Kilkenny garden lovers invited to Snowdrop Month in Carlow

The arrival of the delicate white and green blooms of the snowdrop is celebrated in some of Carlow’s fantastic gardens by a dedicated series of events during February.

These events welcoming the first signs of Spring include the annual Snowdrop Gala at at Ballykealey House, Ballon on Saturday (January 27), guided tours of the snowdrop collection at Altamont Gardens from February 1 to 29, specialist snowdrop programme in Arboretum’s Inspirational Gardens at Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven from February 1 to 29, snowdrop fun for all the family to be enjoyed at Huntington Castle every weekend during February in a unique setting, the two-acre community garden An Gairdin Beo in Carlow town centre celebrates snowdrops during various art forms on Saturday February 24, an extensive snowdrop collection is available to view in Shankill Castle each weekend in February and the gardens at Burtown House also feature an extensive collection of snowdrops and will open every Wednesday – Sunday during February.

Drainage improvement project underway in Kilkenny housing estate

The annual Snowdrop Gala at Ballykealey House, Ballon will take place on Saturday (January 27) which celebrates its 12th anniversary this year, has become a firm favourite with lovers and enthusiasts of this special flower. This year’s programme features lectures by Steve Edney (UK), former Head Gardener at the Salutation and Canterbury Cathedral and owner of No Name Nursery and garden consultant who talks on “Sticks, Stems and the Stars of Spring” .

German speaker Michael Deisvogt, Director of Park Härle Arboretum in Bonn promises a fascinating talk “Plants and People: Snowdrops in a German Garden”.

Following lunch the afternoon includes a full guided tour of Altamont Gardens and a Specialist Plants Sale in Altamont Plant Sales featuring snowdrops from Avon Bulbs via Altamont Plants, Coosheen Plants, Cold Blow Nursery, Fields of Bloom, Assumpta Broomfield, Rosabell Plant Supports and Esker Farm Daffodils (Dave and Joules Hardy).

Book online www.altamontplants.digitickets.co.uk/tickets by PayPal via sales@altamontplants.com or by credit card, contact Robert Miller T: 087 9822135

The very popular Snowdrop Month at Altamont Gardens runs from February 1 to 29 and is a great opportunity to view this unique collection, first started by Corona North, former owner of the gardens. Having been further developed by the OPW over the last twenty years the collection is  now amongst the largest in Ireland, with over 150 named varieties. This 40-acre estate, on the banks of the River Slaney near Tullow features an enchanting blend of formal, informal and wild gardens. Guided tours take place each Monday to Friday throughout February at 2pm and group tours are available by appointment. The gardens are open daily for general viewing from 9 am – 4.30pm. Now in its 23rd year, this is one event on your gardening calendar that you cannot afford to miss. Sugar and Spice Café located in the Walled Garden is open serving hot drinks and delicious cakes. 

Arboretum’s Inspirational Gardens at the award-winning Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven has a specialist snowdrop programme for 2024.  Arboretum’s founder, Rachel Doyle, created the gardens in 2010 to inspire her customers. Rachel likes to say that the snowdrops wake up the Inspirational Gardens, as they are the first to flower every year; and there is something different every month after that. There are a few thousand snowdrop bulbs in the gardens made up of Galanthus ‘Flore Pleno’, which produces dainty fragrant double-white flowers, and the pure white Galanthus ‘Mount Everest’, a large, strong variety perfect for naturalising. In the shop, find an array of potted snowdrops including ‘Mount Everest’ and the common snowdrop ‘Nivalis’.

Snowdrop fun for all the family is on offer each weekend during Snowdrop Month at Huntington Castle, listed as one of the top six gardens to visit in Ireland’s Ancient East. These historic 17th century grounds feature a collection of snowdrops and crocuses to be enjoyed in a unique setting. Along with the snowdrop collection you can view the French limes on the avenue, the lawns to the side of the house, the fish ponds on either side of the centre walk through the wilderness and the Yew Tree Walk. After the gardens head back to the castle where a guided tour of the house provides a window into both its fascinating past, and the lives of the family who call the castle home today – or simply take a well-earned break in the tea rooms. To get the full Huntington experience, consider a stay in one of their beautiful castle rooms or self-catering cottages. 

A new addition to the snowdrop calendar is planned at the beautiful two-acre community garden An Gairdin Beo in Carlow Town centre. Craft and Coffee on Saturday, February 24 celebrates snowdrops during various art forms. 

An extensive snowdrop collection is also available to view in Shankill Castle each weekend throughout the month of February. The gardens located in Paulstown feature a spectacular range of early Spring bulbs and a carpet of snowdrops. 

The gardens at Burtown House will open every Wednesday – Sunday during the month of February featuring an extensive collection of snowdrops, aconites, hellebores and early bulbs. Hearty brunches and lunches using produce from the organic kitchen garden will be served at The Green Barn Restaurant – booking recommended is (059) 862 3865 W: www.burtownhouse.ie

For further information log onto www.carlowgardentrail.com or contact Carlow Tourism on 059-9130411                         E: info@carlowtourism.com