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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.

Snowdrops at Anglesey Abbey prove as popular as ever. Picture: Keith Heppell. (62360409)
Snowdrops at Anglesey Abbey prove as popular as ever. Picture: Keith Heppell. (62360409)

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 snowdrop trail is now open at Anglesey Abbey and welcoming the guests is newly appointed Welcome Manager Jess Hill. Picture: Keith Heppell. (62307661)
The snowdrop trail is now open at Anglesey Abbey and welcoming the guests is newly appointed Welcome Manager Jess Hill. Picture: Keith Heppell. (62307661)

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.

Snowdrops at Anglesey Abbey prove as popular as ever. Picture: Keith Heppell. (62360393)
Snowdrops at Anglesey Abbey prove as popular as ever. Picture: Keith Heppell. (62360393)

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.

Snowdrops at Anglesey Abbey prove as popular as ever, David Jordan Senior Gardener, at Anglesey Abbey. Picture: Keith Heppell. (62360485)
Snowdrops at Anglesey Abbey prove as popular as ever, David Jordan Senior Gardener, at Anglesey Abbey. Picture: Keith Heppell. (62360485)

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.

Snowdrops at Anglesey Abbey prove as popular as ever. Picture: Keith Heppell. (62360397)
Snowdrops at Anglesey Abbey prove as popular as ever. Picture: Keith Heppell. (62360397)

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.

Snowdrops at Anglesey Abbey prove as popular as ever. Picture: Keith Heppell. (62360386)
Snowdrops at Anglesey Abbey prove as popular as ever. Picture: Keith Heppell. (62360386)

“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.”



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