Stunning snowdrop grove at Markshall

If you’d like to see snowdrops on a mass scale then look no further than Robin’s Grove at Markshall, Coggeshall, where there are snowdrops aplenty. Markshall has a tremendous history, with a settlement at Markshall being mentioned in the Domesday Survey completed in 1086. Historically, Robin’s Grove would have always been home to snowdrops. These would have been the ‘double’ variety: Galanthus nivalis ‘Flore Pleno’.

Since the charitable trust was established in 1971, the snowdrop display has been expanded each year by lifting and dividing the clumps in March, after flowering. The Arboretum and Horticulture Team have also introduced a few ‘named’ varieties into the collection to widen interest, making the carpet of delicate white blooms at Markshall one of the best to see in Essex.

This February, Markshall will welcome visitors to enjoy snowdrop days. Whilst it may be winter, now is the perfect time to get outside in the cool winter’s sun and explore the Arboretum for seasonal blooms, including honeysuckle, sweet box, wintersweet and of course the sought-after snowdrops.

Open Tuesday – Sunday, and Monday during the February half term, there are plenty of opportunities for families to immerse themselves in the thousands of mid-winter’s loveliest bloom.

Becky Stone, Marketing Manager at Markshall added “We’re excited to welcome the return of snowdrops. We are particularly thrilled this year as it is the first February of our new opening hours – Tuesday to Thursday – meaning more families can come and enjoy the snowdrops in Robin’s Grove. It is so lovely seeing visitors posing for family photos and the excitement of seeing Percy Peacock strutting amidst the blooms. It’s another example of the incredible work carried out by our Arboretum and Horticulture Team.”

It won’t be long until the nodding flowers take over Robin’s Grove. Markshall recommends checking their social media pages for regular snowdrop updates.