Dumfriesshire gardens are opening their gates to the public this weekend to view carpets of snowdrops, hailed as “the harbingers of Spring”.
In association with Scotland’s Gardens scheme in Dumfriesshire, visitors will get to glimpse behind the walls of private gardens and enjoy swathes of one of nature’s most delicate but hardiest blooms that are nature’s way of lighting up winter’s darkest days.
The first to open for the public is Tinnisburn Plants at Upper Millsteads, Canonbie. Helen Knowles’ one-acre plantsman’s garden is an absolute treat to visit and will be open on Saturday and Sunday, (February 15 and 16), from 10am to 3pm each day .
Developed over the last 37 years, it is home to the National Plant Collection of scilla (chionodoxa) and an eclectic mix of truly hardy perennials, trees and shrubs – with stunning snowdrops at this time of year and lovely winter walks. Admission is £5 and free to accompanied children, with proceeds going to Scotland’s Gardens charities.
It is important to pre-book on the Tinnisburn website: www.tinnisburn.co.uk as parking can be limited especially if wet and there will be plants for sale and a tearoom with homemade goodies.
Another garden opening that weekend is Craig – three miles from Langholm on the B709 towards Eskdalemuir. Craig snowdrops have evolved over the past 40 years by the Ewart family and their garden opens on Sunday (February 16) from noon to 4pm. A large variety has been planted with a varied flowering season stretching from the start of January until April and peaking mid-February.
Sarah Landale, who organising Scotland’s Gardens in Dumfriesshire, said: “There are some really exciting snowdrops at Craig too and great walks along the river where the snowdrops have self planted over the years. There will also be homemade teas, soup and sandwiches, available at Bentpath Village Hall, which is just one mile up the road. Entry to Craig is also £5 per person and children go free. Both are definitely worth a visit if you are seeking signs of Spring.”
Scotland’s Gardens Scheme in Dumfriesshire will also be back for the summer with gardens involved this year to be announced soon.
In addition, Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate near Thornhill, is having a Snowdrop Walk Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, February 22 and 23.
One originally planned for February 8 and 9 had to be cancelled because of Storm Eowyn, and anyone who purchased tickets for this weekend should have received an email about moving the booking, refunds and alternative arrangements.
The Woodland Walks and Trails are still closed due to Storm damage. More details are available at: www.drumlanrigcastle.co.uk/event/snowdrop-walk/.