The First Sign of Spring – Snowdrop Walks in Norfolk

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.

12th February

Lexham Hall, nr Litcham PE32 2QJ
Lexham Hall has meandering walks through several acres of snowdrops and an extensive collection of unusual winter flowering and scented shrubs with a wonderful “crinkle crankle” wall to admire.

18th February

Horstead House, Horstead Norwich NR12 7AU
Has lovely woodland edge walks with millions of snowdrops to see and the river Bure flows through the garden with an island of brilliant red stemmed dogwoods on show.

19th February

Bagthorpe Hall, Bagthorpe PE31 6QY
Bagthorpe Hall has a marvellous woodland walk carpeted with snowdrops.

1st and 4th 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.

At each garden warming refreshments will be available to ward off the winter chill and the chance to buy plants to get your garden off to a flying start in 2012.  So why not shake off the winter cobwebs, wrap up warm and follow the NGS snowdrop trail, starting with Lexham Hall 12th February.