Snowdrop Garden Openings 2012
For a list of Snowdrop garden openings for 2013, please click here
When the first snowdrops start to appear you know winter is finally coming to an end. So what better way to celebrate the change in seasons than by visiting one of many NGS gardens that will be open over the coming months.
From sprawling woods to romantic cottage gardens, it’s the perfect way to gain inspiration for your own garden or to simply while away an afternoon.
Below is a list of snowdrop openings at NGS gardens.
Gardens are listed in county order. Please click on the garden name for further details
Bedfordshire
King's Arms Garden
Small woodland garden of about 1½ acres created by plantsman the late William Nourish. Trees, shrubs, bulbs and many interesting collections throughout the yr. Maintained since 1987 by ‘The Friends of the Garden’ on behalf of Ampthill Town Council
Opening: For NGS: Suns 29 Jan (2-4); 28 Oct (2-4.30)
Buckinghamshire
Magnolia House
½ acre, many mature trees incl magnificent copper beech and large magnolia.Wollemi pine,Cactus,fernery, stream,beehives, 2 ponds, greenhouses. 2 small aviarys. 10,000 snowdrops and hellebores in spring. Collection of over 60 different hostas. Stay in our self catering accomodation,enjoy the garden. It is constantly being udated and new features added
Opening: Suns 26 Feb (11-2), 24 Feb 2013
Cambridgeshire
6 Robins Wood
Small woodland garden with a collection of 200+ varieties of snowdrops. Various hellebore and corydalis followed by other spring woodland plants and bulbs. Small alpine plant house
Opening: Sun 26 Feb (11-4). Visitors & groups also welcome by appt
Cheshire & Wirral
Bucklow Farm
Country garden with shrubs, perennial borders, rambling roses, herb garden, vegetable patch, wildlife pond/water feature and alpines. Landscaped and planted over the last 20yrs with recorded changes. Free range hens. Carpet of snowdrops and spring bulbs. Leaf,stem and berries to show colour in the autumn and winter.
Opening: Sun 26 Feb (1-3); Sun 10 June (2-5)
Cornwall
Coombegate Cottage
1-acre garden full of winter colour and scent, continuing into spring. Witch hazels, daphnes, hellebores, early rhododendrons and interesting collection of more unusual seasonal plants, some for sale. Drifts of snowdrops. Sloping site with steps. Open unless ice/snow - phone to check if in doubt
Opening: Sat 11 Feb (11-4); Suns 19 Feb; 26 Feb; 4, 11 Mar (1-4); Suns 10, 17, 24 Feb 2013. Groups also welcome by appt
Tregoose
2-acre garden. Woodland area with early spring shrubs underplanted with snowdrops, erythroniums, hellebores and small narcissus cultivars. Summer and autumn flowering areas incl walled garden overtopped by Acacia baileyana purpurea, scarlet blue and yellow border and potager full of herbs and cutting beds with arches covered with gourds, roses and honeysuckle
Opening: Suns 29 Jan; 5, 19 Feb (1-4.30)
Cumbria
Summerdale House
1½-acre part-walled country garden set around 18c former vicarage. Several defined areas have been created by hedges, each with its own theme and linked by intricate cobbled pathways. Beautiful setting with fine views across to Farleton Fell. Traditional herbaceous borders, ponds, woodland and meadow planting provide year round interest. Large collections of auricula, primulas and snowdrops
Opening: Suns 19, 26 Feb, 1, 8 Apr, 6 May, 3 June; 1 July, 5 Aug, 2 Sept (11-5); Every Fri 6 Apr to 31 Aug (except 8 June) (11-5) 2013 17, 24 Feb. Groups also welcome by appt
Devon
Cherubeer Gardens
