Snowdrop Spectaculars

The Snowdrop

By Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Many, many welcomes,

February fair-maid,

Ever as of old time,

Solitary firstling,

Coming in the cold time,

Prophet of the gay time,

Prophet of the May time,

Prophet of the roses,

Many, many welcomes,

February fair-maid!

Snowdrop Spectaculars

They're making a show near us now, but be quick, like all the best guest appearances, they're over in a flash!!

Here are some of the loveliest places to catch winter snowdrops within a 50 mile radius of the Sitting Spiritually Garden, so why not catch these beauties whilst you can and include a visit to us at the same time to try our range of Swing Seats that are on show in the garden now. 

And brand new for our 20th Anniversary year, come and see our stunning new RHS Four Seasons Swing Seat, the one in the garden, featuring, appropriately enough, beautiful hand carved snowdrops.  See photo below

Snowdrop weekends at Forde Abbey, nr Chard, Somerset/Dorset

9 miles/ 20 mins from Sitting Spiritually

Thirty acres of award-winning gardens in a 12th century Cistercian Abbey, now a private home, resplendent with snowdrops plus camellias, hellebores, crocus and spring bulbs. Mostly the common snowdrop but more unusual varieties hidden here and there. Gift and coffee shops. Open weekends throughout February, 10.30am–4pm but check their website beforehand.  Whilst there look out for the three swings seats we have there.

East Lambrook Manor Gardens, near South Petherton, Somerset

21 miles/40 minutes from Sitting Spiritually

Throughout February the cottage garden has a Festival of Snowdrops, revealing an extensive collection of 150 named varieties, including galanthus ‘Margery fish’ and G. ‘Walter fish’. As well as The Ditch display, many snowdrops are in special raised beds, so people can get a closer look at the different shapes and colours. There are snowdrop tours for small groups and around 90 varieties will be on sale in the nursery. Open Tues to  Sun throughout February, 10am-5pm.

Minterne Gardens, Minterne Magna, Dorchester

30 miles/55 mins from Sitting Spiritually

Landscaped in the style of Capability Brown,  the mile-long trail around their Himalayan gardens takes in small lakes, waterfalls, streams and at this time of year, an abundance of snowdrops. Seek out our Tranquillity Swing Seat there. Re-fuel in the tea room. Open Daily, 10.00am – 6.00pm (last entry at 5.00pm)

National Trust Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset

48 miles/1hr 15mins from Sitting Spiritually

Six million snowdrops – and 40 different species – in bloom amongst the tree ferns in the Victorian Fernery, along Lime Avenue and Lady’s Walk and in between the Japanese garden’s bamboo in the grounds of this flamboyant historic house now owned by the National Trust. 
The gardens are open daily from 9.30am–4pm

Snowdrop weekends, Bishop’s Palace & Gardens, Wells, Somerset

43 miles/1hr 20 mins mins from Sitting Spiritually

View the snowdrops at the medieval Bishop’s Palace: around the banks of the moat, across the Willow Bridge and into the Arboretum for some special varieties. Kids’ trail and activities, crafts for sale. Find our swing seat there for a relaxing moment. Weekends in February, 10am–4pm.

Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival

42 miles/1hr 10 mins from Sitting Spiritually

James Allen, the first person to breed Snowdrops from the wild, was born in Shepton Mallet. The Snowdrop Project celebrates his legacy, the history and heritage of the town and the beauty of the snowdrop. Each year they plant thousands of bulbs on roadsides, roundabouts and public spaces. Their aim is to blanket the town white with snowdrops! In February they hold a Snowdrop Festival, with specialist plant sales, workshops, art and craft, and poetry and photography competitions. This year's festival runs from 12th-18th February

Also worth seeking out are The RHS Gardens, which whilst not near us, will be a delight to visit.  RHS Rosemoor is 1hr 40 mins from us and has many of our swing seats on display and is a really magical garden to visit.

If you would like to contribute a guest blog, please contact Siobhan at siobhan@sittingspiritually.co.uk