>February Events / >March Events / Tourist Attractions Norfolk and Suffolk / Wildlife January 28, 2014
First Sign of Spring – Snowdrop Walks
A clear sign that winter is coming to an end is the welcome sight of a carpet of snowdrops. One of toughest and most reliable of garden plants it is guaranteed to lift the spirits. The National Gardens Scheme (NGS) in Norfolk has four gardens opening in February and early March where you can see snowdrops at their best.
9th February 2014
THE MOWLE, Ludham NR29 5NP
Is opening for the first time in February and features a wide range of early spring flowering bulbs and unusual scented shrubs in addition to the traditional snowdrops.
22nd February
Horstead House, Horstead Norwich NR12 7AU
Has lovely woodland edge walks and banks covered in millions of snowdrops. The river Bure flows through the garden with an island of red stemmed dogwoods providing a brilliant backcloth to the sea of white!
23rd February
Bagthorpe Hall , Bagthorpe PE31 6QY
Meandering woodland walks, all carpeted with snowdrops. Vegetables from the farm are used to make some delicious hot soup which is just the job for a winter’s day!
27th February and 2nd March
Chestnut Farm , West Beckham, Holt, NR25 6NX
Here is the opportunity to view over 70 varieties of snowdrops close up through walks and borders. Many other early spring flowers will also be on show including hellebores and some wonderfully scented shrubs. This renowned garden has featured in many publications recently including the Royal Horticultural Society’s Garden magazine.
At each garden warming refreshments will be available to ward off the winter chill.
So why not shake off the winter cobwebs, wrap up warm and follow the NGS snowdrop trail, starting with The Mowle on the 9th February..
From early February you can pick up a copy of the Norfolk NGS 2014 Guide at your local Tourist Information Centre, Garden Centre and Nursery or visit www.ngs.org.uk