Carpets of snowdrops are a joyful sight that heralds the welcome arrival of spring. The following parks and gardens in Surrey have spectacular snowdrop displays and snowdrop walks during February.
Gatton Park is a beautiful and historic parkland that was designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown with Edwardian gardens in Reigate, Surrey. There is a stunning display of snowdrops in the Rock and Water Garden during February. Since its construction in 1912, the garden has undergone a number of restorations but none of these have affected the snowdrops that pre-date the restoration work and flower in profusion every February. Whilst the grounds of Gatton Park that are owned by the National Trust are open to the public all year round, the 260 acres that are owned by the Gatton Trust, that includes the formal gardens, are only open to the public on the first Sunday of each month from February through to October from 1.00pm - 5.00pm. There are also two special open days in February 2012:
See Open Days for the Public on the Gatton Park website for more details.
You will find snowdrops in the Winter Garden and the Lime Walk at Poleden Lacey that is owned by the National Trust. The grounds are open throughout February and the National Trust website has full details of opening times.
The tiny flowers can be found scattered throughout the park or you can follow their Snowdrop Walk.
The woodlands in the Godalming parkland are home to carpets of snowdrops.
Molehill House is a privately owned garden that is open for charity through the National Gardens Scheme at various times throughout the year. It opens on Sunday 26 February from 11am-2pm, with soup and sausages, to allow visitors to enjoy the snowdrops in the avenue.
You can find more details of places to see snowdrops on the folowing websites:
There are about 20 species of snowdrop often known as the common snowdrop, Latin name Galanthus nivalis. Depending on the weather and the species, they flower any time from late January to April. They are among the first bulbs to bloom and can form impressive carpets of white in woodland, parkland and gardens across the UK and Europe.
Photograph of Snowdrops at Gatton Park published on thsi web page with kind permission of Gatton Trust.
