According to legend snowdrops are a symbol of hope because when Adam and Eve were expelled from Eden and were giving up hope that winter would ever end, an angel appeared and transformed snowflakes into snowdrops.
A mass of snowdrops is always a spectacle as well as a sure sign spring is on its way. There are 20 wild species of snowdrop, but around 2000 cultivated varieties. Although not originating from the u.k. but coming from parts of Europe, Turkey and the Ukraine they were very popular in Victorian times and there are many gallanthophiles in the u.k. who love these little plants.
There are lots of places to see them and you can find 100 gardens open as part of the National Garden Scheme’s “Festival of snowdrops” across the country – go to www.
Unfortunately the observatory in Hanwell is not running it’s popular annual “Stars and Snowdrops” event this year, but still quite close to home, Evenley Wood near Brackley is open as usual. Evenley Wood’s Snowdrop opening runs from 3rd – 28th February with refreshments available at weekends. For more detail visit http://
Hill Close Gardens in Warwick and Elm Close Garden in Welford on Avon also have special openings – see the NGS site above for details.
Lord Heseltine’s Thenford Garden near Middleton Cheney is open on two days from 1.00 – 4.30 on Wednesday 7th and Sunday 18th February. Admission by pre-
Ragley Hall near Alcester has a snowdrop and winter garden weekend on 17th and 18th February, from 10.00 – 3.30, admission £5 (£4 for RHS members). Wander on your own in the 26 acres of garden or join the head gardener for guided tours.
Slightly more of a trek but definitely worth the effort John Massey, owner of Ashwood Nurseries at Kingswinford will be opening his garden adjacent to the Nursery from 10.00 – 4.00 on Saturday 10th February. £5 entry with all proceeds to charity. Ashwoods will also be running Hellebores tours explaining how they are grown and new cultivars developed from 10.15 – 2.30 on Saturrday 27th January and Saturday 17th February.
For more details visit https://
If you fancy a trip further afield, the RHS Early Spring Plant Fair will be held at the RHS Lawrence Halls in Westminster from Monday 12th February (evening) to Wednesday 14th February. See https://