Snowdrops, Hellebores and other winter-flowering bulbs have burst into flower this week at Holme Pierrepont Hall and the gardens are now open to the public daily (except Saturdays) for exercise during lockdown.
Snowdrops and signs of Spring at Holme Pierrepont Hall
Robert and Charlotte Brackenbury are the 19th generation owners of this Tudor manor house, the oldest brick building in Nottinghamshire, just a few minutes’ drive from West Bridgford.
Charlotte Brackenbury is delighted to see the gardens bursting into life, albeit somewhat later than usual.
She said: “The recent cold, wet weather has delayed the full displays of Snowdrops by a couple of weeks but this has advantages for anyone wishing to come and enjoy walking on the estate in February.
“Throughout this month, visitors will enjoy seeing Snowdrops, Hellebores and other winter-flowering bulbs alongside typically later-flowering bulbs such as daffodils and tulips as the month progresses. The snowdrops are just beginning to reach their peak now.”
The grounds feature several varieties of Snowdrop including Galanthus nivalis ‘Sam Arnott’, the pretty double snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis ‘Flore Pleno’ and the larger Galanthus plicatus ‘Colossus’.
Witch hazels, Daphnes and Sarcococcas provide a stunning backdrop for the snowdrops in the East garden and also fill the air with a delicious fragrance.
Many of the plants have been naturalized in the grounds for hundreds of years although others have been cultivated by the team of gardeners and volunteers who work at the Hall.
Charlotte Brackenbury says, “We have a superb garden team who work to ensure there is colour and interest throughout the year, not only for our garden visitors but also for couples choosing to get married at the Hall.
“As we’re currently unable to host weddings in the immediate future due to the Coronavirus pandemic, it’s been rewarding to see members of the public enjoying the garden. We look forward to opening the garden for more days throughout the year.
“After the snowdrops have bloomed we should have a good display of the rare wild tulip, ‘Tulipa Sylvestris’ in the parkland. The Courtyard and East garden look glorious throughout the summer with their displays of herbaceous plants.
Visitors must pre-purchase tickets to visit the garden. Takeaway refreshments are available on Sundays. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome.
Tickets are available to purchase in advance from www.holmepierreponthall.com. Tickets: £5.00 for Adults, Children FREE.
Historic House members enter FREE but still need to book a ticket online.
