Yes, there's still plenty of snow here and at this rate, the big thaw is going to coincide with snowdrop season! There are many wonderful gardens here in Britain which have spectacular snowdrops and well worth making a special trip to see .... because there's nothing more bewitching than an endless vista of nodding white heads in the sunlight.
I've never been brilliant on different plants (and make no bones about it!), but I do know that those gardeners who grow snowdrops are passionate about this tiny plant, with the genus name "galanthus", and they will travel far and wide to see them in bloom, especially if there are rare examples in the collection.
Brandy Mount House (above) at Alresford in Hampshire, is famous for its National collections of galanthus (more than 200 named varieties) and daphnes and is open on three days in February (3rd, 6th and 7th). A charming property and the garden extends to over an acre in the middle of this lovely Hampshire town, so you can make a day out if you're visiting and have lunch in one of the many pubs here. Owner Michael Baron is always on hand at open days to answer questions about his collections.
Another well-known galanthus spot is East Lambrook Manor in Somerset (right), former home of writer and plantswoman, Margery Fish, who created her much-loved cottage garden here. You'll find many unusual plants here, throughout the year, but February brings the drifts of snowdrops. For a comprehensive list of galanthus openings elsewhere in England in February and March, visit Great British Gardens which has links to all the properties. Scotland has its own Snowdrop Festival, with a variety of gardens taking part.
What nobody seems to be able to tell me yet is whether this very cold spell - with heavy snowfall - will affect the snowdrop displays, so do check the various websites for information if you're planning a visit.
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