Free entry for children to the National Garden Scheme Snow Drop Festival in Essex raising money for health charities

The National Garden Scheme’s Snowdrop Festival in February is at three Essex gardens, raising money for health charities

The National Garden Scheme Snowdrop Festival runs in February at three Essex gardens, raising money for health charities.

Dragons in Boyton Cross, Chelmsford, CM1 4LS, with a display of giant snowdrops, is open on Wednesday, February 12, from noon-3pm. Admission £4, free for children.

On Sunday, Febrary 16, Longyard Cottage in Betts Lane, Nazeing, EN9 2DA is open from 11am-4pm. Admission £4, free for children. Horkesley Hall, Little Horkesley, CO6 4DB opens on Saturday, February 22, 1pm-4pm with homemade teas and plants available to buy. Admission £6, free for children.

The National Garden Scheme in Essex raised a record £183,000 in 2019 thanks to the generosity of garden owners, visitors and volunteers. Beneficiaries include Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, The Queen's Nursing Institute and MIND.

Since its foundation in 1927, The National Garden Scheme has donated over £50 million to its beneficiaries.