The Easton Lodge snowdrops

ONE of the area’s top tourist attractions will be welcoming visitors to the first of only two Snowdrop Sundays at the start of its 2013 season.

The Gardens of Easton Lodge will be opening its doors on February 17 and 24 to see the annual ‘Snowdrops’ event which has become a must-see feature of the garden lovers’ calendar.

As in previous years, Snowdrops “in the green” will be available to buy and a pre-order form is now available on the website, eastonlodge.co.uk. The Roydon-Halls will also be at both open days with their very popular stall selling spring bulbs.

Visitors can enjoy the many thousands of blooms that form a stunning white carpet beneath the trees in the Bosquet and down into the glade. There will be nature activities for younger visitors and there is lots of space for them to run around and let off steam in this beautiful 23-acre site. Those less energetic can just enjoy the peace and tranquillity as they take in the many different areas of this magical place. The RSPB and a team from Uttlesford Waste Busters will also be at the gardens on the second Sunday.

Trustee Claire Matthews said: “We are especially excited to be welcoming visitors this spring as we have made such a huge difference in the Italian Garden by laying gravel between the beds; however, since it was done after the last open day in October the only people to see it have been the volunteers.

“We hope this will show just what we can achieve and perhaps encourage more volunteers and sponsors to come forward and help us to reach our goals in 2013.”

Opening hours for both Snowdrop Sundays are 12noon to 4pm (last admission at 3pm) with tickets costing £3.50 for adults and children entering free. A volunteer team will be manning the gates and serving homemade soups, bacon rolls, hot drinks and cakes by the croquet lawn to sustain visitors who venture out to see the first signs of spring.

● The Gardens of Easton Lodge Preservation Trust is looking for more people to join the team for these and subsequent open days and anyone interested should e-mail enquiries@eastonlodge.co.uk or leave a message on 01371 876979. Further information about the openings is also available from these sources as well as on the website.

● The Gardens of Easton Lodge is located just outside Great Dunmow in Little Easton, off the B184 (Great Dunmow to Saffron Walden road). Follow the brown heritage signs.