Explore blooming gardens in February for a delightful display of snowdrops, crocuses, and more floral delights.
**Top Gardens to Visit in February: A Guide Recommended by Garden Experts**
February is a mesmerising month for garden enthusiasts, as many gardens across the UK and abroad come alive with early spring blooms and unique plant collections. Keith Wiley and Tom Coward, two respected garden writers and experts, often recommend gardens that showcase seasonal interest and unique plant collections, especially in winter months like February. Here’s a summary of the top gardens they suggest visiting in February, both in the UK and abroad:
## Top Gardens to Visit in February in the UK (Recommended by Wiley & Coward)
### 1. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (London) - **Why visit:** February is an excellent time to see early spring bulbs, snowdrops, and winter flowering shrubs. The Temperate House often displays exotic winter-flowering plants. - **Highlights:** Snowdrop walks, camellias, witch hazel, and the Palm House’s tropical collection.
### 2. Isabella Plantation, Richmond Park (London) - **Why visit:** Known for its magical winter garden atmosphere with large displays of camellias and rhododendrons peaking. - **Highlights:** Camellia collection, azaleas starting to bloom, woodland paths.
### 3. Hidcote Manor Garden (Cotswolds) - **Why visit:** Its famous winter structure and winter-blooming plants such as witch hazel and snowdrops make it a great off-season destination. - **Highlights:** Winter garden rooms, snowdrops, seasonal views over the Cotswolds.
### 4. Anglesey Abbey (Cambridgeshire) - **Why visit:** Known for its spectacular snowdrop displays, especially along the long drive and woodland garden. - **Highlights:** Snowdrops, winter aconites, early daffodils.
### 5. The Lost Gardens of Heligan (Cornwall) - **Why visit:** The mild Cornish climate allows a variety of winter flowering plants to thrive, including camellias and magnolias. - **Highlights:** Camellias, magnolias, early rhododendrons.
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## Top Gardens to Visit in February Abroad (Recommended by Wiley & Coward)
### 1. Jardí Botànic Marimurtra (Costa Brava, Spain) - **Why visit:** The Mediterranean climate allows for winter blooms and an exotic plant collection not possible in the UK during winter. - **Highlights:** Succulents, Mediterranean flora, early spring bulbs.
### 2. Jardins de Valloires (France) - **Why visit:** Specializes in winter flowering plants and snowdrops, making it an excellent European destination in February. - **Highlights:** Snowdrops, camellias, winter-flowering trees.
### 3. Giardini Botanici Hanbury (Italy) - **Why visit:** Mild Mediterranean winters bring early blossoms; the gardens feature exotic and subtropical plants. - **Highlights:** Palms, camellias, winter flowering magnolias.
### 4. Keukenhof Gardens (Netherlands) – Early Bulb Displays - **Why visit:** While the main tulip display is later (March-April), February can show early bulb blooms in some areas. - **Highlights:** Early daffodils and crocuses in heated greenhouses and specific early bulb sections.
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## Expert Tips from Wiley and Coward for February Garden Visits: - **Look for early bulbs:** Snowdrops, crocuses, and winter aconites are key indicators of the season’s shift. - **Focus on winter structure:** Many gardens have architectural features and evergreen frameworks that look stunning with winter light. - **Explore camellias and witch hazel:** These flowering shrubs bring color when most others are dormant. - **Choose mild climates abroad:** Mediterranean gardens often beat UK gardens for winter blooms and growth.
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If you want a curated trip or more personalized recommendations, I can help suggest itineraries based on these gardens and planting highlights! - Colesbourne Gardens in the Cotswold countryside has over 300 species and cultivars of snowdrops, including Galanthus 'George Elwes' and Galanthus 'Lord Lieutenant'. (colesbourne gardens.org.uk) - Chris Lane periodically holds open days at Witch Hazel Nurseries near Sittingbourne, Kent, but they are booked up for this year. (witchhazelnursery.com) - Visiting gardens may require pre-booking due to travel restrictions and limited capacity. - Kalmthout Arboretum in Belgium has the largest collection of Hamamelis in Europe, including some of the oldest and largest witch hazels in the world. (arboretumkalmthout.be/en) - Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire has over 300 different species and cultivars of snowdrops, including some specific to the site. - The Alpine Garden Society show season starts in February, featuring woodlanders and bulbs. (alpinegardensociety.net) - It is recommended to check opening times before traveling to any garden. - Keith Wiley chose Lanhydrock as one of the best places to see spring flowers in many Cornish gardens in February. - Lanhydrock in Cornwall has wonderful displays of Asiatic magnolias towards the end of February. (nationaltrust.org.uk) - Tom Coward also chose Kalmthout Arboretum, Jardin Majorelle-Yves Saint Laurent Mansion, and Le Jardin Secret for their unique and stunning winter plant displays.
- The versatile hobby of gardening extends to fashion-and-beauty, as some enthusiasts blend their love for plants with their style, incorporating gardening elements into their wardrobe.
- For those with an appreciation for botanical wonders, visiting Top Gardens in February offers a glimpse into unique plant collections, from snowdrops in the UK to exotic winter-flowering plants abroad.
- The exploration of gardens in February is not limited to landscapes, but can also serve as a Hub for lifestyle inspiration, providing an opportunity to gain insights into home-and-garden design and concepts.
- Whether in the UK or abroad, February offers a chance for travelers to embark on a floral adventure, marvelling at early spring blooms and stunning landscapes in gardens recommended by garden experts.
- As garden tours become increasingly popular among tourists, it's important to prioritize camellias, witch hazel, and early bulbs when planning visits to maximize the seasonal beauty and wonders that gardens have to offer in February.