The 3 Cherubeers, a family affair, form a small hamlet in rolling farmland at 500 ft at the top of a SW facing valley. Despite the exposed location and stony acid clay soil, the gardens provide a wealth of colour right through the season. Cherubeer: cottage garden set around a C15 thatched house (not open). Ponds, paths, and steps filled with colourful perennials and herbs set off by mature shrubs and trees. Higher Cherubeer: 1-acre country garden with gravelled courtyard, raised beds and alpine house, large herbaceous border, shady woodland beds with over 150 varieties of snowdrops, colourful collection of basketry willows, vegetable garden and National Collection of hardy cyclamen. Featured in Country Living. Middle Cherubeer: colourful small garden. 3 separate areas with bog garden, pond and massed herbaceous perennials interlinked with paths. Many cyclamen and snowdrop bank
Opening: Sun 5, Thur 16 Feb (2-5) ; Suns 6 May; 3 June (2-6); Sun 3, Fri 15 Feb 2013 (2-5)
Little Cumbre
1-acre garden and woodland on S-facing slope with extensive views. Interesting areas of garden on different levels linked by grassy paths. Wonderful display of snowdrops, many varieties, and colourful hellebores. Scented winter shrubs and camellias, spring bulbs. Top garden managed to encourage wildlife
Opening: Suns 29 Jan; 5, 12, 19 Feb 2012 (12-3.30)
Dorset
Snape Cottage Plantsman's Garden
Mature country garden containing exceptional collection of hardy plants and bulbs, artistically arranged in informal cottage garden style, organically managed and clearly labelled. Specialities incl snowdrops, hellebores, 'old' daffodils, pulmonarias, auriculas, herbs, irises and geraniums. Wildlife pond, beautiful views, tranquil atmosphere. The home of Snape Stakes plant supports
Opening: For NGS: Sats, Suns 25, 26 Feb; 24, 25 Mar; 28, 29 Apr; 26, 27 May; 23, 24 June; 28, 29 July; 25, 26 Aug (2-5)
The Secret Garden
Ongoing reclamation of neglected woodland garden. Vegetables and courtyard garden. New plantings from modern day plant hunters. Mature trees, bamboo, rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, camellias, other choice shrubs with a stream on all sides crossed by bridges. Snowdrops and winter beauty, 1st winter opening. Stout shoes recommended
Opening: Sats 25 Feb; 12 May, Sun 13 May (1.30-4.30). Visitors also welcome by appt
Essex
Byndes Cottage
Seven acre garden planted and maintained by enthusiastic owners who enjoy giving a conducted tour to groups. Extensive mix of borders, trees and shrubs with diverse and interesting plantings. Practical ideas for maintenance and conservation. NEW: woodland beds. National Collection of Galanthus (group visits possible at snowdrop time) 2012/13
Opening: Visitors welcome by appt Jan to Feb 2013. Groups welcome by appt all year round January 2012 - February 2013
Hedingham Castle
Walk around the C18 formal parkland landscape, with stunning mature lime trees, a huge sweet chestnut tree, all surrounding the lake, with dovecote, bog pond and formal pond, set amongst C12 ramparts, dominated by the spectacular Norman Keep. Carpets of snowdrops in Feb, and young rhododendrons in May
Opening: For NGS: Thur 9 Feb; Sun 20 May (11-3). 2013 Tue 12 Feb
The Old Rectory
2½-acre garden surrounding C15 house (not open). Ponds, stream, with bridges and primulas, small meadow and wood with interesting trees and shrubs, herbaceous borders with emphasis on complimentary colours also vegetable garden. February opening for crocus,snowdrops and cyclamen. Possibly largest gunnera in Essex. Lovely views over Chelmer/Blackwater canal
Opening: Sat 18, Sun 19 Feb (12 -3); Sun 27 May (2-5). Groups also welcome by appt
Gloucestershire
Dr Jenner's House & Garden
Informal woodland garden at the former home of Dr Edward Jenner. Snowdrops and wild garlic guide you around, past the herb garden and archaeological dig, to the Grade II* listed Temple of Vaccinia, the 200yr old plane tree and into the vinery where Jenner's Hampton Court Palace vine grows
Opening: For NGS: Sun 26 Feb (11-4)
Home Farm
