Snowdrops

WELFORD PARK IS NOW CLOSED FOR THE SNOWDROP 2018 SEASON

WE APOLOGISE TO ANY VISITORS PLANNING COMING THIS LAST WEEKEND BUT DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF SNOW AND ICE IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR US TO ALLOW VISITORS.

THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE THAT VISITED THIS SEASON AND WE DO HOPE TO SEE YOU AGAIN IN FEBRUARY 2019

GENERAL INFORMATION

The greek name for snowdrops is GALANTHUS,  (gala = milk,  anthos = flower) and there are now more than 200 species. The common woodland species Nivalis,  is very prevalent in the Lambourn Valley. The Galanthus Nivalis display here at Welford Park is in a beech wood covering approximately 5 acres alongside the River Lambourn. In the formal gardens to the South of the Queen Anne House you can view some of the rarer species from Lord Monostictus, Green Tips, Lady Elphinstone, John Gray, Hippolyta,  Desdomena, Virdipice, Collosus, Woronowii, S. Arnott, Brenda Troyle  and many more.

Snowdrops are nearly always found in abbey ruins and graveyards, and were planted by Norman monks as a symbol of purity and the cleansing of the earth after winter. Some of the greatest snowdrop displays in England were all originally monastic sites ie Walsingham Abbey, Hodsock Priory, Anglesey Abbey and Welford Park.

We think the snowdrops here at Welford Park were planted by the Norman monks to decorate their Church for the feast of Candlemas, and also for medicinal use. The monks harvested snowdrops and used to rub them on the temple of people suffering from “mal au tete”. Close to the snowdrop woods we have also found wild aconitum, petasites and mistletoe all of which have strong healing properties

Each year we make donations to West Berkshire charities.   In 2018 we will be supporting :

Mary Hare School      www.maryhare.org.uk

Rosemary Appeal Newbury Hospital    www.rosemaryappeal.org

Recovery in Mind.      www.recoveryinmind2016.com

St Gregory’s Church, Welford

NGS Yellow Book Charities on  Wednesday 7 February 2018 - gate money

Macmillan Cancer Support on Wednesday 28 February and Thursday 1st March PLANT FAIR, each stallholder gives a donation