Snowdrops and Signs of Spring at Waterperry Gardens

My parent have been visiting these past few weeks.  On their last day here I took them to see the snowdrops at Waterperry Garden, just a few miles from Oxford.  As we wandered through the formal gardens and along the river walk we saw beautiful signs of spring everywhere we looked. One of the many things I love about living in Oxford is that spring starts coming as early as February --I've never lived anywhere where spring comes so early.  

 

Snowdrops are the first spring flower to bloom here in Southern England and mark the beginning of spring.    

Snowdrops where not the only plant that was flowering.

Snowdrops carpet the banks of the river Thame, a tributary of the river Thames.  It is simply stunning to see a carpet of white! 

The ornamental gardens at Waterperry date back to the early 1930s when Beatrix Havergal set up a School of Horticulture for Ladies. When the school closed in 1972,  gardens where expanded into what has become a very beloved and popular private garden and garden center in Oxfordshire. 

The formal gardens are in peak bloom from May until the first frost in October.  All we could see of the famous flowering border were thousands of little green shoots poking out of the earth and a few early daffodils that are already starting to bloom. 

My wonderful parents

These sheep were quite round-bellied.  It's lambing season next month.

 More sure signs of Spring!

The gardens are on the estate of the Waterperry House, a 17th-century mansion, remodeled early in the 18th century for Sir John Curson,  and again in the early 1800s. 

Until 1971 this house was the Waterperry School of Horticulture of Beatrix Havergal. 

Waterperry Garden is worth a visit any time of the year.   You'll find eight acres of beautiful gardens, a river walk,  plant center and garden shop, gift shop, museum and a gallery.  There is also a nice teashop.  Throughout the year they offer various events, arts, craft, and gardening courses. 

For more information: 
http://www.waterperrygardens.co.uk/

http://www.oxfordtimes.co.uk/leisure/outdoor/11347111.Waterperry_still_in_bloom_decades_on/

Top ten spots for Snowdrop viewing:  http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/article-1356401525134/