MONTACUTE House, carefully cared for by the National Trust and described as a “masterpiece of Elizabethan architecture and design", is well-known for its beautiful daffodil and tulip displays each year.

This year the garden team have decided to try something different. They have set to work in creating a dazzling display of snowdrops under the trees on Cedar Lawn for visitors to enjoy as well.

The team, along with many volunteers, have since successfully planted 60,000 snowdrop bulbs that are expected to begin popping up as early as February 2025.

The particular variety of snowdrop chosen is Galanthus nivalis, 'Flore Pleno', known for its beautiful double flowers. Depending on weather conditions, they usually start appearing in February time and last for about one month. 

Due to the sheer number of bulbs, the garden team had to take a logical approach to their planting. Squares measuring 5m x 5m were marked out and dug, with approximately 2500 bulbs going into each. The bulbs were planted five at a time, so roughly 12,000 holes were needed for all of them, and it took about three weeks to get them all into the ground.

Everyone has been providing a helping hand to complete this mammoth task. Local visitors, staff, students and volunteers have all been busy getting involved – even Tim Parker, the National Trust Head Gardener from nearby Stourhead, lent a generous hand.

A particular highlight of planting was the help given by the local school. Teachers and students from All Saints Church School in Montacute village worked closely with the gardening team to help plant the snowdrop bulbs on time. Some of the children shared their thoughts on the experience: 

“I liked putting the shovel in.”

“I liked digging the hole and then counting how many bulbs we put in. We had to put in five.”

“The staff were kind and helpful.”

“I thought the demonstration of how to plant the bulbs was very good.”

“We thought it was hard to put the stick in.”

Chris Gaskin, Head Gardener at Montacute House, said: ‘The bulbs have been partly funded by a bequest from a much-missed volunteer. We have been quite bold with the number of them. It has been hard work, but as we emerge from winter, the carpet of white under the large Cedar trees will help signify new beginnings and hope for many people. The snowdrops will also add some more seasonal variation across the garden for visitors in the earlier months of the year.”

He continued: “We are extremely grateful for everyone’s help in getting the bulbs planted, especially the teachers and children from All Saints Church School. We couldn’t have done it without people giving their time, and hopefully when they come back to see the display, they can be satisfied with their hard work.’

For opening times and more information, please visit Montacute House | Somerset | National Trust.