Pink cherry blossom at Sheringham Park in Norfolk (Picture: PA)
Get out and see the magnolia.
The late arrival of snow and blustering winds have delayed the arrive of spring blossom in the UK, but next month we should see them out in full force.
So prepare for your Insta feeds to fill up with glorious pictures of pink blooms.
The National Trust believes April will see a ‘truly incredible show’ of the flower, after March’s cold weather and the dryness of February made it difficult for flowering trees to thrive in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
April is due to be milder and wetter, making way for pretty magnolia.
Andy Jasper, head of gardens and parklands at the trust, said: ‘While we had a mild winter overall, the recent cold snaps have affected how quickly nature progresses, and we can see the effects of this across many of our gardens with blooms delayed.
‘We are still in line for a truly incredible show where the delayed blossom will burst forth in waves across the country like an amazing Mexican floral wave – marking the reassuring moment that spring has arrived.
Glendurgan Gardens near Falmouth (Picture: PA)
‘I hope that when temperatures start rising again, the National Trust’s blossom campaign will play a part in encouraging everyone to take 10 minutes to step outside and to really stop and look at the new life bustling all around us, as it greatly enriches all of our lives.’
Some areas in the UK have been unaffected though, with the South West and Cornwall being unaffected in many places.
At Glendurgan Gardens near Falmouth in Cornwall, the magnolias are in full bloom.
National Trust’s Polly Caines admiring admiring the magnolia sargentiana at Glendurgan Gardens (Picture: PA)
Tom Cutter, assistant head gardener for the National Trust at Glendurgan, said: ‘Thankfully, due to Cornwall’s unique microclimate, we haven’t been hit as badly by the recent cold snap and snow as the rest of the country has been and, as a result, our visitors get to enjoy an utterly beautiful display of magnolias in our garden right now.’
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But there have been some cases of weather damage in Cornwall, including at Trengwainton Garden, near Penzance, which is known for its 50 varieties of gigantic magnolias.
Sadly, recent strong winds caused damage to one of its largest trees, Magnolia campbellii, which is 102 years old and situated in a walled garden, causing many of the delicate petals to drop early.
Magnolias in Blickling Estate, Norfolk (Picture: PA)
The National Trust’s blossom campaign encourages people to explore the blossom, and share pictures on social media with the tag #Blossomwatch.
Throughout spring, the Trust’s Festival of Blossom will take place at over 100 locations across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with blossom-themed events such as picnics, games and walks to encourage visitors to explore and enjoy the blossoms.
Where to see spring blossoms in the UK
Blickling Estate, Norfolk
As the weather gets warmer Blickling begins to show its colours. Take a stroll around the grounds and head to the West Garden to see beautiful magnolias.
Bodnant Garden, Conwy
You can spot a range of magnolias at Bodnant Garden, many of them dating back 100 years or more. During spring the pink magnolia tree towers over the entrance to the garden – great for photos.
Croft Castle, Herefordshire
Enjoy the display of magnolias, rhododendrons and camellias at Croft Castle.
Dudmaston, Shropshire
There are magnolia trees dotted all around the American Garden at Dudmaston, but it’s worth finding the purpl-red Magnolia liliiflora variety in the clock tower border.
Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester
During the First World War, soldiers found solace in the peaceful grounds at Dunham Massey. Walk among white magnolia blooms and find your own sanctuary in this historical garden.
Glendurgan Garden, Cornwall
Pink and white magnolias add colour to Glendurgan in spring. Take a walk through the gardens to see the magnolia displays as well as camellias, azaleas and wild flowers.
Greenway, Devon
Pink and white magnolia blooms signal the start of spring at Greenway. This was Agatha Christie’s beloved holiday home, and the magnolia tree here was planted by her husband Max Mallowan, which usually flowers in March.
Greys Court, Oxfordshire
See magnolias blossoming in the Tower Garden when you visit Greys Court. Why not take a walk in peaceful surroundings and see what other spring flowers you can spot?
Hinton Ampner, Hampshire
Hinton Ampner has manicured lawns and far-reaching views over the South Downs. There’s a huge magnolia tree that reaches to the top of the house, as well as a magnolia walk that’s surrounded by fragrant white and pink flowers in spring.
Mottisfont, Hampshire
In late March, a large magnolia tree at Mottisfont blossoms. It creates an archway of snowy blossom, which you can walk under on your way to the cherry orchard.
Nostell, West Yorkshire
Look out for magnolias in the Menagerie Garden at Nostell, which was planted in 1743. The Menagerie House, designed by Robert Adam, was once home to exotic species, from monkeys and colourful birds to lions.
– The National Trust
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Get out and see the magnolia.
