Benington Lordship gardens are opened every year in February when they are carpeted in a spectacular display of naturalised snowdrops around the remains of the Norman keep and surrounding moat. I had not managed to make my way there. I usually went to see the snowdrops in Ayot St Lawrence, especially around the old Church. I must admit though, Benington Lordship Gardens are bit amazing. We went quite early in the season in the end to photograph, they are opened to the end of February. So it will be more and more incredible to capture the snowdrops.
Two main species of snowdrop make up the spectacular display: the single common snowdrop Galanthus nivalis; and double Galanthus nivalis ‘flore pleno.’ However there are so many varieties to see at Benington Lordship – I even feel we were not experts enough to appreciate the varieties there.
The snowdrop walk, which runs along the wall at the top of the moat, was planted in the early twentieth century by the present owner’s family. Opening the gardens at snowdrop time became an annual tradition which has continued to the present day.
Over the years, a collection of rare and unusual snowdrops has developed and many of these special plants can be found growing in the borders.
You can read more about the gardens throughout the year here. I would come to see the gardens, and also stay for the walks around the village. The gardens are near Stevenage off the M1. Contact me should you want to discuss your next photography project.
