Snowdrop Festival at The Garden House

Who doesn't love a snowdrop? One of the first signs that Spring is on the way, and the promise of warmer days. The Garden House at Buckland Monachorum in Devon are holding their annual Snowdrop Festival at the moment to showcase this gorgeous plant and the large number of different varieties that they grow, they boast that they have over 350. 

The garden is located on the edge of Dartmoor, just 8 miles north of Plymouth. It has a Jubilee arboretum with a stream and pond, a walled garden with terraces, and a lovely woodland garden. There are plenty of benches located around the gardens to sit and enjoy the flowers. There is also a lovely tea room offering a good menu all year round, including gorgeous cakes and cream teas,hot soup and light lunches.

There are bulbs in flower everywhere, but I think the woodland garden is where they look at their best. The ground is a carpet of white snowdrops, purple crocus and the heather is also flowering at the moment to add even more colour. There are also cyclamen, daffodils, narcissi and dwarf irises, as well as a few brave primroses. The camellias and magnolias are budding ready to flower too. 

I was hoping that the sun would shine through today, but apart from a couple of brief spells, it remained elusive. However, the garden was fairly busy and I didn't feel too cold as I walked around with my camera at the ready. A couple of brave souls were even sitting on the terrace outside the cafe having a hot drink. There are plants for sale at the entrance, and I treated myself to a Cornus 'Midwinter Fire' which are also looking stunning at this time of year.

This was my second trip to The Garden House, both times to see the snowdrops, but I have promised myself a return visit in the Summer months as I imagine it must look wonderful. I will even treat myself to a cream tea on the terrace, although do I eat it the Devon way or the Cornish way?