The garden awakes at Abbey Blooms

In the quiet Gardens of Abbey Blooms tucked between two rolling hills; winter lay thick and still. Frost clung to every branch, turning the gardens into a world of silver lace. Beneath the cold earth, bulbs slept soundly, waiting for the whisper of spring and then, it happened the Snowdrops peep through the frosty ground, displaying wonderful hope for a great growing season ahead.

Snowdrops (Galanthus) are small, early‑flowering perennial plants in the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae). They are among the first flowers to bloom in Abbey Blooms in January and early spring, often pushing through frost or snow. This year they are magnificent and well worth a visit.

Snowdrops originated in the Mediterranean region, with a history stretching back thousands of years. They were revered by ancient Greeks and Romans as symbols of purity and hope. Their botanical name Galanthus comes from Greek gala meaning milk and Anthos meaning flower. They were known as milk flowers.  

Another flower which wakes up early in January - February is the Crocuses, which is a member of the iris family (Iridaceae). They are known for their bright, cup‑shaped flowers that bloom in early spring or even autumn, depending on the species. There is a wonderful display in the beds at Abbey Blooms for February. These are Native to the Alps, southern Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and Asia. Crocuses were introduced into Europe from Türkiye in the 16th century and can be found in woodlands and scrub meadows. 

There is a wonderful display of heathers in the gardens this February which are compact, low‑growing shrubs forming carpets of color, they are one of the hardest plants to withstand high winds and heavy rain and showing off a vibrant display of colorful blooms with small, scale‑like leaves, often evergreen and changing tone in colder seasons. 

Here in Abbey Blooms Gardens,early Febuary is a month for gentle work, tidying, planning, protecting, and preparing. Plants are mostly dormant, and there are few urgent tasks, but what we do now sets up for a strong spring in February and March. Removing dead leaves, fallen branches, and debris from beds and borders. Cleaning and disinfecting our pots, seed trays, and tools to reduce pests and diseases. Clearing moss and algae from the paths. We Add mulch (compost, leaf mold, and bark) around our perennials. Protecting our tender plants with fleece or straw and our magnificent tree ferns. General tidying and cleaning of our polytunnel and garden shop stands ready for the year ahead.