'Fairytale' snowdrop display brings hope

Snowdrop petals feature distinctive green and yellow markings

The arrival of snowdrops is a sign of "hope" during the harsh winter months, a head gardener has said.

Flowering from January to early March, the white perennials can survive sub-zero temperatures, frost and snow.

Transforming gardens and woodlands into a "fairytale scene", snowdrops were a "sign that spring is round the corner and a sign of things to come", said Dan Winter, head gardener at Evenley Wood Garden in Evenley, Northamptonshire.

"Evenley Wood has always been quite magical. It's a lovely setting, and with things like snowdrops, it really sets it off an absolute treat," he said.

Evenley Wood Garden's head gardener Dan Winter says snowdrops are a sign that spring is on its way

Native to Europe and the Middle East, there are 20 known species of snowdrop and around 2,500 named varieties.

Standing between 7cm and 15cm (3-6in) tall, snowdrops have white bell-shaped flowers and two to three leaves on each stem.

Inner and outer petals feature distinctive green and yellow markings.

These differences make them fascinating to galanthophiles, or snowdrop enthusiasts.

"You always know when you come across a galanthophile because they always have muddy knees," said Mr Winter, who has placed mirrors on the ground at Evenley Wood Garden to help people identify snowdrops more easily.

He said rare and unusual snowdrops could cost thousands of pounds for a single bulb.

Snowdrops grow in clumps and can reach a height of 15cm

More than 80 varieties of snowdrop, including a scented one called S. Arnott, are grown at Evenley Wood Garden.

"S. Arnott is probably my favourite," said Mr Winter, who is hosting guided snowdrop-spotting tours of the 60-acre site this month.

"It's normally on a nice sunny day, when you're getting a bit of warmth on the flower, that you can pick up this honey sort-of fragrance as you walk by."

People who are passionate about snowdrops are known as galanthophiles

Visitors can also take self-guided tours using a free snowdrop trail map.

Jill Elliot, who volunteers at Evenley Wood Garden once a week, said: "The snowdrops are so beautiful; they are something we all look forward to."