More news, no ads
More on KentOnline
News you can trust
13°C | 3°C
5 day forecast
Home What’s On News Article
There might not be much to love about January and February when it comes to cold weather and early nights, but one thing that is worth celebrating is the snowdrops.
It’s the best time of year to see these pretty winter flowers in bloom – and we’ve got some of the best places in Kent to find them…
Copton Ash, Faversham
This garden opens on several days throughout the year for the public to visit and see the ever-changing displays of unusual, seasonal plants. The owners have a special interest in snowdrops, woodland flowers and hellebores, which are perfect for February, along with a collection of flowering trees and shrubs that begin to come to life in the spring. The gardeners pride themselves on the many rarities you will find in this Faversham space, so make sure you keep an eye out for flowers you may not see anywhere else.
Details: Saturday, February 11 and Sunday, February 19 from 12pm to 4pm at Copton Ash in Faversham. Book online here.
Doddington Place, Sittingbourne
At Doddington Place, carpets of snowdrops can be seen spreading out beneath the giant sequoia trees. The 10-acre garden in Sittingbourne has a mass display of snowdrops, as well as wide views, yew hedges, a formal garden and an Edwardian rock garden to explore, with further flowers along the mixed border expected to bloom later in the year.
Details: Sunday, February 19 from 11am to 4pm at Doddington Place in Sittingbourne. Book online here.
Great Comp Garden, Sevenoaks
The annual snowdrop fair at this Sevenoaks garden will be held for the first time since 2019 this year, featuring specialist nurseries from across the south east, all curated by the ‘King of Snowdrops’ Joe Sharman. The Snowdrop Sensation event is one of the only times that the garden will be open during this time of year, so is a great chance to get a sneak peek into Great Comp.
Details: Sunday, February 19 from 10am to 2pm at Great Comp Garden in Sevenoaks. Book online here.
Hever Castle, Edenbridge
Visitors to this historic castle are encouraged to put on their wellies, hats and scarves and explore the Snowdrop Walk trail that will take them through the beautiful gardens and grounds. There will be 100,000 snowdrops to see on the trail, which also guides you through the woodland areas, around the moat and into the winter garden, where you can see daffodils, heathers and winter shrubs. You can also spot the frosted topiary leading up to the castle and the frozen reeds and grasses around the lake on particularly chilly days.
Details: Daily from Wednesday, February 8 from 10.30am to 4.30pm at Hever Castle in Edenbridge, near Cranbrook. Book online here.
Hole Park, Rolvenden
This year’s Plant Fairs Roadshow will roll into some of the most prestigious and floriferous estates in the south of England, including Hole Park near Tenterden. The roadshow carries an amazing array of interesting and rare plants, including nurseries that specialise in snowdrops and early shrubs and perennials. Hole Park’s head gardener will also be on-hand to give advice and offer a personal shopping service.
Details: Sunday, February 12 from 11am to 3pm at Hole Park in Rolvenden, near Tenterden. No need to book, entry costs £5.
Knowle Hill Farm, near Maidstone
Visit the country farm and see snowdrops sweep across the woodland floor. The farm, situated on the edge of the north downs, has some incredible views all the way out to Dungeness and two acres of meticulously designed gardens. Created over 35 years by the owners, the garden has 100 varieties of snowdrops, as well as hellebores, topiary and rare flowers specially selected to delight visitors.
Details: Saturday, February 4 and Sunday, February 5 from 11am to 3pm at Knowle Hill Farm in Ulcombe near Maidstone. Book online here.
Spring Platt, near Maidstone
This one-acre garden just outside of Maidstone is one of the first snowdrop displays of the year to open to the public. There are more than 700 varieties of the winter bloom grown in tiered display beds and spring borders and, as you stroll through the garden, you can also catch panoramic views of the Weald.
Details: Select dates from Thursday, January 19 to Sunday, February 5 from 10.30am to 3pm at Spring Platt in Sutton Valence, near Maidstone. Book online here.
The National Garden Scheme also includes some snowdrop gardens that are open for visits by arrangement only. You can find the full list on the National Garden Scheme website.
What’s for dinner? Plan meals, try new foods and explore cuisines with tested recipes from the country’s top chefs.
Trying to find the right nursery, school, college, university or training provider in Kent or Medway? Our Education Directory has everything you could possibly need!
This website and its associated newspaper are members of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO)
© KM Group 2023