Snowdrop Time – Two Winter Gardens - Thursday, 7th February, 2019   ​

Our season of outings for 2019 begins with visits to two renowned winter gardens: Anglesey Abbey (National Trust) and Benington Lordship. Both are famed for their display of snowdrops in February, but there are many more delights at both gardens. ​

---

We’ll spend 3 hours at Anglesey Abbey in the morning, where the Winter Garden has been specially designed with plants that are at their best during winter, grown either for their vibrant colour, texture or scent. A hot meal or refreshments can be taken at the Redwoods Restaurant at your own cost. You might also wish to visit the house to see Lord Fairhaven’s vast collection of antiques, paintings, silverware and clocks, take a stroll to the working watermill or explore other parts of the extensive garden. 
For more information go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/anglesey-abbey-gardens-and-lode-mill
​

---

 

In the afternoon, we visit the garden at Benington Lordship, cleverly designed on the site of a Norman castle and across the side of a steep hill merging into the surrounding parkland and lakes.  A spectacular display of snowdrops have naturalised around the remains of the Norman keep and surrounding moat, and a collection of around 200 rare and unusual snowdrops can be found around the walled kitchen garden. Hellebores, aconites and winter flowering shrubs are also in flower, as well as the coloured stems of acers, cornus and willow around the pond. Our afternoon will be rounded off with a cream tea (cost included) in their Tea Room before returning home.
For more information go to www.beningtonlordship.co.uk
​

The cost for this outing will be £27.00 for members (or £32.00 for guests and non-members) which covers entrance to Benington Lordship, cream tea, coach and driver’s gratuity. National Trust members must bring their membership cards for free entry to Anglesey Abbey. If you are not a member of the National Trust, there will be an additional entrance fee of £15 payable on the day. 
 
• Please make your own arrangements for lunch and refreshments in the morning.
• Departing Chalfont St Giles Village Green at 09.15.
• Departing Benington Lordship, Stevenage at approximately 16.45

We saw snow many Snowdrops ...