A gardener's work is never done
As many of us start to prepare our gardens for the dormant winter months, one gardener and his team are gearing up for their busiest time of the year!
Preparations continue to be at the top of the agenda for Glenn Williams and his team, as they prepare for Hodsock Priory’s annual snowdrop spectacular which they have hosted for the last twenty years. The Priory, which is located on the border of North Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire, welcomes over 25,000 visitors each February to witness this magnificent start to spring.
“Our gardening team has a never ending task maintaining and developing our wonderful gardens,” commented George Buchanan, general manager and ninth generation resident. “As our snowdrop season draws ever closer they have a strict programme to ensure our gardens and woodland areas will offer a stunning display for all our visitors. It is a view I certainly never tire off.”
The beautiful gardens of the Priory spring to life in an exuberant display of colour with an estimated 4 million snowdrops, together with other seasonal specimens such as hellebores and cyclamen, scattered throughout the formal gardens and beautiful woodlands within the 800 acre Priory estate. Rare varieties of the snowdrop can be found including ‘Lady Beatrix Stanley’ and ‘Barbara’s Double’ named after members of the Buchanan family, delighting galanthophiles who flock to view the fine collection.
“Our snowdrop spectacular has gone from strength to strength during the years under the careful guidance of my parents, Sir Andrew and Lady Belinda Buchanan, whose inspirational idea it was to open our gardens to the public,” commented George. “2010 see us now with one of the finest displays in the UK and we are also very pleased to be able to offer short breaks at Hodsock from this year with the opening of ‘The Courtyard at Hodsock’ - our ten luxurious self catering accommodation suites.”
Visitors to the Snowdrops at Hodsock can enjoy a leisurely walk through the gardens which is suitable for young and old and is accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The Pavilion Tea room, located in the stunning Priory, is open for visitors to indulge in delicious home made cakes, light lunches and warming drinks.
Snowdrops at Hodsock is open each day from 5th February to 6th March 2011 between 10am – 4pm (last entry). Reservations or further information can be obtained by visiting snowdrops.co.uk.
