03 Jan Reasons to celebrate the National Garden Scheme Snowdrop Festival in 2022
Fresh air and the beautiful, faithful first signs of spring including drifts of glorious snowdrops are a reminder of the changing seasons and the promise of what’s to come. What better way to shake off the winter and to celebrate the exciting gardening visiting year ahead than with the National Garden Scheme’s 2022 Snowdrop Festival. These glorious harbingers of spring can be viewed in four gardens opening in Essex during February.
Horkesley Hall near Colchester CO6 4DB is the first to open on Saturday 12 February between 2pm and 4pm and has a wonderful display complimented by views over the lake and garden. It’s also known for providing fabulous homemade teas and a well-stocked plant stall.
Dragons just outside Chelmsford CM1 4LS is famous for its carpets of snowdrops including many of the giant varieties along with a glorious collection of hellebores. It is opening on Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th February, 11am until 3pm on both days. A good selection of snowdrops and hellebores will be available to buy.
Grove Lodge is Saffron Walden CB10 2AB is opening on Sunday 20th and Sunday 27th February, 2pm until 5pm on both days. This is a large, walled town garden with high biodiversity, designed to attract as much wildlife as possible, even in the depths of winter.
Also, on Sunday 20th February, Longyard Cottage in Nazeing EN9 2DA is opening between 11am and 4pm. The structure of this beautiful garden is revealed at this time of year allowing drifts of snowdrops and hellebores to be enjoyed to the full.
As George Plumptre, Chief Executive of the National Garden Scheme, says:
“Following the restrictions of 2020 and 2021 there has never been a greater need to start the new year with the beautiful freshness of the first blooms of spring. Snowdrops are the perfect antidote to the winter blues and spending the afternoon at one of our gardens is the ideal opportunity to get outside and enjoy some spectacular scenes at an otherwise gloomy time of year.”
Light refreshments and homemade teas will be available at the gardens and there is no admission charge for children. Adult admission charges and other details can be found at www.ngs.org.uk/snowdrops including whether or not it’s possible to pre-book tickets.
