Snowdrops

Snowdrops and clematis in February

With the start of a new year brings an exciting new programme of open gardens across Norfolk.  The year begins with the beauty and grace of the Snowdrop, and four gardens are opening their gates to visitors this February:

Horstead House, Mill Road, Horstead, Norwich, NR12 7AU A stunning display of snowdrops that carpet the woodland set with winter flowering shrubs. Dogwoods grow on a small island in the River Bure, which flows through the garden. Open on Saturday 15thFebruary from 11am – 4pm.  Adult £4.00.

Bagthorpe Hall, Bagthorpe, Bircham, King’s Lynn, PE31 6QY Offers a delightful circular walk meandering through a stunning display of snowdrops that naturally cover the woodland floor.  Walk returns through a walled-garden. Open Sunday 23rd February from 11am – 4pm.  Adults £5.00.

Chestnut Farm, Church Road, West Beckham, Holt, NR25 6NX  is a mature 3 acre garden with collections of many rare and unusual plants and trees. On show are 100+ varieties of snowdrops, drifts of crocus and seasonal flowering shrubs. The garden also displays garden sculptures by local blacksmith Toby Winterbourne.  Open Sunday 23rd February, Thursday 27th February and Sunday 1stMarch from 11am – 4pm.  Adults £5.00.

Raveningham Hall, Raveningham, Norwich, NR14 6NS  Pre-booking is essential for a visit to Raveningham hall’s guided snowdrop walk and talk to view large drifts of many different varieties of snowdrops. The garden also contains a restored Victorian conservatory, walled kitchen garden, newly planted stumpery, an arboretum established after the 1987 gale, Millennium lake and sculpture by Susan Bacon.  Open by ticket only on Tuesday 18th February 2pm – 4pm.  Cost £20.00 which also includes tea and cake.

In addition to the snowdrop walks Norfolk NGS is delighted to host a talk by Peter Skeggs-Gooch from Thorncroft Clematis entitled: Clematis throughout the year.  Peter Skeggs-Gooch is one of the country’s leading clematis experts and is the third generation owner of the Chelsea award winning nursery Thorncroft Clematis. He will be giving a talk on how to grow Clematis in your garden all year round, which promises to be fascinating. Peter has spoken to plant lovers at some of the country’s leading horticultural associations including the Chelsea Physic Garden. A morning not to be missed!  The location is Garvestone Village Hall Dereham Rd, Garvestone, Norwich NR9 4AD. Monday February 24th 10:30 -12.30. Tickets cost £9 (+ £1.08 booking fee) and includes Coffee and Cake.  Pre-booking essential as numbers are limited.

The National Garden Scheme Community Gardens Award

All open gardens will be serving home-made cake, tea and coffee.  Entry for children is free, but please check the website for wheelchair access and whether the garden is dog friendly.  You can find out about gardens open throughout 2020 by accessing our website: ngs.org.uk and searching for Norfolk gardens. The website also highlights any gardens that open for groups by arrangement.

Contact: Carol Allen [email protected]