Snowdrops at Benington Lordship Gardens

8 Feb

Benington Lordship Gardens - Marina Walker Photography

Each February the gardens at Benington Lordship transform into a snowdrop-lover’s dream. This year the gardens, situated in the Hertfordshire village of Benington, are open to the public from 5-27 February 2022. I visited yesterday, and despite a somewhat overcast afternoon, I was mesmerised by just how many different snowdrop varieties are all in one place.

Although the grounds are built upon a Norman motte and bailey fortification, this gatehouse is actually a folly added in 1832 by the owners of the adjacent Georgian manorhouse. However, beside the manor there are ruins of the Norman castle keep, surrounded by a noticeable moat where the snowdrops grow up the hillside.

The two main snowdrops grown en masse at Benington are the single common snowdrop Galanthus nivalis; and double Galanthus nivalis ‘Flore Pleno’. But dotted around the gardens are clumps of labelled varieties, some of which are quite rare and unusual.

I saw a variety called ‘Colossus’ which lived up to its name - its outer segments were like the propellers of a plane! Sadly I couldn’t get a photo, as the very helpful lady who I spoke to from the gardens said it was one of the earliest to bloom and unfortunately it was already going over.

However, my favourite variety at Benington was Galanthus plicatus ‘Diggory’ with its large bowl shaped flowers and dimpled texture. So unique!

Not only can you see snowdrops, but other winter flowers such as aconites, cylamen and hellebore are also blooming around the grounds. The contrast of yellows and pinks against the pure white snowdrops was simply beautiful.

I am looking forward to returning in summer to see the rest of their flowers in bloom; these gardens are not just for snowdrops but provide interest all year round with a formal rose garden, herbaceous borders and a kitchen garden.