Just ahead of the multi-coloured crocuses or the bright yellow
winter aconite comes the promise of spring, Snowdrops, or
Galanthus (latin name) which are known as the hidden gems of the
Scottish gardens. Sometimes referred to as Candlemas bells,
appearing as they do around Candlemas(2nd February), it is
sacred to the Celtic goddess Brigid, goddess of inspiration and
health. But this year, due to the cold snap, the flowers are
likely to be blooming later than usual. Although many gardens
have seasonal opening which are open to the public, usually from
Easter to Autumn, the glory of the snowdrops is such that they
open during the “snowdrop season”on certain dates. There are
many different species of snowdrop,some of which are in bloom as
early as October, although the main snowdrop season is February.
To view the tranquil beauty, the Scottish Snowdrop Festival
brings over 50 historic homes, gardens and castles in Scotland.
The Southern Scotland, Northern Scotland and the North of the
Central Belt are some of th