Snowdrops tend to be the first flowers to bloom in England every year — according to the Woodland Trust, 26 January is the average date of the first snowdrop flowering. If you're desperate to see something bloom against the bleak winter backdrop, here's where you can get in on the snowdrop action in London.
Snowdrops at Kew Gardens
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The famous botanical garden is an obvious place to get your snowdrop fix — almost all of the 20 known varieties can be seen here, and Kew researchers discovered a new species as recently as 2019. You'll find most of Kew's snowdrop collection in the Rock Garden, and neighbouring Davies Alpine House in the north-east corner of the gardens.
Snowdrop sale at Myddelton House Gardens
Myddelton House Gardens in Enfield has quite a reputation for its snowdrops. Head to the Alpine Meadow area to marvel at a carpet of snowdrops and crocuses, swiftly followed by daffodils as the temperature rises. The garden was designed by renowned botanist Edward Augustus Bowles, who lived in Myddelton House from 1865 to 1954.
And if you want to recreate the snowdrop experience in your own garden, visit Myddelton House on Saturday 25 January 2025, when several nurseries gather for a snowdrop sale, selling common and rare varieties. In previous years, they've sold out sharpish, so we'd recommend getting there early. This year, there's also a lecture from renowned plantsman "Mr Snowdrop" Joe Sharman, one of the UK's leading breeders of snowdrops — you'll need to book tickets in advance.
Myddelton House Gardens, snowdrop sale on 25 January 2025.
Snowdrops at Chelsea Physic Garden
Chelsea Physic Garden reopens after its winter break on 26 January 2025, when it's hoped the extensive display of snowdrops will be ready for viewing.
There's a snowdrops tour (29 January/12 February) led by a senior member of the gardening team, as well as a talk about the folklore of snowdrops (27 January). Various snowdrop varieties are usually available to buy in the garden's shop if you fancy recreating the experience at home.
Chelsea Physic Garden, from 26 January 2025.
Snowdrops at Osterley Park
Before its ground are blanketed in the soft yellows of springtime daffodils, Osterley Park in Isleworth is scattered with dazzling drifts of white snowdrops, sure to bring warmth to the chilliest of midwinter days.
Willing to travel further afield for your snowdrops? National Trust has a guide to snowdrops at its properties across the south-east, including Cliveden in Buckinghamshire and Bateman's in East Sussex.
