Snowdrops
Rode Hall Gardens are the setting of one of the most spectacular displays of snowdrops in the North West of England and Rode’s Snowdrop Walks have a strong and well respected reputation throughout the UK. With over fifty different varieties of snowdrops to be seen in the magnificent setting of Rode’s Humphry Repton landscape, this mile-long walk (approximately) is a perfect morning or afternoon stroll out in the fresh air for nature-lovers of all ages. The swathes of cascading white flowers at Rode are a sight to behold and one of Cheshire’s little known natural treasures.
Our snowdrop walk features on Great British Gardens Website on www.greatbritishgradens.co.uk
The snowdrops attract followers from all over the country such is the appeal of these exquisite flowers that herald the start of spring. Delicate and yet at the same time robust, they, along with blue-bells are perhaps one of our most loved flowers – whether magically carpeting country paths in the wild or after planting in the borders in our own gardens. They simply cheer the soul and tell us we have another year of flora in store.
Other winter plants and shrubs at Rode Hall and Gardens add to the experience as does the fine tea-room that serves home-made goodies on a daily basis. You can even buy a bulb or two for your own garden – it will take time and space to create any kind of dramatic display but if you are lucky – plant one and the following year you will get two, then four, then eight – so given time, your endeavour will certainly pay off.
2010 is the eighth year that Sir Richard Baker Wilbraham and his wife Anne have shared their wonderful garden with the general public in February. The snowdrops were originally introduced by Sibella Egerton at the time of her marriage to Randle Wilbraham in 1833.
Following on from the popularity of last year, the parish church of All Saints, Odd Rode, was decorated with snowdrops and other winter flowers and there was an exhibition of paintings by local artists.