Holker Hall & Gardens, which reopens on the 14th of March, celebrates its 60th season this year.  To start the season with a flourish, head gardener Yvonne Cannon and her team have planted over 38,000 bulbs. Holker Gardens will awaken with an array of spring flowering bulbs, including early, mid and late-flowering tulips and 7,500 thickly-planted primulas and primroses, through which the tulips appear. Carpets of daffodils add colour in the woodland garden and on the main lawn. In addition to the traditional planting, the gardens are also home to a number of unusual, exotic and in some instances rare plants, which although sourced from warmer climates are surprisingly at home at Holker. The Hall itself has indoor displays of hyacinths and fragrant, paper-white narcissus.  The Courtyard Café  serves locally produced food. To find out more visit Holker Hall Gardens

Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th March, 10am - 4pm Capel Manor Gardens in Enfield, Hertfordshire (just off M25) is holding a Spring Bulbs weekend in aid of the National Gardens Scheme. It is an opportunity to see the gardens and admire the displays of spring flowers in the extensive gardens. There are garden walks at 1pm each day – no booking required.

Recent weather conditions may have altered the opening times for Coton Manor Garden near Guilsborough  in Northamptonshire. Usually it is open daily between 11am-4pm until Sunday 28th February for their Snowdrop & Hellebore Days. It is suggested you check their website to ensure that the garden is open by visiting www.cotonmanor.co.uk . This iconic ten-acre garden occupies a hillside position extending down from the 17th century manor house, constructed of mellow Northamptonshire stone. It is landscaped on different levels, with distinctive smaller gardens providing variety and interest throughout the season, all enhanced by flowing streams, fountains and ponds. If you can’t get to Coton Manor Garden between these dates it opens properly for the 2010 season on April 1st and runs until 2nd October when the garden is open Tuesday-Saturday 12-5.30pm, also Sundays in April & May and Bank Holiday weekends. Beyond the confines of the garden, there is a magical five acre bluebell wood and a colourful wildflower meadow at its best in June and July. There’s an extensive nursery, a garden shop and light lunches or teas are available from the Stableyard Café. The Garden School at Coton Manor runs some of the best garden courses available (early booking is often essential).

Sunday February 28th

Renishaw Hall is hosting a ‘Fanfare for Spring’ from 11am-3pm on the 28th of February. Five Specialist Nurseries will be selling spring flowering bulbs including rare snowdrops, hellebores, bulbs, primulas, alpines and more. Entry: £3.50 with free car parking www.renishaw-hall.co.uk

Daily until 28th February
Over the past 12 years the current owners of Hopton Hall in the Derbyshire Peak District have gradually cleared and restored the woodland and its walks, following 40 years of neglect. This has produced wonderful displays of Snowdrops and Aconites and as they continue to clear, more of them appear.  Visit now and it will also whet your appetite for a return visit in the summer. £4 per adult www.hoptonhall.co.uk