February is snowdrop season at the Gardens of Easton Lodge and we have been keeping our fingers crossed all winter that they will be perfect for the three planned Open Days.
We are looking forward to welcoming visitors on Sunday February 15, Thursday 19 and Sunday 22.
Snowdrops were planted in the gardens in Victorian times. They spread each year, making their own new bulblets and with their seeds dispersed by ants. The trust’s volunteers have planted more too.
Snowdrops in the border with hellebores
Now there are carpets of snowdrops everywhere: under the trees at the front of the gardens, in the glade running down to the views onto the fishing lake and in the mini-wood at the side of the garden.
There is a good path in case the ground is wet, but visitors will also enjoy going off the path to look for the new trail of the Countess of Warwick’s animals and the elephant statue, which is a nod to the countess’ baby elephant, Kim.
Regular visitors will also want to spot the new trees and shrubs that the trust’s volunteers have planted over the winter, so outdoor footwear is recommended! Dogs on leads are also welcome.
Snowdrops in nooks and crannies
Nature lovers out and about might have already spotted snowdrops in full bloom. Snowdrops can flower in winter because of their built-in anti-freeze and, in a warm, sunny location, they can flower really early in the year. This means the snowdrop flowering season is getting more variable in our changing climate. This January we have had the full range of winter weather – cold snaps and warmer spells – so hopefully the snowdrops in the gardens will be just right for the Open Days.
The trust’s volunteers and the Giggly Pig will provide warming refreshments for visitors. Daisy’s kiosk will provide homemade soup, cheese or hummus rolls and delicious homemade cakes and hot and cold drinks. The Giggly Pig will provide bacon, sausage and burger rolls.
There will be snowdrops in the green for sale and other snowdrop and gardens merchandise.
On Sundays, the gardens will be open from 11am to 4pm, with last entry at 3pm. On the Thursday, the gardens will close an hour earlier.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at Trybooking.com, www.eastonlodge.co.uk or via the gardens’ Facebook page. Tickets bought in advance cost £6, with free entry for under-16s. Unsold tickets will be available on the gate for £7.50.
The Open Days are, of course, subject to the weather permitting the trust to open the gardens. In the event that the trust has to cancel an Open Day, advance tickets will be refunded and the cancellation will be posted at www.eastonlodge.co.uk and on the gardens’ social media.
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