Not just snowdrops at Colesbourne Park

Cyclamen coum and Galanthus 'S. Arnott', originally planted together in about 2004. This was a wonderful stock of Cyclamen from a Dutch supplier, superb in colour and extremely vigorous, spreading well and coming true from seed.  

Crocus imperati

Sunday was the best day we've had for months, calm, mild and sunny, with bees out and busy - at the least, an intimation of spring, much needed after the winter's storms. I was fortunate enough to spend it at Colesbourne Park, where the snowdrops were looking better than ever, and the richness of colour possible in the winter garden was very much on show too. It was nice to be back there with no duties, and free to enjoy the garden as a visitor - but with the memories of making it.

The 'spring bling' bed, planted in 2011. Bergenia 'Godfrey Owen' and Yucca 'Color Guard' are conspicuous.

Galanthus nivalis on the lake banks - a genetically diverse, self-sowing population, never forming big clumps.

Galanthus elwesii 'Pat Mason'

Galanthus 'James Backhouse'

Lakeside planting: Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire'  with reeds and other shrubs: the lake was even bluer than usual.

One of my favourite trees: Acer cappadocicum in the park