Snowdrops are a welcome sight as they herald the coming of warmer days, and that other flowers will also soon unfurl their limbs to bring colour back into our lives.
Here are the best locations to view the delicate little flowers in Hampshire this February.
CHAWTON HOUSE
One of Jane Austen's favourite places to visit, Chawton House, is a breathtaking 15-acre estate that is worth a visit in any season but the Snowdrops peeking out in little clusters around the parkland is a rather enchanting sight to behold.
Be sure to wrap up warm, grab your favourite Austen novel and spend the day strolling, sipping on something warm and tasty from The Tea Shed and rediscovering the writers work in the space she so loved.
Where: Chawton House, Chawton, Alton, Hampshire GU34 1SJ
More information: www.chawtonhouse.org
LITTLE COURT
This 3-acre garden really is a spectacle in February when milky Snowdrops and lilac Crocuses bloom around gorgeously gnarly Victorian apple trees. Little Court is open to the public as part of the National Garden Scheme, which has been ongoing since 1984!
Where: Little Court, Crawley, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 2PU
When: Several dates between Sunday 12th and Monday 20th February between 2 pm and 5 pm
More information: www.ngs.org.uk/little-court
MOTTISFONT
Swathes of snowdrops are set to cover the grassy lawns of this ancient priory, as well as the font stream and river walk. Bulbs have been planted relatively recently which means over time they will self-seed and colonise, making the display bigger and better each year.
Where: near Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 0LP
More information: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
THE VYNE
One of the first sights to meet visitors in early spring is a pretty ribbon of pearly white colour from the snowdrop trails that wind their way from the estate's car park to the Walled Garden. Further displays can be found in the Wild Garden, mingling with yellow-petalled winter aconites.
Where: Vyne Road, Sherborne St John, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 9HL
More information: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
HINTON AMPNER
Hinton's previous owner, Ralph Dutton, designed the East Lawn of the garden around the tiny parish church on the grounds. He knew that, even in colder months, the congregation was likely to gather on the grass after the Sunday service, so he planted the lawn with fragrant winter flowers such as daphnes, which have a zingy lime scent and tiny pink flowers. Spot snowdrops throughout the season.
Where: Hinton Ampner, near Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 0LA
More information: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
