PAINSWICK'S Rococo Garden is the place to head to see one of the largest collections of naturalised snowdrops in the country.

Each year, around five million snowdrops bloom, heralding the approach of a new spring.

The wonderful display forms an unforgettable carpet of white which has been delighting generations of visitors.

There are 15 known varieties of snowdrop in the Garden, including the famous Galanthus 'Atkinsii'.

This distinctively tall, handsome flower was first discovered in Painswick by estate worker James Atkins in the 1800s.

This year, to answer visitors' many questions about the delicate blooms, the garden's expert horticultural team will be giving a talk every day at 12noon until the end of February.

Snowdrop-loving visitors will also be able to buy one of several varieties of snowdrop, potted up and available for sale. There is also a range of snowdrop-related goods in the shop, and homemade food and drinks on sale in the refurbished cafe.

Garden Director Dominic Hamilton said: "The blooming of our snowdrops is one of the county's most anticipated events, and we're thrilled that they're looking as good as ever this year.

"We've been hard at work restoring the Garden and improving what we do, so there will be plenty to delight every visitor, whether or not they've been before. But don't delay - they'll only be blooming for a couple of weeks."

  • The Garden is open daily from 10.30am until 5pm. For more information, visit rococogarden.org.uk.