It's that time of year again: snowdrops are beginning to emerge from their dormancy to create carpets of white in many public spaces and gardens.
They bloom anytime between January and early March, and their white petals and green leaves brighten the winter months and signal that warmer days are approaching.
So, enjoy the white stripes of these pint-sized flowers as they bring life to gardens.
These are just some of the gardens where you will see them at their best.
1. Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
Some of the snowdrops will emerge early, clustered under the branches of the yew and linden trees in the east and west corners of the South Court. The Winter Border and Stumpery that border the Elizabethan House will be awash with snowdrops, winter aconites and hellebores helping to bring the gardens to life. The colors of the flowers contrast beautifully with the bark and stems of nearby trees and shrubs.
2. Oxburgh Estate, Norfolk
For those who want to explore this estate beyond the imposing 15th-century brick manor house, you will be able to see thousands of snowdrops and winter aconites each year in Wilderness, My Lady's Wood and North Terrace, in this garden, which is a mix of formal and nature. The plants are allowed to self-seed, creating a beautiful and natural scene. Later in the year, you'll be able to admire mounds of bluebells on the forest floor, along with fragrant shrubs, evergreens and mature lime trees that create a romantic illusion of a wild landscape.
3. The Argory, County Armagh
Explore the sprawling wooded riverside estate surrounding this Irish gentry home and you'll find swaths of snowdrops on its limestone walk, offering a peaceful path along the water.
4. Kingston Lacy, Dorset
Kingston Lacy is famous for its spectacular snowdrop walk, which extends across 40 acres of gardens. With more than six million snowdrops, this exhibit is a must-see for keen photographers and families alike. Snowdrops usually bloom here from late January to February, creating a magical white landscape.
5. Wallington, Northumberland
In recent years, visitors have planted more than a million snowdrops at Wallington, and their display also includes some special varieties of snowdrops, including the Northumbrian 'Sandersii' group, which has sulfur-yellow markings rather than green, and the pretty 'Flore Pleno' with twice the usual petals.
6. Gelli Uchaf Garden, no. Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire
This one and a half acre garden complements the owners' 17th century Welsh longhouse and 11 acre smallholding, which has a sloping upland landscape to accommodate many different garden areas with varying microclimates. In the garden, trees and shrubs are planted in spring with hundreds of thousands of snowdrops (over 250 cultivars and the exclusive Welsh Snowdrop Collection), crocuses, cyclamen, daffodils and many other bulbs. Open for the National Garden Scheme on selected dates from 21 February. It is essential to reserve in advance.
7. Great Comp Garden, No. Sevenoaks, Kent
While most people will be staying warm indoors in February, the doors to Kent's Great Comp Garden will open for one day only to host its annual Plant and Snowdrop Fair on Sunday 15 February, welcoming gardeners eager for the first signs of spring.
The event is always highly anticipated by galantophiles (fanatics of snowdrops), who travel great distances to obtain the best plants in specialized nurseries. Visitors can expect to find a variety of snowdrops, from common varieties to rare and uncommon beauties highly sought after by collectors.
8. Welford Park, Berkshirmy
From 28 January to 1 March, visitors to this beautiful private estate, home of The Great British Bake Off, will be able to admire one of the UK's finest collections of bluebells thriving among the five-acre beech woods, the enchanting banks of the River Lambourn and the glorious gardens of Welford Park. It is supporting several charities on specific days, including the National Garden Scheme (NGS) on February 4, which raises money for health and nursing charities.
9. Westcroft, No. Salisbury, Wiltshire
This magical two-thirds-acre garden is now home to a collection of more than 500 named varieties, plus single and double varieties throughout the garden. January and February are the best months to see this galantophile's paradise, as mounds of bluebells cover the ground. Lots of hellebores, lungworts, grasses and seeds add interest. Obsessed galanthophile Lyn Miles is open every Thursday from January 2 to March 13 (except Thursday, January 23) and on some weekend dates, for NGS.
10. Dawyck Botanic Gardens, nr Peebles, Scottish Borders
As the Royal Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh's 65-acre regional garden, home to one of the world's finest arboretums and beautiful woodland walks along the River Tweed, the snowdrop displays won't disappoint when delicate galanthus drape the banks of Scrape Burn in February. Open every day from February 1st.
Visitors to Scotland may want to check out details of the Scottish Snowdrop Festival, which runs from January 27 to March 12 and will feature a mix of events and self-guided walks for everyone to enjoy.
11. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire
The spectacular mounds of snowdrops at this World Heritage Site are a legacy of the Earl of Grey, who planted flowers along the banks of the River Skell when he owned the estate during the 19th century.
12. Attingham Park, Shropshire
This 18th century estate has 200 acres of parkland, and in winter you can find treasures including carpets of snowdrops which are usually at their best between early and mid-February, although this always depends on the weather. You'll find the best exhibits in the woods, the Pleasure Grounds and around the Mile Walk. The park will also host an evening walk to discover Attingham's magical carpet of snowdrops over three nights in February.