Set in elevated position with exceptional views. 1m walk through woods and fields to show carpets of spring flowers. Enclosed garden with fern border, sundial and heather bed. White and mixed shrub borders. Stout footwear advisable in winter
Opening: Suns 29 Jan, 12 Feb, 11 Mar, 15, 29 Apr (2-5); Suns 27 Jan, 10 Feb 2013. Visitors also welcome by appt
Kempsford Manor
Early spring garden with variety of bulbs incl snowdrop walk along old canal. Peaceful, expansive summer garden for relaxation, adjacent to cricket field, croquet and outdoor games and quizzes for children
Opening: For NGS: Suns 12 Feb; 12 Aug (2-5); Sun 10 Feb 2013
Stone House
2½ acres full of unusual bulbs, shrubs and herbaceous plants. Crab apple walk, rose borders, herb and water garden, meadow walk. Plantswoman's garden with yr-round interest. Hellebores and early spring bulbs a speciality in March
Opening: For NGS: Sun 11 Mar (2-5.30)
Trench Hill
Approx 3 acres set in small woodland with panoramic views. Variety of herbaceous and mixed borders, rose garden, extensive vegetable plots, wild flower areas, plantings of spring bulbs with thousands of snowdrops and hellebores, woodland walk, 2 small ponds, waterfall and larger conservation pond. Interesting wooden sculptures. Run on organic principles
Opening: Suns 12, 19 Feb (11-5); Sun, Mon 8, 9 Apr; Weds 6, 13, 20, 27 June (2-6); Suns 15 July, 26 Aug, 9 Sept (11-6); Suns 17, 24 Feb 2013. Visitors also welcome by appt
Gwynedd
Penrhyn Castle
Large grounds incl Victorian walled garden; fine trees, shrubs, wild garden, good views, snowdrop walks
Opening: For NGS: Sat 11 Feb, Sat 16 Feb 2013 (11-3)
Plas Yn Rhiw
Essentially a cottage garden of <F>3/4<F/>acre laid out around C17 manor house (not open) overlooking Porth Neigwl. Flowering shrubs and trees flourish in compartments framed by formal box hedges and paths. On summer days, scented plants infuse the air. A place of romance and charm. Snowdrops in spring
Opening: For NGS: Suns 5 Feb (11-3); 10 Feb 2013
Hampshire
Bramdean House
Beautiful 5-acre garden famous for its mirror-image herbaceous borders. Carpets of spring bulbs especially snowdrops. A large and unusual collection of plants and shrubs giving yr-round interest incl over 40 varieties of sweet pea. 1-acre walled garden featuring prize-winning vegetables, fruit and flowers. Small arboretum
Opening: For NGS: Suns 19 Feb; 18 Mar (2-4); Suns 15 Apr; 17 June; 15 July (2-5). Sun 9 Sept (2-4); Sun 17 Feb 2013
Brandy Mount House - *CANCELLED DUE TO SNOW*
1-acre, informal plantsman’s garden. Spring bulbs, hellebores, species geraniums. National Collections of snowdrops and daphnes. European primulas, expanding collection of dwarf narcissi, herbaceous and woodland plants. 2 raised beds to display early spring bulbs. Grassing down of part of long herbaceous border for bulbs and meadow plants
Opening: Sat 11 Feb (11-4) - *CANCELLED DUE TO SNOW*
Little Court
3 acres incl paddock; alpacas to see. Tree house (for all ages) and beautiful south views. Remarkable carpets of scented crocus and many other naturalised spring bulbs. Flint and brick walls throughout, with succession of good plants and colour. Traditional kitchen garden and motley bantams. Peaceful, naturalistic and sheltered, many seats; frequented by photographers. Open since 1984
Opening: Thur 23, Fri 24, Sun 26 Feb; Sun 25 Mar (2-5); Mon 9 Apr (2-5.30). Fri 22, Sun 24, Mon 25 Feb 2013. Visitors also welcome by appt Feb to Oct
The Down House
2-acre garden developed by owners since 2001, laid out in rooms overlooking Itchen Valley, adjoining the Pilgrim's Way, with walks through a large meadow to the river. Carpet of snowdrops and crocus, plus borders of coloured stems in winter. Roped rose garden, hot borders, wildlife pond and shady places in summer. Pleached hornbeams, yew-lined avenues, woodland nut and orchard walk. Working vineyard and potager
