SNOWDROPS are blooming all across Colesbourne Gardens and visitors are invited to come and see the new varieties from this weekend.

The garden, based in between Cheltenham and Cirencester, boasts 250 varieties of snowdrop, with 20 new additions this year.

It is the 140th anniversary since the first snowdrop was planted at the park. Owners Sir Henry and Lady Carolyn Elwes say they strive to make the gardens a nice place for families.

“It’s a fantastic garden,” said head gardener Chris Horsfall. “The thing I like the most is that in the world we hear conflict on the radio but a tiny little white flower can bring so much happiness to people, especially here.”

Sir Henry said the garden was open to children for free and people could also bring their dogs too, as he gets many people asking if their pets can come along.

“We want to make it as nice and uncommercial as possible,” he said.

There is a range of other plants at Colesbourne and also eight British champion trees. Visit snowdrop.org.uk

See more pictures in the Standard, dated Thursday, January 29.

 

Pictures by Emma Gray and Megan Archer