The much-loved Scottish Snowdrop Festival returns to gardens throughout the country between Saturday, January 31, and Sunday, March 15, with hundreds of varieties of rare and beautiful snowdrops popping up to create stunning displays which celebrate the approach of spring.
Festival highlights include woodland walks throughout the country, a Snowdrops by Starlight illuminated event at Cambo Estate, and the more unusual opportunity to taste specially created Snowdrop Scones with afternoon tea at Cringletie House.
A diverse range of more than 60 gardens are taking part, some of which open exclusively for the festival, where visitors can enjoy snowdrops in walled gardens, urban retreats, historic castles and churchyards. Many of the venues offer high-quality food in their restaurants and cafés, which visitors can enjoy after wandering through the idyllic displays. New gardens taking part this year include:
10 PILMUIR ROAD WEST, FORRES
A plantsman’s small town garden managed entirely without the use of artificial fertilisers or chemicals, the owner encourages hedgehogs, toads and wild birds to control slugs. In early spring, there are approximately 150 named snowdrops, some of which are very rare, to be seen. Open by appointment only, call 01309 674634 to arrange a viewing. Cost is £3.
THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN EDINBURGH
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh was founded in the 17th century as a physic garden. Now, it extends over four gardens boasting a rich collection of plants, and is a world-renowned centre for plant science and education. During the Scottish Snowdrop Festival, guided tours will showcase the Royal Botanic Garden’s collection of specialist snowdrops. Tours take place from 11am-12.30pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday between February 13 and March 8. Tickets for those aged 14+ are £5.
DUNNINALD GARDENS, NEAR MONTROSE
Other venues worth visiting include Dunninald Gardens, near Montrose. Historically, families living at Dunninald have planted snowdrops resulting in a rich carpet through the woods and wild garden that visitors can enjoy today. Gardens open February 28 and March 1, 7 and 8 from noon-5pm. Cost £4, children free.
CAMBO ESTATE, ST ANDREWS
Cambo holds the national collection of snowdrops, with 70 acres of woodland walks to the sea. A full family day out can be enjoyed with daily gardener-led walks, piglets to feed and drop-in workshops within this snowdrop woodland. The annual Snowdrops by Starlight event will see the snowdrop woodland transformed into an illuminated enchanted wonderland by night. The estate is open 10am-5pm, admission costs £5.50 for adults, children go free. Snowdrops by Starlight runs from February 11-15, 5.30pm- 9.15pm. Tickets must be bought in advance, priced £10.50 for adults, concession £8.50, children £5.50, and under fours go free.
Gardens taking part as part of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme, where proceeds are donated to charity include Bruckhills Croft, Rothienorman. Owners Paul and Helen Rushton will be happy to receive visitors but openings are by appointment only, due to the unpredictability of the weather at this time of year and because of limited parking. Contact: 01651 821596. Abrichan Garden Nursery, an outstanding garden spread across four acres and with fabulous views across Loch Ness, will be open from February 1 to March 16, 9am-7pm, for the Snowdrop Festival. Admission costs £3 with proceeds going to the Highland Hospice and Scotland’s Gardens beneficiaries.
Ecclesgreig Castle, the Victorian Gothic castle, St Cyrus, is said to be an inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. But it’s snowdrops, not vampires, you’ll see during a visit here when the garden opens to the public on Saturday March 1. The snowdrop walk starts at the castle, meanders around the estate, along woodland paths and the pond, ending at the garden. The woodlands contain some very interesting trees and shrubs. Herbaceous borders 10ft wide and 140ft long are in the Italian balustraded gardens. The garden has classical statues and stunning shaped topiary with views across St Cyrus to the sea. The garden will be open from 10am-4pm, and admission for adults will be £4. Proceeds will go to a number of good causes including Montrose Guides.
Full details of the participating gardens can be found on www.visitscotland.com/snowdrop