Opening: Sun 19 Feb (12-4); Wed 20, Sun 24 June (12-5). Groups of 10+ also welcome by appt
Herefordshire
Ivy Croft
Garden created since 1997 surrounds C17 cottage (not open) in 4 acres of rich grassland. Plant lovers' garden designed for all-yr interest. Raised beds, mixed borders, trees, alpines, troughs, formal vegetable garden framed by trained fruit trees; collections of ferns, willows and snowdrops
Opening: For NGS: Suns 15 Apr; 20 May; 24 June; 9 Sept (2-5.30); 2013 1 to 28 Feb by appt only. Visitors also welcome by appt, 1 to 29 Feb only
Isle of Wight
Highwood
A garden for all seasons. In spring, snowdrops, hepaticas and hellebores. In summer, perennials, grasses, ferns, wild flowers, orchids particularly. In autumn, asters, berries and much colour. S-facing slope leads to an oak copse. Clay soil, so good footwear needed in inclement weather
Opening: Hellebore Days Sat 24, Sun 25 Mar, by appointment only. Visitors also welcome by appt all year for groups, max 12
Kent
Goodnestone Park Gardens
10-12 acres with good trees, woodland garden, snowdrops, spring bulbs and walled garden with old-fashioned roses. Connections with Jane Austen who stayed here. 2 arboretums planted in 1984 and 2001, gravel garden. Picnics allowed
Opening: For NGS: Sun 18 Mar (12-5); Wed 18 Apr, Wed 15 Aug (11-5)
Mere House
6-acre garden with C18 lake. Snowdrops, daffodils, lawns, herbaceous borders, ornamental shrubs and trees with foliage contrast and striking autumn colour. Woodland walk and major tree planting and landscaping. Park and lake walks
Opening: Suns 19, 26 Feb; 25 Mar; Mon 9 Apr; Sun 21 Oct (2-5). Sun 17 Feb 2013
Southover
Plant enthusiasts’ 0.5ha garden in a rural setting, well known locally for extensive and diverse plantings of early spring bulbs, particularly snowdrops. These increase in amount and interest yr by yr. The snowdrop collection has been replanted to improve impact and comparison. Distinctive groups occupy separate beds, e.g. those with yellow marks, those with unusual green marks, early flowering and late flowering kinds; many are labelled
Opening: Fri 17 Feb (11-4). Visitors also welcome by appt
Spring Platt
1-acre garden under continual development with panoramic views of the Weald. Over 300 varieties of snowdrop grown in tiered display beds with spring flowers in borders. An extensive collection of alpine plants in rockeries and a large greenhouse. Vegetable garden
Opening: Sat 4, Sun 5, Fri 17 Feb (12-4). Sat 2, Sun 3 Feb 2013. Visitors also welcome by appt in Feb & Mar, individuals and groups
Lancashire, Merseyside & Greater Manchester
Weeping Ash
Created by retired nurseryman and photographer John Bent, Weeping Ash is a garden of all-yr interest with beautiful display of early snowdrops. Broad sweeps of colour lend elegance to this beautiful garden, which is currently undergoing an extensive re-design
Opening: Suns 12, 19, 26 Feb (11-3.30) 2013 10, 17, 24 Feb
Leicestershire & Rutland
Burbage Gardens
A pleasant West Leicestershire village. 6 Denis Road, small garden designed to look much larger. Wide range of plants incl ferns, hostas and special clematis. Alpines in sinks and large collection of snowdrops.7 Hall Road, medium-sized garden with mixed borders and a good mix of shrubs. Foliage plants, hellebores, spring bulbs, hardy geraniums and unusual perennials
Opening: Sun 26 Feb (11-4)
Copper Coin
Small S-facing garden in centre of village. Developed on heavy clay, the garden contains trees and shrubs together with mixed borders and centre beds. Small water feature and several seating areas. Winter aconites and snowdrops give way to daffodils, tulips, bluebells and erythroniums
Opening: Sun 25 Mar (11-4)
The Homestead
