Bursts of colour spring up at Killerton

The garden and parkland at Killerton estate near Exeter, is one of the top places in the Southwest to see early spring blooms; and this year they are putting on quite a show.

Visitors are flocking to Killerton to herald the end of winter and see the carpets of cyclamen and swathes of snowdrops before they fade.  Flashes of pink, purple, yellow and white can be found all over the grounds, with the magnolia, crocuses and daffodils also springing into life.

On Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 March, visitors can come along for a snowdrop weekend to help the Killerton gardeners plant 12,000 native common snowdrops to create a spectacular display. Many snowdrops are personal tributes planted in memory for someone special. Families return to Killerton each spring to see the tiny bulbs they planted burst into life  and give enjoyment to others.

Killerton Head Gardener Karl Emeleus, said: “Our popular snowdrop weekend has been running for four years now and is a touching way for our visitors to leave lasting reminders of people special to them. Planting native snowdrops creates an early food source for bees and pollinating insects, as well a beautiful springtime display in our chapel grounds”.

Killerton’s spring flowers make the perfect backdrop to Mother’s Day celebrations on Sunday 15 March. Download the free spring flower trail from Killerton’s website to find the best spring blooms and treat your mum to a special Mother’s Day lunch in the Killerton Kitchen restaurant. To book a table, call 01392 881345.

For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/killerton