Built-in ‘antifreeze’ ensures Anglesey Abbey’s snowdrops bloom
A sign that spring is on its way is evident at Anglesey Abbey, where the snowdrops are in full bloom around the gardens and woodland path of the National Trust site.
The beautiful display of more than 400 varieties of these delicate white flowers attracts more than 40,000 visitors to Anglesey Abbey each year, as it is one of the finest snowdrop collections in the country. The season runs until the end of February.
The flowers are planted among a collection of classical statues and in the Winter Garden, which is also in its prime at this time of year.
Serious snowdrop enthusiasts flock to the abbey to see rare varieties of the plant on display and private tours of the collection book up quickly.
There are several varieties that originated at Anglesey Abbey, including one named after Thomas Hobson who purchased the abbey in 1627 and converted it from a derelict priory to the country house.
Senior gardener David Jordan said: “We have a fantastic display of snowdrops and we have already had thousands of visitors to see them. I think the enduring popularity of snowdrops is because they are the first sign of spring and the warmer weather to come. They are an important symbol for Candlemas which is the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.
“We were concerned last summer about how the bulbs would fare because of the 40 degree heat but they have returned as strong as ever.
“The recent very hard frosts have not been a problem for the flowers as the snowdrops’ sap contains a kind of antifreeze which prevents them being damaged by cold weather.”