Western Daily Press (Saturday)
SPRING IN YOUR STEP
Need a boost after cold, drab winter months? Early signs of spring are in evidence as you stroll National Trust gardens
THERE’S nothing better to lift the spirits than the first signs of spring, which is slowly taking hold at National Trust gardens right across South West – starting in Cornwall and sweeping gently up the country. Swathes of pure white snowdrops and sunny daffodils are sure signs of warmer days to come.
Mike Beeston, National Trust Garden’s Advisor in the South West, said: “Personally, I find there is no better uplift for my spirits than visiting one of the many gardens we care for, and now’s a great time to visit.”
Here are some beautiful National Trust gardens to visit in early spring...
COTEHELE
Daffodils tend to pop up all over the estate but seem to particularly like it around the Barn Restaurant, in the meadow behind the house and in the old orchard.
Different varieties of daffodils take centre stage at different times, from tiny multi-flowered tête-à-têtes early in the season to the ruffled petals of the so-called ‘butter and eggs’ later on.
The Tamar Valley has been home to daffodil growing for centuries. The warm, wet climate and steep, south-facing banks of the river catch the early spring sunshine, meaning that the flowers emerge earlier than in the rest of the country. Some varieties date back to the 17th century.
LANHYDROCK
Lanhydrock has been voted one of the top gardens in the South West for colour at this time of year.
First up are the snowdrops, cyclamen and crocuses, and then daffodils blanket the ground.
Up next are the magnolias, and Lanhydrock is famous for these spectacular pinky white blooms.
Take an early spring stroll through the parkland and you’ll spot hardy little snowdrops in the woods. There are many trails to follow – some easy and more accessible, many dogfriendly and a few slightly challenging. Wherever you wander, it’s a simple way to lift your spirits and sample the joys of spring.
TRELISSICK
Bathed in a mild and maritime Cornish climate, Trelissick sits on its own peninsula and as early as February you’ll catch sight of the bright pinks and reds of flowering rhododendrons and camellias. As you stroll around, you’re also likely to come across hellebores, cyclamens and snowdrops in the borders. Slightly later in the season, the spring walk near the house is the place to find camellias, rhododendrons and magnolias, surrounded by delicate lilac-blue Pyrenean squills.
GREENWAY
Agatha Christie chose her Devon home well, as from the house you get glimpses of the glistening River Dart through the trees. Nodding golden daffodils stretch all the way into the woodland garden, but a great place to see them is right in front of the house, where these little trumpets bloom across the grand lawn.
Drop down into the secret walled garden and you’re in a world of jewel-like camellias. Introduced from the Far East, exotic camellias are now firm favourites here in the South West, with 450 different species on National Trust records.
TYNTESFIELD
There’s nothing like an outing to Tyntesfield near Bristol to put a spring in your step. Spring blooms, space to play and time to relax make it the perfect place to escape to the minute spring is in the air. While there’s something special at Tyntesfield all year round, spring tops the bill. Just as the kitchen garden is waking up and early veg taking hold, daffodils start to give way to bright tulips in the formal gardens around the imposing Gothic Revival house.
STOURHEAD
Over in Wiltshire, Stourhead was designed on a grand scale in the 1700s with great lakes, temples and grottos, and further afield King Alfred’s Tower, chalk downlands and ancient woods.
As you take in all this space and grandeur, find a moment to absorb the sunny ‘clouds’ of daffodils at your feet, stretching across the garden and wider estate.
KINGSTON LACY
As spring reaches this opulent ‘Venetian Palace’ in the Dorset countryside, February is a great time to catch sight of snowdrops. The Victorian fernery is a good place to start, while more of these delicate flowers can be spotted along the Lime Avenue and Lady’s Walk. As winter gives way to spring, daffodils, hyacinths and tulips also fill the borders – in total more than 50,000 bulbs emerge.
Please check the National Trust website before visiting for opening times and to find out what to expect from your visit. Some places may need booking in advance. To find a National Trust garden near you that is welcoming in the spring see nationaltrust.org. uk/visit/gardens-parks