February is snowdrop time here at Penrhyn Castle and the grounds and gardens are dotted with drifts of beautiful alabaster snowdrops.
As Spring advances, you can spot not only snowdrops but also bluebells and daffodils here at Penrhyn Castle.
Snowdrops can vary in height, flower size, shape and even colouring. A hardy plant that enjoys partial shade and moist conditions, they will naturalise and multiply into drifts over time. This popular Spring bulb is widely enjoyed by many as an early, outdoor flower.
To help 'grow' our display, in 2019 we will be holding Penrhyn Snowdrop Planting Days on 17 and 19 February 11am to 3pm.
With your help, we hope to make our display the best in the area and celebrate this beautiful little indigenous flower.
Where to spot Snowdrops at Penrhyn
Explore and discover your own little piece of Spring at Penrhyn Castle, most likely be tucked away in partially shady spots. One of the best displays is on the far banks of the Lady Sybil’s Water Garden, viewable from the bottom area of the Walled Garden.
Did you know?
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Galanthus, the botanical name for snowdrop, means milk-white flowers.
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The Welsh names for Snowdrops, Lili Wen and Eirlys, are also popular Welsh girl's names.
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There is a famous poem in Welsh, an ode to the Snowdrop:
O Lili wen fach, o ble daethost di?
A'r gwynt mor arw ac mor oer ei gri?
Sut y mentraist di allan drwy'r eira I gyd?
Nid oes blodyn bach arall i'w weld yn y byd!
Here is the English translation:
Oh little snowdrop, from where have you come from?
With the wind so wild and how cold it's cry?
How did you venture out through all of the snow?
There isn't another flower to be seen in the world