¾-acre informal plant lover’s garden. Vegetable garden, small orchard, woodland area, many hellebores, growing collection (over 100) of snowdrops and some single peonies and salvias. Collections of hostas and sempervivums. National Collection of heliotropes
Opening: Sun 4 Mar (2-5); Sun 3 Mar 2013. Visitors & groups also welcome by appt
Westview
Small walled cottage-style garden with yr-round interest. Interesting and unusual plants, many grown from seed. Formal box parterre herb garden, courtyard, small wildlife pond, greenhouse, vegetable and fruit area. Auricula display. Small collection of Galanthus (snowdrops)
Opening: Suns 4 Mar (12-4); 17 June, 16 Sept (11-5); Tue 5 Mar 2013. Visitors & groups also welcome by appt
Lincolnshire
21 Chapel Street
A cottage garden behind a 300yr old cottage, snowdrops, primroses, hellebores and many different spring flowering bulbs, colour with bulbs and herbaceous plants through the yr, autumn with asters, dahlias, salvias and many of the autumn flowering yellow daises
Opening: Sat 25, Sun 26 Feb, Sun 16 Sept, (11-5), Sat 23, Sun 24 Feb 2013 Visitors & groups also welcome by appt
Doddington Hall Gardens
5 acres of romantic walled and wild gardens. Naturalised spring bulbs and scented shrubs from Feb to May. Spectacular iris display late May/early June in box-edged parterres of West Garden. Sumptuous herbaceous borders throughout summer; ancient chestnut trees; turf maze; Temple of the Winds. Fully productive, walled kitchen garden
Opening: For NGS: Wed 21 Mar (11-4); Wed 23 May (11-5); Wed 20 Mar 2013 (11-4)
Norfolk
Bagthorpe Hall
Snowdrops carpeting woodland walk
Opening: Sun 19 Feb (11-4)
Chestnut Farm
3 acre garden, over 60 varieties of snowdrops separately labelled, large flowered and specie crocus, hellebores, some early daffodils, and other spring bulbs. Especially come and smell the daphne bholua Jacqueline Postill. In July herbaceous borders are burgeoning, see a range of aroids, small arboretum, and some unusual flowering shrubs
Opening: Thur 1, Suns 4 Mar (11-4); 22 July (11-5). Visitors & groups also welcome by appt
Horstead House
Millions of beautiful snowdrops carpet the woodland setting, which has also been recently planted with scented winter flowering shrubs. A stunning feature are the dogwoods growing on a small island in R Bure, which flows through the garden. Small walled garden.
Opening: Sat 18 Feb (11-4)
Lexham Hall - *Sun 12th Feb CANCELLED DUE TO SNOW*
Fine C17/C18 Hall (not open). Parkland with lake and river walks. Formal garden with terraces, yew hedges, roses and mixed borders. Traditional kitchen garden with crinkle crankle wall. Extensive collection of scented, winter flowering shrubs and woods, carpeted with snowdrops. 3-acre woodland garden with azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, spring bulbs, and fine trees. A major new planting scheme in the walled garden. Dogs on leads welcome Feb only
Opening: Sun 12 Feb (11-4); Sun 20, Mon 21 May, Wed 19 Sept (11-5) - *Sun 12th Feb CANCELLED DUE TO SNOW*
Northamptonshire
Beech House
Semi-formal garden with winter/spring interest. Clipped box and yew hedging frame borders containing over 150 cultivars of snowdrops plus hellebores etc
Opening: Suns 19 Feb, 4 Mar (10-4). Visitors also welcome by appt. Min group 8
Boughton House
The Northamptonshire home of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch. The garden opening incl opportunities to see the historic walled kitchen garden and herbaceous border incl the newly created sensory and wildlife gardens. The wilderness woodland will open for visitors to view the spring flowers or the autumn colours. As a special treat the garden originally created by Sir David Scott (cousin of the Duke of Buccleuch) will also be open
Opening: For NGS: Sats & Suns 25, 26 Feb; 31 Mar, 1 Apr; 27, 28 Oct (11-3).
