It's Snowdrop Time!

This year the National Gardens Scheme gardens in Essex will be celebrating the wonderful ‘Snowdrop Season’ by having some great gardens open for charity.

Historic Hedingham Castle will be throwing open their gates on Thursday 9th February for the NGS so that visitors can wander through the woodland walk and enjoy the spectacle of their display of snowdrops. Admission costs £6.00 and for older adults there is a concessional cost of £5.50. The grounds open 11am to 3pm.

Byndes Cottage, Pebmarsh, holds a National Collection of snowdrops. The visiting season for snowdrops actually runs from late January to early March (depending on weather). Being a National Collection, Byndes Cottage has many rare and unusual varieties. The knowledgeable and welcoming garden owners, David and Margaret MacLennan, will be welcoming visitors in groups by appointment to this 7 acre garden set in rural surroundings. Please phone 01787 269500 or email byndes2@btinternet.com.  Admission is £5.00

On Sunday 12th February, Writtle College will be open for the public to see their early bulbs. Admission costs £4.00 and children are free. The grounds are open from 10am until 3pm.

Once again The Old Rectory at Boreham is holding a charity NGS open weekend on 18th and 19th February. The naturalised snowdrops, crocus and cyclamen will be wonderful, of course. Hot soup will be served, which is sure to be popular.  This 2.5 acre garden surrounds a 15th century house with ponds, stream and bridges. The owners will be selling snowdrops ’in the green’. Admission costs £3.50.  Children are free. The garden is open from 12.00 noon until 3pm

Both Beth Chatto and Marks Hall support the NGS. The renowned Beth Chatto Gardens at Elmstead Market will open for Spring Walks during February to see snowdrops and other early spring plants. Pre-booking is required. Marks Hall, Coggeshall is packed with snowdrops in the woodland areas of the estate and plans to be open each Friday, Saturday and Sunday during February.