Snowdrops 2024 - Attingham Park

It is no secret that I am a great fan of snowdrops.  I have a few of the cheaper posh ones, but mainly I grow the simply lovely Galanthus nivalis.  Snowdrop time is brief and visiting snowdrop gardens is a joy.  I have favourite snowdrop places I return to, but the chance to visit a new snowdrop landscape is one I always embrace.

I have driven past Attingham Park a few times but I had not stopped to visit; but knew it was 'on the list'.  When the opportunity arose, I grabbed it.  It happened like this:

"We need a catch up, I haven't seen you in ages" I said to a friend who lives more westerly than I do.  "It must be my turn to drive towards you, let's find somewhere nice to have lunch."

"Yes," came the reply, "let's do that'".

Some googling of snowdrop gardens followed and Attingham Park popped up in the results.  I made the suggestion and it was agreed.  It is about 90 minutes from home so not too bad of a drive.

Attingham Park is owned by the National Trust after being donated to them by Lord Berwick in 1947.  There has been a settlement here since Bronze Age times and the village and a Hall were listed in the Domesday Book.  The current mansion was developed from 1780 onwards by the Barons of Berwick who bought the estate.

The landscape around the house was designed by Humphrey Repton and the landscape is largely parkland with a rather nice restored walled garden.

The day was quite lovely, with sun and blue sky when we arrived, though hints of grey were on the horizon.

We wandered and talked and talked and wandered.  We had much to catch up on.  

My friend who is not a gardener indulged my gardening chat including my pausing to admire glasshouses, 

my musings on why this is called a Cucumber Tree and having to wait whilst I looked it up.

We walked around the house, but we did not go in.  Maybe next time when I have more time.

We were talking so much that I did not take a lot of photos, not even one of the front of the house (rookie error).  That aside, it was a wonderful walk around the grounds.  The world was set to rights and we agreed it would not be so long before we met up again.

We went for lunch at the rather wonderful Mytton and Mermaid across the road, which Portmeirion fans will know was leased by Clough Williams Ellis in 1933 as a stop-off point for guests on the way to Portmeiron.

It has some Portmeirion touches that delight, plus excellent food - win win.

The snowdrop season has commenced, I have more gardens already booked to visit and I am hoping to add a couple more if I can.  Did I mention I love snowdrop season?

Snowdrops 2024 - A Thenford Return

Snowdrops 2024 - Lamport Hall

Take care and be kind.

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