The first flowers to come into bloom in the landscape of Painshill are the Snowdrops.  No matter what the weather they bring a cheerful message that Spring is round the corner.  The best places to see them are by the Cascade, in front of the Mausoleum, and at the beginning of the Historic Route from the tearoom.  The long Winter has meant they are still looking good at the beginning of March.

The Daffodils no longer wait until the Snowdrops are over before coming out.  In several places around the Park, they can be seen grouped together; in front of the Mausoleum and along the Historic Route from the tearoom are the best spots.  For numbers, the display up Wood Hill at the east end of the lake is the densest concentration, but they also wind their way through the woods on the other side of Wood Hill by the cattle grid.

As soon as the weather is warm enough to be frost free, the Spring display of bulbs in the Small Walled Garden gets underway.  Most of these are grown in pots and placed on the Plant Theatre.  The bulbs are a mixture of Crocus, Hyacinth, Daffodil, and Tulip.  All are varieties which are either native to the UK, or were introduced before 1800.
The Tulips are among those which caused a stir during Tulipmania in the 17th Century. The garden will be late opening this year as it is being re-fitted.  Watch this space for more news.

In the meantime, there is a small display in the Visitor Centre Shop, showing plants which were turned into paper collages by Mrs Mary Delany, a noted plantswoman and artist of the 18th Century.