Greywalls
2-acre mature garden surrounding old vicarage (not open). Over 100 varieties of snowdrops, drifts of hardy cyclamen and hellebores. Alpine house and raised alpine beds. Water features and natural ponds with views over open countryside. Rare breed hens
Opening: Sun 26 Feb (12-4)
Jericho
Inspired by Vita Sackville-West 50 years ago, the 100m, S-facing, walled garden is divided into a series of ‘secret’ spaces. House (not open) is clothed in wisteria, clematis and roses. A plant-led garden with massive hornbeam hedge, clipped box and lavender. Over 50 labelled species roses, plus a 'hot' border
Opening: Suns 26 Feb (12-4); 27 May (12-5); 24 Feb 2013
Rosemount
February opening features our collection of nearly 200 different snowdrops many hellebores and unusual spring bulbs, some for sale
Opening: Sun 26 Feb (11-3). Groups also welcome by appt
Nottinghamshire
Hodsock Priory Gardens
Celebrating 21 years of Snowdrops at Hodsock in 2012. Enjoy exploring our estate and nearby attractions. Visitors to the Snowdrops can enjoy a leisurely walk through the gardens and woods. See our website for special offers, opening times and full details of our Snowdrop events, talk and tours
Opening: Open daily Sat 4 Feb to Sun 4 Mar incl (10-4)
The Beeches
1-acre garden full of colour and interest to plant enthusiasts looking for unusual and rare plants. Spring gives some 250 named snowdrops together with hellebores and early daffodils. The lawn is awash with crocus, fritillarias, anemones, narcissi and cyclamen. Large vegetable garden on raised beds. Lovely views over open countryside
Opening: Sun 19, Wed 22 Feb (11-4); Sun 18 Mar, Sun 15 Apr (2-5); Sun 17, Wed 20 Feb 2013 (11-4). Visitors also welcome by appt
Somerset, Bristol & South Gloucestershire
East Lambrook Manor Gardens
One of England's best loved privately owned gardens created by gardening legend Margery Fish. Old-fashioned and contemporary plants, in a relaxed and informal manner, create an extraordinary garden of great charm. Grade I listed and renowned as the premier example of the English cottage garden style. Noted for its specialist collections of snowdrops and hardy geraniums
Opening: For NGS: Suns 5 Feb; 20 May; Sat 7 July (10-5); Sun 3 Feb 2013
Newark Park
Wild woodland garden with good display of snowdrops. Wonderful views to the South
Opening: For NGS: Sat 25, Sun 26 Feb (11-4.30)
Rock House
1-acre walled garden undergoing improvement. Pond and old yew tree, mixed borders, cottage garden plants and developing woodland with many snowdrops
Opening: Suns 5, 12 Feb 2012; 3, 10 Feb 2013 (11-4). Visitors also welcome by appt
Suffolk
Gable House
1-acre plantsman’s garden of all-year interest. Vast collection of snowdrops, cyclamen, hellebores etc for the February opening. The June open day brings colour and variety from shrub roses, perennials and interesting trees and shrubs. Greenhouses contain rare bulbs and tender plants
Opening: Suns 19 Feb (11-4); 3 June (11-5). 2013 Sun 17 Feb
Surrey
Gatton Park
Gatton Park is the core 250 acres of the estate originally laid out by Capability Brown. Gatton also boasts a Japanese garden, Rock and Water garden and Victorian parterre nestled within the sweeping parkland. Stunning displays of snowdrops and aconites in February and March
Opening: For NGS: Sun 12 Feb (11-4); Sun 17 Feb 2013
Moleshill House
Romantic garden. Short woodland path leads from dovecote to beehives. Informal planting contrasts with formal topiary box and garlanded cisterns. Colourful courtyard and pots, conservatory, fountains, bog garden. Pleached avenue, new circular gravel garden replacing most of the lawn. Some vegetables, chickens permitting! Snowdrops in avenue in Feb
Opening: Sun 26 Feb (11-2, with soup & sausages); Sun 6 May with Jazz in the garden, Mon 7 May with Opera Singers in the garden (2-5). Groups of 10+ also welcome by appt, £6.50 per head incl refreshments
Vann
5-acre English Heritage registered garden surrounding Tudor and William and Mary house (not open) with Arts and Crafts additions by W D Caröe incl a Bargate stone pergola. At the front, brick-paved original ‘cottage’ garden; to the rear, ¼-acre pond, yew walk with rill and Gertrude Jekyll water garden. Snowdrops and hellebores, spring bulbs, Fritillaria meleagris in March. Island beds, crinkle crankle wall, orchard with wild flowers, vegetable garden. Centenary garden and woodland
Opening: For NGS: Sun 25 to Wed 28 Mar incl; Mon 9 Apr to Sun 15 Apr incl; Sun 6 May to Sun 13 May incl; Sun 10 June to Sun 17 June incl (all dates 10-6)
