Snowdrop Gardens 2022
The snowdrop is most definitely a harbinger that winter is over and spring just aroundthe corner although I am lucky to have been given a few very early snowdrops which start by November 11th. Most years I manage to visit one or two snowdrop gardens or churchyards but 2022 I was determined to go further afield. The helpful e mail about local displays spurred me on and I identified from various sources Rode Hall in Odd Rode, Cheshire (very just in Cheshire), Anglesey Abbey near Cambridge (NT), Easton Walled Gardens near Grantham, and Welford Park in Berkshire ( home of the Great British Bake Off). Only Anglesey Abbey involved a significant detour from a planned journey .
At none of the gardens did I participate in a guided walk or galanthophile event. Only Rode had any named varieties of interest for sale. This was probably the most low key place but even on a wet afternoon the scent of the sarcococca and daphnes was very powerful . The snowdrops , particularly those in the woods were beautiful and quite varied.
Anglesey Abbey is on my must return list. The winter walk was full of ideas for one’s own garden and many of the snowdrops were labelled . Clear signs directed you other areas but also kept you off other parts to protect future bulbs coming through. I came away wanting to return and wished I lived more locally.
Easton Walled Garden is probably of most interest to members of the Gardens Trust. The snowdrops were beautiful , particularly those along the river . I also noted a perfectly sited garden room with fine views that might be very distracting. The. House itself has gone although some very fine ornamental gates and. Walls remain along with the former kitchen gardens. There are good information boards but restoration is not being attempted , it is more a case of reinterpretation . Having wandered the site. I didn’t think there was much to persuade me to return.
Finally Welford on another damp day provided the best snowdrop spectacle as they were like snow under the beech woods. Again there is clear signage of the various walks. The formal gardens to one aside of the house were of some interest.
In summary, all were worth a visit but I will return only to Anglesey Abbey in other seasons and snowdrop season again.
Sarah Tricks
