Our Head Gardener points out what to look out for during February…

Along ‘Her Ladyships Walk’ – the entrance path into the arboretum – enjoy the stunning early spring border plentiful with flowers – Hellebores, Snowdrops, Cyclamen, and winter aconites.

Snowdrops will be in full flower throughout this month along the edges of the stream and in large bold patches throughout the arboretum which make an incredible impact. As we move through each week in February, they will become more prominent. There will also be Crocus coming into flower with shades of pink, purple, white and orange.

Daphne odora x bholua ‘Perfume Princess’, along with Daphne bholua, fill the air with sweetly scented flowers at multiple points around the arboretum. Lonicera standishii (Standish’s honeysuckle) and Chimonanthus praecox (wintersweet) provide a more delicate scent.

Witch hazel (Hamamelis) are in full flower. Their delicate red, yellow, and orange flowers and subtle fragrance brighten up the dullest of days.

Early flowering daffodils are in full flower too: The bright yellow January Gold, and Spring Dawn – which has a white flower and a yellow centre – lead the way, with other varieties beginning to flower towards the end of February.