Sussex
Dachs
A waterlogged field turned into a beautiful garden of about 2 acres. Incl white garden, bog area, stream and unusual design of bridges. Several other themed beds with perennials of different textures and colours. Wide range of daffodils, narcissi, some snowdrops, fritillaria and iris in the spring
Opening: Sats, Suns 17, 18 Mar; 26, 27 May (1-5.30)
Pembury House
Depending on the vagaries of the season, winter-flowering shrubs, hellebores and drifts of snowdrops are at their best in February. Special Hellebore Day on 9 March. Winding paths give a choice of walks through the 2+ acres of garden which is in the South Downs National Park and enjoys views to the Downs
Opening: Tues, Weds, Thurs 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 Feb. Fri 9 Mar, Special Hellebore Day (all dates 11-4). 2013 dates: Tues, Weds, Thurs 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 Feb. Fri 8 Mar, Special Hellebore Day. Groups of 15+ also welcome by appt, small coaches permitted
The Manor of Dean
Approx 3 acres. Traditional English garden, herbaceous borders, a variety of early-flowering bulbs and snowdrops, spring bulbs, grass walks, walled kitchen garden with vegetables and fruit, some available for purchase. Lawns, rose garden and informal areas. Garden under a long-term programme of improvements
Opening: Sun 18 Mar; Sat 14, Sun 15 Apr; Suns 20 May; 24 June; 12 Aug; 23 Sept (2-5). Sun 17 Feb 2013. Groups of 10+ also welcome by appt. No parking for coaches
Wiltshire
Avon Cottage
Garden in a beautiful unspoilt valley featuring snowdrops along the stream and woodland with aconites, crocus, hellebores, erythroniums and other spring bulbs. Mature hedges break up the level site with early flowering, fragrant shrubs. There are lovely views over the working water meadows to the river Avon with abundant birdlife
Opening: Suns 19 Feb (11-3); 18 Mar (1-4); 15 Apr (2-5) Visitors & groups also welcome by appt Weds & Fri only
Boscombe Village Gardens
There is much to discover in two contrasting gardens, approx ¾m apart. Westcroft’s 2/3-acre of wilderness paradise is much loved by wildlife but there are areas with stubborn weeds! Enjoy a pond, sun-baked terraces, colour-themed herbaceous planting, naturalised chalk bank with orchids and climbing roses over old fruit trees. There are specialist displays of snowdrops, hellebores, pulmonarias, grasses and other unusual plants, especially those rich in nectar. The enchanting ½-acre cottage garden at Cottage in the Trees has been immaculately planted, with a water feature, raised vegetable patch, small wildlife pond and gravel garden. Spring bulbs, hellebores and pulmonarias give a welcome start to the season, with pots and baskets, roses and clematis. Mixed borders of herbaceous plants and shrubs give all-yr interest
Opening: Sun 19, Mon 20 Feb (11-4); Sun 8, Mon 9 Apr, Sun 6, Mon 7 May (2-5)
Lacock Abbey Gardens
Woodland garden with carpets of aconites, snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils. Botanic garden with greenhouse, mediaeval cloisters and magnificent trees
Opening: For NGS: Sat 11, Sun 12, Sat 18, Sun 19 Feb, Sat 9, Sun 10, Sat 16, Sun 17 Feb 2013 (11-5)
Worcestershire
Dial Park
Approx ¾ acre garden in rural setting. Planted with a wide variety of plants providing interest throughout the year. Specialities incl a large collection of snowdrops, old daffodils and hardy ferns. Small collection of country tools and bygones
Opening: Wed 15 Feb (11-4). Visitors also welcome by appt, incl groups
The Cottage
Plantsmans ½-acre garden, structured by formal hedges, topiary and mature fruit trees. Yr round colour and interest provided by unusual plants and shrubs. Special 9 month coloured grass area Sept to May by bulbs and tubers, plus snowdrops and crocus lawns in spring
Opening: Fri 2, Sat 3 Mar; Sun 12, Mon 13 Aug (2-5). Visitors & groups also welcome by appt
Yorkshire
Austwick Hall
Set in the dramatic limestone scenery of the Dales the garden nestles into a steeply wooded hillside. Extensive drifts of the common single and double snowdrops are an impressive sight in the woodland setting. There are examples of over 50 other varieties. The woodland paths may be slippery in wet weather so sensible footwear is recommended. The sculptures along the trail add further interest and enhance their surroundings. The gardens contain interest throughout the year, for further details please visit our website
Opening: Wed 22 Feb, Wed 20 Feb 2013 (12-4). Visitors also welcome by appt