Snowdrops

REGULAR UPDATE ON SNOWDROP GARDENS

The snowdrop woods are now in a decline as the mild spring weather is upon us.  Therefore WELFORD PARK IS NOW CLOSED  and we will start our preparations to welcome you in 2018.

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 2017,  we have supported  :

NGS Yellow Book Charities on  Wednesday 8 February 2017

Fair Close Centre (Age Concern Newbury and District)  on Sunday 12 February 2017

Friends for Young Carers, West Berkshire on Sunday 19 February 2017

Macmillan Cancer Support on Thursday 23rd February 2017 (Plant Fair)

St Gregory’s Church, Welford