my 2 little pots with eyes blazing bright and a grin that almost split my face.
They have since multiplied and I was able to dig them up and replant to make more little colonies.

I returned later in the year with a hamper of my homemade goodies.

Gardeners are the most amazing people.

[Alison]

It does seem like an awful lot of money, but maybe not if you compare it to how much stamp collectors pay for little pieces of paper that don't even multiply themselves.

Oh yes, they're mad too

[Mrs Bee]

Prompted by this thread I'm going to sow Galanthus Elwesii seeds when I reach G in [url]http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/grapevine/flower

OK, your post has cost me money. LOL
I have just ordered some seeds and will see how I fare. Mr Bee has just chuckled and said the seeds will be too frightened of my not to grow well. LOL

A little harsh but true.

The same happened with the mistletoe seeds. My apple tree is covered in mistletoe bushes.

[veggiechicken]

Well done Mrs Bee
The Seed Temptress has worked her magic again

Look forward to hearing how well they do for you and, eventually, identifying which is which