The magical sight of delicate snowdrops braving the cold weather heralds the ending of winter and the promise that spring will soon be here.  

But you may be surprised to learn that these much-loved flowers are not native to Britain. 

They were first introduced by the Romans and were then spread throughout the country by the monks and priests who would pick them to display them on their church altars on February 2, the traditional end of the wider feast of Christmas.  

These brave little flowers now bring joy to us all – and Todor Croft Gardens in Guisborough is inviting the public to come and see what is thought to be the biggest collection of snowdrops in the north. 

Tudor Croft Gardens, at Stokesley Road, TS14 8DL, is home to some 300 species and hybrids that are now in bloom, all distinctively different and including many rare varieties.  

Many have beautiful markings and some are even yellow, when one would expect them all to be green. Others are honey-scented, and all are much sought after.   

Snowdrops flower for about a month, some as early as September, but the vast majority will be at their best in mid-February.

“Tudor Croft’s gardens look stunning at the moment,” said owner Mike Heagney, who opens his garden for two weeks every February and two summer weekends and have well over £100,000 for local charities over the years.

“As well as the snowdrops, many other spring flowers are at their best, including hellebores, some early narcissi, camellias and winter aconites, such as delicate buttercups.

“It’s all makes for a perfect winter walk.”

The stunning five-acre garden was built during the 1930s by prominent Yorkshire brick manufacturer Ronnie Crossley.

It has been enlarged and constantly developed by the Heagney family since they made it their home more than 60 years ago and has featured twice on TV’s Gardeners’ World and in many magazines.

Its many secrets include arbours, fountains, lily ponds, curving paths, old medieval stonework, a meandering stream, follies and even terracotta elves made at Crossley’s brickworks in Commondale. 

The gardens will be open on Saturday and Sunday February 12 and 13 and Saturday and Sunday February 19 and 20, all from 11am until 3pm.   

Admission is £7.50 for adults and free for children, with free parking also available.   

On sale will be homemade soup and refreshments and, of course, some very special snowdrops, all in the setting of Teesside’s favourite garden.