CARPETS of delicate white snowdrops are popping up all over Wales this month, signalling that spring is just around the corner.
Usually among the first bulbs to bloom, the small white flowers are predicted to peak anytime now and flower right through until March.
Popping up in woodlands, parklands and gardens, discover the best places in North Wales to see snowdrops at special sites in National Trust Cymru's care this month:
• Chirk Castle, Wrexham: Chirk Castle is home to one of the best snowdrop displays in Wales. Find the most spectacular show appearing in the Pleasure Ground Wood, right next to the main garden, with peaceful paths that weave through a vast sea of nodding white petals and vibrant green leaves. Meanwhile in the castle's gardens to catch glimpses of the delicate blooms scattered between the clipped yew hedges, herbaceous borders, shrub and rock gardens.
- For more details or to plan your outing, visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/wales
• Erddig, Wrexham: Spy the first white flowers popping up on the elevated west front of the house against the backdrop of the 1,200-acre estate. Other clusters of the little pearl-white flowers can be seen popping up in the tea garden, along the Moss Walk, in the Rose Garden and woodlands this month. Don't forget to look carefully for the special double-headed variety which is a rare and beautiful treat.
Children and snowdrops at Chirk Castle, Wrexham. Photo: ©National Trust by Paul Harris
• Bodnant Garden, Conwy: In early spring thousands of snowdrops burst into bloom at Bodnant Garden, from the unusual varieties that adorn the Winter Garden to the more common varieties that carpet the Old Park. The Old Park is one of the oldest parts of the garden, dating back to the Georgian era and the display grows more spectacular every year thanks to a tradition which sees visitors, volunteers and gardeners plant up to 20,000 extra bulbs annually.
• Penrhyn Castle and Garden, Bangor: Like the castle itself, the grounds at Penrhyn are extensive and a feast for the senses. Refresh your spirit as you admire beautiful views of frost-covered mountains and stroll through the large drifts of snowdrops that light up the parkland and nod in agreement that spring is indeed on its way.
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