Description

Howick Hall was the home of Charles, 5th Early Grey and his wife Mabel and their daughter Lady Mary Howick. Between 1920 and 2001, the family established the gardens and arboretum with an informal and very natural style of planting.

On arrival, members will be met by Head Gardener Robert Jamieson. Robert will give a guided walking tour of the extensive snowdrop display in the gardens and the arboretum grounds. There is a large collection of snowdrops mainly planted between the wars by Lady Grey, who was a great bulb enthusiast. Over time, a number of natural hybrids have evolved and multiplied. Hence, the mass plantings of the snowdrops are striking, but not all are named varieties. They are planted in large drifts throughout the garden, often with winter aconites, and make a fine display. The tour will last until approximately 12pm and members are then free to explore the rest of the arboretum and grounds. The Earl Grey Tea House will be open and refreshments including tea/coffee, cakes and lunch will be available to buy.

The cost of this visit is £17 for members and £20 non-members.

Please dress appropriately for the site and weather conditions