Things to enjoy in spring at Prior Park

Wild garlic fringes the paths throughout the spring — Wild garlic fringes the paths at Prior Park in spring

Spring daffodils in the Summer House Glade at Prior Park — Daffodil displays at Prior Park

carpets of wild garlic in bloom — wild garlic in flower in spring

Spring is one of our favourite times in the garden. There are lots of fresh green leaves and the smell of wild garlic fills the air.

Spring is a time of change in the garden. The snowdrops give way to swathes of daffodils across the Summerhouse Glade, there are patches of primroses along the paths and cuckoo flowers delicately speckle the banks of the lakes.

Wild garlic carpets the ground, and fills the air with its delicate scent. The pretty white flowers burst open, and foragers flock to collect the best leaves for the kitchen.

Wild garlic season

21 March - 12 April: During wild garlic season we'll have bags for you to collect wild garlic from the garden, and some recipe cards to give a little inspiration in the kitchen.

Make a pledge to nature

What do you love about nature - is it waking up to birds singing, the smell of cut grass in the summer, or the sight of spring's daffodils? At the Summerhouse there's a large willow-weaved heart for you to take a picture and share on our social media something which you love about nature. The heart will stay up during March and we want to encourage our visitors to think how they can make a promise to nature and be more environmentally friendly. We encourage you to add this pledge to the heart on your visit.

Nature trails

Our spring spotter trail is perfect for children wanting to stretch their legs and explore what's springing up this season. Pick up a trail sheet in Visitor Reception and see if you can find them all or pick up a rubbing trail sheet and a crayon for a more creative trail. There are 8 rubbing plates to find which show features of the garden. There are also tree trails to pick up, looking at the interesting different types of bark and twigs Prior Park's trees have to offer.

Keep an eye out for the resident kingfishers up on the Serpentine lake, seen as a bolt of blue above the water.

Kingfisher with her catch — There is always wildlife to spot around the garden

Take your visit at your own pace. A quiet mid week wander, a guided walk to learn more about the garden and the upcoming dams project, or a weekend family visit with plenty of exploring and ice creams, or hot chocolates, depending on the weather.