Snowdrop Spotting in the South

Did you know there is a special word just for snowdrop enthusiasts? If you go snowdrop spotting each year as winter turns to spring, you can consider yourself a Galanthophile. And the South of Scotland is the perfect place to be, with an abundance of these gorgeous little white flowers. Many of our gorgeous gardens across the region host special snowdrop events for you to enjoy. But no need to wait – here’s our guide on where to see these darling flowers bobbing their heads in the winter sunshine.

Royal Botanic Garden Logan

Where: Port Logan

Visit Scotland’s most exotic (and southwesterly) garden and see the delicate swathes of snowdrops popping their heads up as spring starts to appear. Logan Botanic Garden will be opening for the weekends from 1st February to 10th March from 10am-4pm for visitors for their . Snowdrops are not the only flowers to pop out early and in the Walled Garden there are already some colourful blooms from early rhododendrons. You can warm and fortify yourself afterwards in the Potting Shed Bistro. Click on this link for more event details.

Castle Kennedy

Where: Stranraer

On the estate of the Earl and Countess of Stair, you will find a special three-mile route of snowdrops in pure abundance. Each weekend from 3rd February to 24th March, Castle Kennedy Gardens invites you to walk along the Black Loch for a spectacular view of carpets of these magical flowers. Indeed the 10^th Earl of Stair was a particular enthusiast and responsible for planting more than 10 varieties of snowdrops in the Walled Gardens.  In fact the gardens even has its own unique specimen, Galanthus nivalis ‘Lochinch’ , named after the Earl’s castle. Click on this link for more event details.

Cringletie

Where: Peebles

From 5th February to 15th March, feast your eyes on millions of the Genus Galanthus, or Snowdrops, which are throught to have been brought back to Cringletie by soliders from the Crimean War. The descendents of those snowdrops now create a stunning blanket of white throughout the woods and valley in the grounds of this 28-acre estate. Once you’ve had your fill of bracing fresh air and the delicate blooms, give way to your grumbling tummies and enjoy a scrumptious afternoon tea. Of course the option of staying for a weekend winter break may be too hard to resist for some. Click on this link for more event details.

Dawyck Botanic Garden

Where: Stobo

Over in the Borders, Logan’s sister garden, Dawyck Botanic Garden opens from the 4th February and invites visitors to learn about the garden’s magnificient plant collection and take in the magical snowdrops carpetting the banks of Scrape Burn. Click on this link for more event details.

Drumlanrig Castle

Where: Thornhill

As winter turns to spring there are sure signs of snowdrops along the walks and trails at Drumlanrig Castle. The gardens officially open on 1st March, but on 24th and 25th February, you can visit the magnificent castle gardens and explore the way-marked route to enjoy the dazzling display of snowdrops. Guests can discover the variety of snowdrops on display before heading to the Larchwood Cabin for delicious take-away coffees, cakes and traybakes. And you can bring your four-legged friends along too. Click on this link for more event details.

Dryburgh Abbey

Where: St Boswells

Swathes of white carpet the woodland around Dryburgh Abbey, a remarkably complete medieval ruin by the River Tweed. Known as one of the four great abbeys of the Borders, it is also the burial place of Sir Walter Scott. The abbey and grounds are open daily from 10am – 4pm, but on 17th February, you can join the Rangers at Dryburgh Abbey to learn more about these beautiful flowers. Click on this link for more event details.

Abbotsford

Where: Melrose

There are plenty of snowdrops to spot in the woodland around the estate at Sir Walter Scott’s home, Abbotsford. Abbotsford’s visitor centre, café, shop and free Sir Walter Scott exhibition are open Wednesday – Sunday day 10am- 4pm and the house and gardens will reopen from 1st March. Sir Walter Scott was a firm believer in the mental health benefits of a good walk outdoors. “Fighting with this fiend is not always the best way to conquer him. I have always found exercise and the open air better than reasoning.” – Sir Walter Scott on the fiend of depression.

Threave Gardens

Where: Castle Douglas

Threave Gardens is opens daily from 8th January, from 10am – 4pm and it certainly does have an excellent display of snowdrops. Did you know that unlike many other spring bulbs, snowdrops need to be planted ‘in the green’, that is to say once the flowering has finished but while there are still green stems? If you’re in need of sustenance, never fear there is a café and visitor centre to warm up and relax after you’ve made your way around the estate gardens.

Glenwhan Gardens

Where: Dunragit

As one would expect from this excellent garden, there is a fabulous display of snowdrops at Glenwhan Gardens in Dunragit near Stranraer. This 12-acre garden hewn out of bracken, gorse and willow over 30 years is a gem of a garden and a pleasure to visit anytime of year. Enjoy the winding paths, seats and sculptures as you take in the tranquillity of the garden and the gently bobbing heads of the humble snowdrops.