It is a Norfolk tradition that has attracted many followers over the years. It is a “Snowdrop Walk” at Lexham Hall, nr Litcham, launching the National Gardens Scheme “Norfolk Open Garden Snowdrop Trail” on Sunday February 13th. Four gardens open this year, one each weekend for consecutive week-ends: Bagthorpe Hall, Sunday February 20th; a New garden Horstead House, Saturday 26th February and Chestnut Farm on Sunday March 6th, all open 11 – 4.

When the first snowdrops start to appear it is a sign winter is finally coming to an end. So what better way to celebrate the change in seasons than by garden visiting! Not only do the snowdrops provide a ray of hope that spring is on its way but each year money is raised through the National Gardens Scheme for many worthwhile charities.

Snowdrop mania is a craze that attracts many enthusiasts and families to wrap up warm and venture out garden visiting. With over seventy varieties of snowdrops, Chestnut Farm received German enthusiasts to the garden of Mr & Mrs Mc Neil Wilson. Snowdrop sales boomed at both Lexham and Bagthorpe Hall with Mrs Morton of Bagthorpe Hall selling hand painted snowdrop egg cups. With hot soup, tea and cakes and the added opportunity to snoop around a new garden at Horstead House, who could resist a NGS snowdrop garden day out!

County Organiser Anthea Foster of Lexham Hall said “The NGS gardens that open early in the year are really popular and most gardens admit children 16 and under for free, which makes a garden visit excellent value for money and a great day out. As well as blowing away the winter cobwebs, it is helping good causes too for charities, which include Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Help the Hospices and Crossroads Cares, The Queen’s Nursing Institute, The Royal Fund for Gardeners’ Children, the National Trust and Perennial.”

Founded in 1927, the NGS has donated more than £25 million to charities in the last 10 years. Last year Norfolk raised over £71,000 as well as raising additional funds for local charities nominated by the garden owners. Lexham Hall and Bagthorpe Hall snowdrop walks raised nearly £3,000 pounds last year. What a great way to help start the New Year and the “NGS Open Garden” season.

For more information visit www.ngs.org.uk or pick up a Norfolk NGS Guide from your local tourist information centre, garden centre or nursery in February.