Here are a few highlights to look out for in the arboretum during February…

Enjoy the stunning early spring border along ‘Her Ladyships Walk’ – the entrance path into the arboretum – brimming with seasonal flowers including hellebores, snowdrops, cyclamen and winter aconites, offering a wonderful welcome as the new season begins.

Large displays of snowdrops are in full flower throughout this month along the edges of the stream and in bold patches throughout the arboretum which make an incredible impact. As the month goes on, these displays will become even more prominent, joined by crocus flowers in shades of pink, purple, white and orange.

Sweet fragrance fills the air thanks to Daphne odora x bholua ‘Perfume Princess’ and Daphne bholua, which can be found flowering in several locations around the arboretum. Cornus officinalis (the Japanese cornelian cherry) stands out with its bright yellow flowers on bare stems — unscented, but unmistakable.

Witch hazels (Hamamelis) are also in full bloom, their delicate red, yellow and orange flowers, along with their subtle perfume, bring cheer to even the dullest winter days.

Early flowering daffodils are in full flower too: Bright yellow January Gold and Spring Dawn — with its white petals and yellow centre — are leading the way, with many other varieties beginning to flower towards the end of February.

Ornamental stem colour remains a highlight, with white-stemmed birch and ornamental dogwoods displaying striking shades of red, orange, black and olive green.