National Garden Scheme’s Snowdrop Festival – Norfolk

The garden visiting season is already upon us and four fabulous gardens will be opening for the National Garden Scheme’s Snowdrop Festival. How fortunate we are in Norfolk to have these four gardens which have opened their gates for visitors for many years. In the west of the county is Lexham Hall near Litcham, to the north near Docking is Bagthorpe Hall, staying north of the county near Sheringham is Chestnut Farm and north of Norwich is Horstead House.  All welcome children who are admitted free. So, bring along the dog, nan too and enjoy an inexpensive day out raising money for the nursing and health charities which we support.

Church Road, West Beckham, Holt, NR25 6NX

Mature three-acre garden developed over 60 years with collections of many rare and unusual plants and trees. There are over 100 varieties of snowdrops, with drifts of crocus and seasonal flowering shrubs.

near Litcham, PE32 2QJ.

Parkland with lake and river walks surround C17/18 Hall (not open).  Year-round interest and in February enjoy a lovely ramble through the woods and borders carpeted with snowdrops and some winter shrubs. Walk back through the walled-garden with its crinkle-crankle wall.

Mill Road, Horstead, Norwich, NR12 7AU.

Stunning display of beautiful snowdrops carpet the woodland setting with winter-flowering shrubs. Another beautiful feature is the collection of dogwoods growing on a small island in the river Bure, which flows through the garden. There is also a small walled garden. Wheelchair access to main snowdrop area.

Bagthorpe, Bircham, King’s Lynn, PE31 6QY.

A delightful circular walk which meanders through a splendid display of snowdrops naturally carpeting a woodland floor, and then returns through a walled garden.

Church Road, West Beckham, Holt, NR25 6NX

Mature three-acre garden developed over 60 years with collections of many rare and unusual plants and trees. There are over 100 varieties of snowdrops, with drifts of crocus and seasonal flowering shrubs.

Before visiting a garden, it is advisable to check the website for up to date information: www.ngs.org.uk

Snowdrops and Aconites – photo credit National Garden Scheme