SNOWDROP fans flocked to the first public opening to showcase her treasures by celebrated Petersfield plantswoman Rosemary Alexander.

The garden designer, author and principal of the English Gardening School staged a Snowdrop Festival last Sunday under the National Garden Scheme at her home at Sandhill Farm House in Rogate.

In addition to the many different varieties flowering throughout her woodland front garden, some rare species were on display in a tiered mini-theatre and visitors were also able to buy plants to take home.

“The is the first time I’ve opened for a snowdrop festival,” Rosemary said.

“Last year, I realised I had quite a lot of rare ones and I’m trying to get people interested in the different types.

“Many people don’t realise how many different types there are. I first got interested in them when I visited the Alpine Garden shows.

“Some of the rarest bulbs can cost hundreds of pounds.”

Sandhill Farm Houses will be open again under the National Garden Scheme on April 23-24, June 11-12, and September 17-18.

Rosemary is pictured with the rare snowdrops. Picture courtesy of Pete Gardner.