Garden Studios

The Lincolnshire garden might be open until February 23, much to the delight of its owner Ursula Cholmeley, who has rebuilt this “lost” garden over 14 years.

“We have two main sorts of snowdrop within the grounds. Galanthus nivalis and G. nivalis ‘flora pleno’ (the conventional singles and doubles) which form drifts at the snowdrop bank. These are the simplest to grow,” says Ursula.

“In the woodland walk the snowdrops combine with cyclamen coum, aconites and hellebores.

“In the cedar meadow, aconites and snowdrops poke in the course of the turf across the big wellingtonia and Atlantic cedars, and within the cottage garden and pickery we’ve got Galanthus plicatus, G. ‘Freds Giant’ and G ‘Jacquenetta’.” 

Ursula was planting unusual snowdrops within the new alpine bed, and these would be added to throughout 2014. 

During the week snowdrops expert Jackie Murray will give talks within the coach house at 12.30pm and a pair of.30pm daily, and snowdrops including small numbers of rare varieties and a few iris reticulata would be on sale.

These will include Galanthus Trym, G. Modern Art, G. Bowles Large, G. Washfield Colesbourne, G. Marjorie Brown, G. John Gray, G. Mrs McNamara, and the actual Galanthus ikariae.

“We have some beautiful double hellebores in plum, clear pink, white and yellow on the market,” adds Ursula. 

The weather has had little impact at the snowdrop display, and Ursula says: “When the sun is out the gardens look really spring-like and entire of promise.”

Easton Walled Garden’s snowdrop bank is barely open during Snowdrop Week and for a couple of weeks in March, but while each of the paths are laid with bark and feature handrails and seats, the gardens are in a valley so good outdoor shoes are recommended.

Snowdrops can be bought at the website: www.shopateaston.co.uk where you will discover information on entrance fees and the way to get to the gardens.