Snowdrops are a sure sign that spring is on the way. The drooping heads of these delicate flowers are an uplifting sight on a late winter’s day. Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) may signal that warmer weather is on the way, but a dusting of snow provides a brilliant photo opportunity.

They generally flower from January to March, but the exact date depends on the weather and where you live. In the southwest you may even spot a few in flower before Christmas. They grow almost everywhere in parks, gardens, graveyards, woodlands and on riverbanks. Many towns and villages even organise local festivals where you can go to admire snowdrops in the southwest.

How to grow snowdrops

My grandparents who had a market garden just outside Bath used to grow snowdrops to sell at Bath Market. If you want to grow them yourself, it is best to buy plants in March or April and plant them in the green. You will sometimes find snowdrops that have finished flowering for sale at a reduced price at local garden centres. They are a woodland plant so do well in partial shade under a deciduous hedge. They like a moist soil. Once established they should continue for many years with very little maintenance. You can divide the clumps every few years.

Four of the best places to see snowdrops in the southwest

Here are some of my favourite places to see snowdrops in the southwest

Shepton Mallet snowdrop festival

Shepton Mallet was once home to the famous nineteenth century horticulturist James Allen, known as the snowdrop king. He is credited as the first person to crossbreed snowdrops from the wild. Every year the townsfolk of Shepton Mallet plant thousands of bulbs on the roadsides, roundabouts and public spaces in his honour.

Last autumn they planted about half a million bulbs ready for this year’s festival which takes place from 12th to 18th of February 2024. There will also be plant sales and a photography competition as well as other events.

Shepton Mallet snowdrop festival

Dyrham Park

Dyrham Park is a 17th century National Trust property situated on the edge of the Cotswolds between Bristol and Bath. You can see snowdrops at the front of the house and in the gardens and terraces.

Dyrham Park visitor information

Painswick Rococo Garden

Painswick Rococo Garden is famed for one of the largest naturalistic plantings of snowdrops in the country. The gardens were designed in the 1740’s as a fanciful pleasure garden for the owner of Painswick house and his guests. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views over the Cotswold hills. There are 15 varieties of snowdrops in the garden, the most famous being Galanthus ‘Atkinsii’. Pre-booking is essential; the garden recommends bagging an early spot when the gardens are quieter. Check when the snowdrops are at their peak via the website and social media.
January to February
Painswick, Gloucestershire GL6 6TH. Tel 01452 813204; rococogarden.org.uk

Snow drop valley Wheddon Cross

Wheddon Cross is the highest village in the Exmoor National Park. Every year the park authority organises a park and ride scheme. Buses run every twenty minutes from Wheddon Cross to snowdrop valley. Visitors can enjoy a short 45-minute walk through the valley. Don’t worry it is mainly downhill and the bus picks you up the other end. Maps are supplied with bus tickets.

And when the snowdrops have finished flowering how about planning a trip to a bluebell wood.