Issue 28Scottish Snowdrop Festival

DISCOVER SCOTTISH GARDENS
Welcoming the Arrival of SnowdropsThe Scottish Snowdrop Festival will kick off on 25^th January as winter’s iconic bloom begins to appear, carpeting grounds across Scotland and its gardens. Dozens of gardens across the country are preparing to welcome their first visitors of the new year as part of the annual Festival, organised by Discover Scottish Gardens.
The Festival will offer many opportunities for visitors to get outside and enjoy the spectacle where thousands of the tiny white flowers flood woodland and garden grounds with breath-taking displays. The snowdrop is often seen as a symbol of hope at the darkest time of the year, capturing the hearts of children, nature-loving adults, and ‘Galanthophiles’ or enthusiastic collectors, identifiers, and cultivators of snowdrops.
Explore the many gardens opening for the Festival and the full list of events hosted from 25^th January to 12^th March online at Discover Scottish Gardens.
Early ArrivalsTake inspiration from gardens where you can spot the early arrival of snowdrops:

Cringletie, Scottish Borders, EH45 8PL

Cambo Gardens, Fife, KY16 8QD

Dryburgh Abbey, Scottish Borders, TD6 0RQ

Finlaystone Country Estate, Renfrewshire, PA14 6TJ

Kilbryde Castle, Perthshire FK15 9NF

Mellerstain House and Gardens, Scottish Borders TD3 6LG

Special Snowdrop EventsDunimarle Castle – Snowdrops with Scotland’s Gardens Scheme on 8^th-9^th FebruaryDunimarle Castle sits on the outskirts of the historic village of Culross, surrounded by 52 acres of formal gardens, meadows, and woodlands. Don’t miss the stunning display of snowdrops here during their opening for Scotland’s Gardens Scheme.
Snowdrops and Red Squirrels at Cluny House from 14^th FebruaryLate winter into early spring is a great time to visit Cluny with a lovely mix of snowdrops. Not only are there white carpets of stunning snowdrops to see but also many hellebores, Leucojum (Snowflakes), sunny yellow aconites, early species crocus, and the gorgeous scent of Sweet Box filling the garden. Visitors will likely spot red squirrels busy at this time of year building drays and visiting the feeders. Learn more here.
Snowdrop Walk & House Tour at Ardkinglas Estate on 14^th FebruaryEnjoy an exclusive snowdrop walk in the Ardkinglas House private garden, followed by a House Tour and tea and cake. Don’t miss a wonderful opportunity to take a stroll around the garden and enjoy the early sights and signs of Spring at Ardkinglas. Book here.
Teasses Gardens – Snowdrops with Scotland’s Gardens Scheme on 21^st FebruaryDon’t miss a very special event set in the wonderful gardens and grounds of Teasses: a magical candlelit snowdrop walk. There will be two 'sittings', one starting at 4pm and the other at 7:30pm.
Lawton House – Snowdrops with Scotland’s Gardens Scheme on 6^th-9^th MarchExplore the woodland garden of beech trees, carpeted with snowdrops, aconites, and crocuses in spring, set around a charming 1755 house.
Get Out and ExploreThere are many gardens with winter and early spring displays open year-round across Scotland enticing us out for inspiration. Where will you go first?
There are hundreds of beautiful gardens across Scotland welcoming visitors throughout the year. Always check ahead with each garden on opening times and be mindful of how weather may impact openings and events. Be sure to pick-up the latest edition of the Discover Scottish Gardens map in tourist information points and leaflet stands across Scotland to discover all the wonderful gardens open across Scotland to visit. Visit www.discoverscottishgardens.org to explore hundreds of gardens across Scotland and for the latest news of year-round events and activities happening in Scottish gardens.Take a tour of some stunning Highland Gardens in the Scotland Grows Show.Scottish GardeningNavigationEditor's WelcomeContentsWhat's Gorgeous in the Garden?Quercus Garden PlantsScottish Snowdrop FestivalScotland Grows Show Podcast SnowdropsLenten RoseSeed Sowing SpecialCan You REALLY Grow Tomatoes Outdoors in Scotland?Tomato RecommendationsTomato Grow-a-longWhich Edibles Can You Sow Now?Top 10 Edibles to Grow This YearGrow Cut Flowers from SeedCome and Chat About Plants3 Creative Ways to Start Seeds IndoorsAutism and GrowingThe Turmoil of Seed SowingNTS ROOTSGarden JournallingOne Garden ThingCoastal Garden DesignGrow Your BusinessDiary of a Green RoofScotland's Garden SchemeTop 5 Summer Flowering BulbsLivingston Village Community GardenFeature Your GardenThe Wonder of WeedsScotland Grows Show Podcast JaniceClyneMagical Powers of GarlicScotland Grows websiteThe Indonesian CookScotland Grows SubscriptionGarden Bacteria: Our Hidden Health AllySeawildingJust 3 PlantsJobs AheadGardening Events in ScotlandJordan’s Houseplant IndexHouseplant SwapThe Last WordNext IssueArchives