Snowdrops at Gravetye Manor
An Introduction to Snowdrops and Their Place in the Winter Garden with Head Gardener Tom Coward
Snowdrop images, credited to Gravetye Manor available to download HERE
On Thursday 4th February 2027, Gravetye Manor will host a very special event with Head Gardener and Galanthophile, Tom Coward, discussing snowdrops and their place in the winter garden.
Join Head Gardener Tom Coward for a fascinating exploration of snowdrops and the important role they play in bringing the winter garden to life. Tom will share his expertise on choosing, growing and using snowdrops to best effect, as well as looking more broadly at how thoughtful planting can transform the darkest months into one of the most rewarding and exciting times in the gardening year.
Following lunch, Tom will lead a tour of the gardens to discover Gravetye’s snowdrop collection in situ, highlighting notable varieties and sharing an insight into the management of the winter garden.
Snowdrop Plant Sale with Andy Byfield
Snowdrop specialist and collector Andy Byfield has been growing and collecting snowdrops for more than 40 years and very rarely offers plants from his collection for sale. For this special occasion, Andy will bring a carefully selected collection to Gravetye, ranging from reliable, vigorous and much-loved varieties to rare and unusual treasures – a wonderful opportunity for both new and experienced galanthophiles to add something special to their own winter gardens.
Alex Monroe × Gravetye Manor - Exclusive Snowdrop Jewellery
A new collection of exclusive jewellery created by Alex Monroe in collaboration with Gravetye Manor will be on display and available for purchase. Inspired by the delicate beauty of the snowdrop, the designs celebrate the exquisite details found in nature and the garden. Guests will have the opportunity to discover the new collection during the day.
Guests are invited to arrive at 10.30am for tea and coffee, before the talk begins at 11.00am. A three-course lunch will follow at midday, served at shared tables in Gravetye’s glass fronted Michelin starred dining room, overlooking the gardens. Following the lunch there will also be the opportunity to further explore the gardens, a chance to view and purchase bulbs and discover the Alex Monroe x Gravetye Manor snowdrop jewellery collection.
Tickets are £165.00 per person, inclusive of tea/coffee on arrival and three-course lunch and wine.
About Tom Coward
One of the most respected head gardeners in Britain today, Tom Coward has worked as a gardener from the age of 15 at various gardens, but it was at Great Dixter in Sussex, where he worked as Fergus Garrett’s deputy, that he really honed his horticultural skills. For the past 16 years Tom has led the restoration of the gardens at Gravetye Manor.
About Gravetye Manor
Gravetye Manor is a hotel and restaurant with Four Red Stars, Three Rosettes, Two Michelin Keys and One Michelin Star, in Sussex. Gravetye Manor, an Elizabethan manor house hotel and Michelin starred restaurant in West Sussex looks out over 35 acres of stunning world-renowned gardens, walled kitchen garden, orchard, glasshouses and Peach House set within a further 1000 acres of woodland. Originally created by visionary gardener William Robinson in 1885, Gravetye Manor’s gardens are considered amongst the most influential in horticultural history and one of the most important historic gardens in England. Robinson’s preference for the ‘wild garden’, mixed herbaceous borders and hardy perennial planting broke with the formal Victorian style of the day, and his radical approach remains as popular as ever with gardeners today. Continuing Robinson’s legacy is Gravetye Manor’s Head Gardener, Tom Coward, ensuring every tree, shrub and flower is lovingly cared for while retaining the spirit of Robinson’s original plan and thinking for the space.