Galloping galanthus! The snowdrops have taken over Chelsea once again. Chelsea Psychic Garden has been back in action since January 21 when it celebrated its annual ‘Heralding Spring’ event, throwing open its doors and welcoming folks to gawk at their charming early spring blooms, in particular, their extensive collection of snowdrops.
As these pictures can attest, it’s a lovely place to get back to nature, whilst handily prettifying your Instagram feed.
February, being its usual grey, cold, and joyless self, isn’t the most enervating time, so these beauties are a welcome diversion. Normally the first flowers to bloom each year, the arrival of snowdrops is the surest sign that spring is coming. At the 350-year old Chelsea Physic Garden (coincidentally, the oldest botanical garden in the capital), you’ll get an excellent opportunity to check out some seriously swish snowdrops.
The snowdrop trail is the highlight of the Heralding Spring season, you’ll find the Garden’s many species of snowdrops including Leucojum derived from the classical Greek word meaning ‘white violet’ and a genus of plants called snowflakes, along with galanthus nivalis and galanthus cultivars. The Garden will also be hosting a program of guided walks, talks, and workshops, all in celebration of Spring.
If you fancy dashing through the snowdrops, get thyself over to Chelsea – or if you’re West London-averse, the evergreen Kew Gardens will boast a rival display from around this time.
The snowdrop storm is merely the start of London’s annual transformation from grim and grey to fabulously flowery. Spring is around the corner, and we’ve got a neat little London flower guide to help you see the best blossoms in town.
Find the Chelsea Physic Garden at 66 Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, SW3 4HS.
Nearest station is Sloane Square.