A Sunday stroll amongst the snowdrops

clarejk2014

February 15

Snowdrops at Lytham Hall

Lytham Hall is a treasure of genteel seaside town Lytham offering a beautiful mansion packed with history, lovely surroundings to enjoy a spot of lunch and purchase antiques and plants, and spacious grounds to wander in. And what better opportunity than a snowdrop stroll to explore the gardens?

Caroline and I on our Snowdrop Stroll at Lytham Hall

Every year, fans of the 'white ladies' enjoy the spectacle, especially after the barren months of winter. We picked up a factsheet and map for £1 and wandered around the grounds including the lakes and woodlands. At the beginning we did wonder 'is this it?' but then the further we walked, the more of the 'Fair Maids of February' we saw. Picture frames were strategically sited for photo opportunities of these stunning models clad in white.

If you have the chance for a snowdrop walk where you are, I would recommend it as the sight does uplift the spirits in the dreary months of winter.

Snowdrop Sunday at Lytham Hall Picture: C Hodgson

Here are some facts gleaned from our £1 factsheet
The snowdrops at the Hall are from the genus Galanthus. The term comes from the Greek gala (meaning milk) and anthos (flower) - not that it's ever been referred to as 'milk flower' in English. The name we are more accustomed to - snowdrop - actually comes from the German Schneetrophen, defined as ear-drops (earrings) worn in the 17th century.
Older English names include Candlemas Bells, Fair Maids of February and White Ladies.
There are over 400 named snowdrops and 18 species of galanthus, from Iran to the Pyrenees.