Carpets of delicate white snowdrops are popping up all over Wales this month, signalling that spring is just around the corner. Usually among the first bulbs to bloom, the small white flowers are predicted to peak anytime now and flower right through until March.
Popping up in woodlands, parklands and gardens, discover the best places to see snowdrops at special places in National Trust Cymru’s care this month.
North Wales
Bodnant Garden, Conwy
In early spring thousands of snowdrops burst into bloom at Bodnant Garden, from the unusual varieties that adorn the Winter Garden to the more common varieties that carpet the Old Park. The Old Park is one of the oldest parts of the garden, dating back to the Georgian era and the display grows more spectacular every year thanks to a tradition which sees visitors, volunteers and gardeners plant up to 20,000 extra bulbs annually. Join the planting on Thursday 15 February to grow the display between 11am-1pm and 2pm-3pm.
Chirk Castle, Wrexham
Chirk Castle is home to one of the best snowdrop displays in Wales. Find the most spectacular show appearing in the Pleasure Ground Wood, right next to the main garden, with peaceful paths that weave through a vast sea of nodding white petals and vibrant green leaves. Meanwhile in the castle’s gardens to catch glimpses of the delicate blooms scattered between the clipped yew hedges, herbaceous borders, shrub and rock gardens.
Erddig, Wrexham
Spy the first white flowers popping up on the elevated west front of the house against the backdrop of the 1,200-acre estate. Other clusters of the little pearl-white flowers can be seen popping up in the tea garden, along the Moss Walk, in the Rose Garden and woodlands this month. Don’t forget to look carefully for the special double-headed variety which is a rare and beautiful treat.
Penrhyn Castle and Garden, Bangor
Like the castle itself, the grounds at Penrhyn are extensive and a feast for the senses. Refresh your spirit as you admire beautiful views of frost-covered mountains and stroll through the large drifts of snowdrops that light up the parkland and nod in agreement that spring is indeed on its way.
Mid Wales
Powis Castle and Garden, Welshpool
Discover swathes of snowdrops scattered throughout the garden at Powis Castle this month. From those that fill the banks of the Edwardian Formal Garden and surround the Daffodil Paddock, to those which create picture perfect fairy-tale scenes beneath the trees in the formal woodland, the Wilderness. Last year the gardening team added a further 8,000 bulbs to the woodland which promises to boost this year’s displays.
South Wales
Colby Woodland Garden, near Amroth, Pembrokeshire
Within this hidden wooded valley discover some pretty pockets of snowdrops blooming from mid to late February. You may find the little white blooms dotted along the edges of the stream and banks and at the bottom of the wildflower meadow. For those who want a longer walk, head from the garden down to the village and sandy beach at Amroth for some sea air.
Dyffryn Gardens, near Cardiff
Thousands of spring bulbs have been planted along the south front beds at Dyffryn Gardens, in front of the recently restored façade of the house. Keep a look out for the season’s first snowdrops tucked under trees and alongside clusters of hellebores dotted around the gardens. Other winter flowering plants to look out for include camellia and cyclamen.
Pick up a Winter Wander leaflet from the Welcome Centre which highlights the must see features around the 55-acre garden during the winter season.
