Snowdrop Festival Time

Snowdrops, one of the earliest flowers of the year, are a welcome curtain raiser for the Norfolk National Gardens Scheme open garden season. This year three gardens will be opening and visitors will be able to enjoy the flower in its natural setting.

On Saturday, 16th February, just north of Norwich is Horstead House, nr Coltishall (NR12 7AU), situated by the River Bure, whose banks provides a great backdrop for a display of snowdrops and an island of vivid red dogwoods. Enjoy a lovely walk through the woodland carpeted with snowdrops.

On Sunday 24th February, Bagthorpe Hall, near East Rudham (PE31 6QY) a scenic rural walk through snowdrops followed by delicious warming soup made from vegetables grown on the estate farm will be available after your winter walk.

Opening on both Sunday 24th February and Sunday 3rd March, Chestnut Farm in West Beckham (NR25 6NX) there are over 90 varieties of snowdrop as well as a variety of other late winter flowers and some heavenly scented shrubs. The owners John and Judy McNeil Wilson have over 50 years of gardening expertise and are always keen to share their knowledge with visitors.

County Organiser Julia Stafford Allen comments “Everyone enjoys snowdrops and these gardens are a perfect excuse to get out with the whole family. Dogs are also welcome.”

Sat 16th Feb

HORSTEAD HOUSE Horstead, Norwich NR12 7AU.

Open (11- 4). Adm £4, chd free. Home-made teas.

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Sun 24th Feb

BAGTHORPE HALL,Bagthorpe, nr Bircham PE31 6QY

Open (11-4). Adm £5 chd free. Light refreshments. Delicious Homemade soups made with vegetables from the farm, homemade cakes and teas, plants for sale, dogs allowed.

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Sun 24th Feb, Sun 3rd Mar

CHESTNUT FARM , West Beckham NR25 6NX.

Open (11-4) Adm £5, chd free, Light lunches and teas available and plants for sale.

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Since its foundation in 1927, The National Garden Scheme has donated over £50 million to its beneficiaries

Charities supported by the National Garden Scheme include the Queen’s Nursing Institute, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, Carers Trust, Perennial, Parkinson’s UK and MS Society. Further donations are also made.

Registered Charity 1112664
www.ngs.org.uk