Snowdrops

It’s the little things in life. And Snowdrops are one of the littlest.

What is it about these delicate flowers that induces thousands to seek them out at this time of year? Is it because they are a harbinger of spring?

Or maybe it’s their willingness to flower profusely at such a barren time of year.

Or perhaps it’s their fragility that stands in stark defiance of the harsh winter weather that inspires admiration.

Whatever it is the coming week will probably be the last chance for casual observers and galanthophiles (yes, there is even a word to describe the more ardent admirers of this diminutive) to catch them, so here are some places you should find a good display:-

**

Brightwater Gardens, Saxby

**

Brightwater is a young garden with big plans. Work started on its creation in 2000 and now you’ll find a diverse range of areas from formal gardens and potagers to wild flowers meadows and damp valleys. 100,000 snowdrops and 40,000 crocus have been planted to create a quarter mile long woodland walk.

Open 27th & 28th February 11am – 4pm

**

Easton Walled Gardens
---------------------
**

Known as Lincolnshire’s ‘lost’ gardens this old estate is undergoing a new lease of life. The estate has been in the same family for over 400 years but in 1952 the house was demolished and the grounds abandoned. During the last 14 years the gardens have been restored and in 2012 the Daily Telegraph listed it as one of the top ten places in the country to see snowdrops.

Open from 2nd March 11am – 4pm

**

Doddington Hall

**

An Elizabethan Hall with a stunning spring garden. Snowdrops lead the procession of flowering bulbs that drift through woodland shrubbery from February to May, followed by aconites, cyclamen, crocus, narcissi and snake’s head fritillary. Doddington also has a unique collection of heritage daffodils and, on the edge of the spring garden, three majestic old sweet chestnut trees.

Open Sundays from 14th February 11am – 4.30pm