HODSOCK PRIORY'S
SNOWDROP SPECTACULAR 2002
and Unique
Working Victorian Apiary

Preparations are now under way for the annual February opening of Hodsock Priory's famous snowdrop and winter garden.

Because of the popularity of this event we shall be opening every day for FIVE WEEKS in 2002, Saturday 2nd February - Sunday 10th March.

Over 30,000 visitors now enjoy this beautiful garden each winter, many coming from Japan, USA, Canada and Europe as well as all over the UK.

MORE SNOWDROPS have been planted in the wood, increasing the already impressive display.

NEW PLANTING of the very early flowering snowdrop Galanthus plicatus 'Colossus' and the very early flowering minature Narcissus 'Cedric Morris' should be in flower at the beginning of February.

500 NEWLY PLANTED Helleborus orientalis on the moat bank should be in flower in February and March. To celebrate this thousands of H. x 'Ashwood Garden Hybrids' have been grown in the Hodsock nursery for our GRAND HELLEBORE SALE in February/March.

The coloured stems of Cornus, the white stems and trunks of Rubus and Betula and the pink-trunked Acers will be at their best in the winter.

FRAGRANCE AND COLOUR from Sarcococca, Daphne, winter honeysuckle, Leucojums, golden aconites, cyclamen and irises are throughout the garden.

TWO NEW FERNERIES have been created, in the garden and in the wood, using 600 plants in almost 30 varieties of hardy evergreen ferns

On show in the garden for the first time in February there will be a UNIQUE WORKING VICTORIAN APIARY comprising eight remarkable bee-hives, some resembling Victorian follies. Bees are not very active during the winter months but on mild, sunny days visitors are likely to see them quietly collecting nectar from snowdrops and other flowers and carrying it back to the hives.

A clearly marked one-way trail, with plenty of seats, makes it easy for everyone to see comfortably the fabulous Hodsock Snowdrops and other winter flowers. Short cuts marked for those who do not want to walk far.

Excellent refreshments are offered all day under cover.

Ample FREE parking. Hard-standing for coaches. Coaches must book.

EXTENDED SALES AREA offering a wide choice of bulbs and plants.