THE National Trust is launching its annual blossom campaign which aims to bring the beauty of blossom to more people and welcome spring.
However, due to recent cold snaps and a dry February, Britons may need to wait a little longer than usual to be able to enjoy nature’s most beautiful displays, as cold temperatures, wind and snow lead to difficult conditions for flowering trees and hedgerows across England.
Hinton Ampner near Alresford is renowned for its spring colour. Pink and white magnolias on the Magnolia Walk are likely to be in full bloom a little later than usual, with late March being the predicted date.
New blossom trees planted last year are still expected to flower from late April. They will complement the current collection of ornamental cherries and include the richly scented white double-flowering cherry ‘Fragrant Cloud’.
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Head gardener at Hinton Ampner, John Wood, said: “Funnily enough, cold weather before the flowers come out can actually be good for blossom trees and their displays. It hardens the wood and trees go into a slightly dormant state, giving them a rest before the big energy push in spring, like in Japan.
“A mild winter produces blossom displays in dribs and drabs, but a cold spell followed by a few days of warmer weather often produces a bit of a blossom ‘blast’, with lots coming out at once. The cold kills off pests and diseases too, so blossom tends to be healthier-looking.”
Meanwhile, at Mottisfont Abbey, near Romsey, the garden’s white magnolia is anticipated to be in full flower slightly later than last year. By early April visitors should be able to stand beneath its canopy to soak up the views to the orchard beyond.
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In April the orchard produces copious displays of white blossom from 15 Mount Fuji trees. Its honey fragrance is a favourite with visiting bees.
As part of the blossom campaign, the National Trust will encourage the UK public to explore and enjoy blossom and share spring impressions on social media with the hashtag #BlossomWatch.
Throughout spring the Trust will also host additional activities, including a Blossom Festival at Hinton Ampner from March 20 to May 7. Families will be able to crowd together for fun photos in a giant deckchair set against a beautiful spring backdrop, while inside the house, the Butler’s Pantry has been set-dressed with silk blossom trees.
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