Ightham Mote garden in winter

Looking across the north lake at Ightham Mote on a sunny winter's day

After the leaves have fallen and many shrubs lay dormant waiting for spring, it's time for the structure of the garden to stand up proud.

With a series of smaller 'gardens' leading up towards the historic pleasure grounds, Ightham Mote's 14 acre garden has something ethereal about it in winter.

A blanket of frost sparkles in the pleasure grounds
Ightham Mote from the pleasure grounds in winter
A blanket of frost sparkles in the pleasure grounds

Whether it's the sunlight glistening on the water, or the early morning mists and frosts shrouding the garden, you’re never far from the sound of running water as the garden is set amongst a series of springs and water features.

Closeup of spring snowdrops

Snowdrop Season 

Throughout February, look out for arrays of magical wintery Snowdrops coming into flower across the gardens at Ightham Mote.

Colour, scent and structure

On the slope, beneath the silvery bark of the birches, a charming array of cyclamen and snowdrops appear gradually. Whilst alongside the vibrant stems of the dogwood (Cornus), the bowed heads of the hellebores greet you.

Silver birch and dogwood shine out in winter
The pump house surrounded by silver birch and dogwood stems
Silver birch and dogwood shine out in winter

As winter draws to an end, the sweetly-scented Daphne (Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postil’) perfumes the air, whilst the first Rhododendrons awaken from their winter slumber.