I enjoy all the seasons but I think spring is probably my favourite time.   There are some plants that let us know that although it is still winter, Spring isn’t far away.  The dear little snowdrop is one such plant, and lots of them can be found at Snowshill Manor at this time of year.  The gardens aren’t usually open in winter but those nice people at The National Trust open them up especially for people (and bears) to see the snowdrops.

I was glad Paddington agreed to lend me his red wellingtons for the visit, as it was snowing as we walked around and although having fur I am quite hardy, my feet are not fond of getting cold and wet.   The snowdrops were beautiful and created a very peaceful scene.We walked around the rest of the gardens, though at this time of the year most plants are still asleep for winter.  Here is a selfie of me with the Dove Cote behind me; you might be able to spot a dove peeping out of the window.

There were lots of interesting things around, such as this bell post…The former owner of Snowshill Manor used to collect things, such as penny farthing bicycles.  The Manor House was shut though (as the estate was only open for snowdrop viewing), so I will have to make sure the humans return in the summer in order to fully explore. All the benches that people sit on in summer were stored inside this barn.  On the way back I climbed up onto a dry stone wall for a photo shoot.  I am quite fascinated by the way snow sticks to some things and not to others.  The snow seemed to like the wall. 

One of the joys of visiting National Trust properties is the trip to the tearoom; especially welcome when paws are feeling a tad frozen.  Yum yum yum…. Another feature I enjoy are National Trust produce tables where plants and vegetables grown on the premises are offered for sale by a donation.  I chose several pots of snowdrops to take home; I do hope they grow in my city garden.

On arriving home I placed them where I can see them from the window.  They will be planted out when the weather improves.

Horace the Alresford Bear  12/2/2017

For more information about Snowshill Manor see https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/snowshill-manor-and-garden