Snowdrop weekend at Waterperry

Tuesday, 5th February 2008

Horticulturally-themed weekends at Waterperry are becoming increasingly difficult to plan, thanks to the unpredictable seasons. Horticultural Manager Rob Jacobs says this is the 2nd year running the Snowdrop Weekends at Waterperry have been thrown into doubt, because of the early appearance of the flowers.

His comments back the findings of the Woodland Trust, who today said they have firm evidence of spring starting earlier across the UK. Their figures, which have been gathered over the past three centuries are helping the charity chart the impact of climate change on wildlife.

Last year's results showed snowdrops were appearing on average 2 weeks earlier than the norm, and Mr Jacobs believes this year they're even earlier. 'Our snowdrops have been looking amazing for the past couple of weeks - even earlier than in 2007 - and it's making planning our Snowdrop Weekends very difficult.'

'This year we moved them back by one week to try to solve the problem and while we're confident there'll be plenty for visitors to see this coming weekend, unless we get a cold snap they may be over by the weekend of the 16th and 17th February', he adds. 'Of course that doesn't mean there'll be nothing to see - Waterperry's 8 acres of ornamental gardens look fantastic any time of year - with or without snowdrops. It just makes planning a bit of a nightmare!'

Anyone keen not to miss out on these beautiful little heralds of spring should get to Waterperry soon.

*Snowdrop Weekends take place on the 9th and 10th of February and again on the 16th and 17th February, with
the gardens open from 10am to 5pm.*

In-the-green plants will also be available to buy.