One of the first signs of spring is the emergence of snowdrops – and doesn’t everyone look forward to that? Already they are beginning to pop through in the garden.
But drive, walk or cycle around Glencaple and by February you’ll see swathes of these pretty little flowers in woods and alongside roadside verges – often in what used to be the remains of gardens around long-gone cottages.
You can admire them but remember it’s illegal to collect snowdrop bulbs from the wild in UK without the landowner’s permission. And even if you get permission you’ll need to make sure you are digging up the right thing ‘cause bluebell bulbs can look incredibly similar to snowdrop bulbs. Native bluebells are a protected species. But the Spanish variety isn’t, and over time has bullied its way into gardens and wild spaces all over the country. So often what you are looking at are la campanilla.
The snowdrop isn’t strictly a UK native though. They became fashionable in the Victorian era but due to it being known under several different names, no one knows for sure when it was first introduced to the UK. Maybe around 1778 but botanist John Gerard described the snowdrop in his writings in 1597. Who knows?
A spectacular display of snowdrops can be seen at Drumlanrig Castle Gardens, Thornhill (16 miles north of Dumfries on the A76). Follow a specially designed way-marked route around the Gardens and discover the variety of snowdrops on display. Open for the snowdrop walk, only on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 February, 11am – 3pm and Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 February, 11am – 3pm (before the Castle and Grounds open full-time later in the Spring). Normal entrance charges apply. Go to www.drumlanrigcastle.co.uk for more information.
So come come and stay in Glencaple and enjoy snowdrops, bluebells and the wonder of Drumlanrig Castle Gardens before the crowds.
Check out the Flat’s availability and rates and call Sue on 01387 770348 or email us at sue_greig@yahoo.co.uk if you’d like to book. You can also find us on the Vrbo website if you’d prefer to instantly book on-line.
