If you live in or near Cheltenham in Gloucestershire and want to know where to see snowdrops; for a stunning display, visit the gardens at Colesbourne Park.  Described by Country Life as ‘England’s greatest snowdrop garden’ admire snowdrops en masse this is the place to head to this winter.

The collection of snowdrops at Colesbourne Park was started in the 19^th century by the naturalist Henry John Elwes. At that time snowdrops became very fashionable but, due to it being known under several different names, no one knows for sure, when they were first introduced to the UK it was probably  in the early 16^th century. The collection at Colesbourne was later expanded by Henry great grandson by spreading them out through regular division. Since its inception the new species and cultivars have been added, including some created in Colesbourne itself. Here it is possible to compare the many different varieties of flower and leaf form that make snowdrops such interesting plants.

 

As well as the snowdrops for which Colesbourne is famous, you can see a gorgeous display of delightful winter aconites, cyclamen, iris, minature daffodils, snowflakes and an expanding collection of hellebores, as well as winter flowering shrubs.

 

If I was asked to choose just one favourite plant it would have to be the plucky little snowdrop. If you want to grow snowdrops in your garden plant them ‘in-the-green’ later this month after they have finished flowering, but before the leaves have died down. This helps them absorb moisture quickly after they have been planted, as dry, rootless snowdrop bulbs do not re-establish well. You can buy them from garden centres, or, if you have a friend with some to spare in their garden ask for a clump. They won’t take long to establish themselves if you choose the right spot in your garden. Snowdrops enjoy a well-drained spot in light shade, similar to their natural woodland habitat. If you are planting your bulbs in a heavy soil, add a little sharp sand or grit to the planting hole to improve drainage. For other jobs to do in the garden this winter, head over to our top tips page.

I think a great combination in the garden is to plant them under the red barked Dogwood – Cornus alba ‘Sibirica Variegata.’ All Snowdrop species are endangered and wild Snowdrops are protected under law, which means that they must never be picked or lifted from their wild or existing habitat.