Thanks, that was very helpful. I sent a question to Orange Pippin asking whether they ship to the USA. I want to obtain a Coe's Golden Drop and an Avalon. The CGD I can find here but the only place I can find Avalon is the U.K. Do you have experience with these two varieties? If so, do you recommend them? Thanks again for the help.

If Alalon can't be shipped to the US ( I don't think it can), I have seen it mentioned that it is like Victoria just ripening earlier.

You can replace it with Victoria if Victoria can cross pollinate Coe's.

Thanks, I just found out that Orange Pippin has an office in New York State. I have just now asked if they can furnish those two trees. When they respond I will let you know. I have my fingers crossed.

Yes, there is a Orangepippin USA. I know they sellapples but not sure about other fruit trees.

You are correct. They do not have either of the plums I want. I can get the Coe's Golden Drop from Raintree but there is not a source that I can find for Avalon in the US. Right now I am just disappointed. Orange Pippin did not indicate they would make any effort to obtain them.

I have no experience of Avalon. I do have CGD. It is growing on my allotment so there are other plums round about but I don't know what they are. I see that Orange Pippin describe Avalon as a 'culinary plum' - is that what you are after?

No, I wanted a plum for fresh eating. I will have to do more research.

Others in hot climates seem to say Bavay's Gage is their best euro plum.

I haven't had any problems with my Coe's setting fruit, but then I have cross-grafted a lot on my plums, so I also have prunes and a couple of other european plums around. European plums are suppossed to not need a pollenizer, but of course it is always better.

Coee's is delicious, so buy one and see if it sets fruit without another tree. If it doesn't, wait unitl it blooms and then go into your local box store and see what other plums are blooming at that time, and buy one that has open flowers.

I greatly appreciate the comments. Still have not decided which route to go but your comments give me some excellent choices.