Preparing Fullers Mill for a Glorious 2026

February has come and gone in a flash, our snowdrop days were as uplifting as ever; even with the weather doing its level best to dampen spirits, visitors arrived in cheerful numbers, eager for that first quiet thrill of the season. There is something rather heartening about seeing the joy of our visitors as the garden awakens.

We’re extremely proud of our two trainees at Fullers Mill Garden, Justin and Lauren, who have both achieved distinctions in their RHS Level 2 qualifications, in both the practical and theory elements. It is no small accomplishment. The discipline required to balance hands-on skill with botanical understanding is considerable, and they have approached it with diligence and real curiosity.

Their current challenge lies among our collection of snowdrops, we have over 120 different varieties, each with its own subtle character. At first glance they can seem almost indistinguishable, but to the trained eye the differences reveal themselves: the markings on the inner segments, the stance of the flower, the timing of bloom.

Plant identification is an essential part of any horticultural training. It asks not only for recognition across the seasons, but for fluency in a new language - Latin - and the confidence to spell and pronounce each name correctly. It is exacting work yet immensely rewarding.

While the snowdrops have been stealing the limelight, the winter months have been far from idle. As ever at Fullers Mill Garden, preparation for the open season begins long before the gates reopen.

This year alone, our team of staff and volunteers have applied some 160 cubic metres of bark mulch across the beds. On our sandy soil this is essential as it suppresses weeds, conserves precious moisture and leaves the borders with a cohesive, cared-for appearance. It also represents an extraordinary number of barrow loads; all trundled from the car park into the garden.

Much of the log edging has been replaced, a task that demands both patience and a good eye. Each section requires just the right shape and character of timber to sit comfortably in its place, creating a natural yet seamless frame to the planting.

On the Birch Bank, seven tonnes of gravel have been shifted from the delivery point near the house, across the bridge over the river, and carefully spread to refresh the surface. It is heavy work, the sort that warms you thoroughly on a cold morning, but the result is transformative, setting off the planting beautifully.

The old double garage has also taken on a new life. What was once purely practical is now a cosy, rather chic indoor seating area, a sheltered spot where visitors may pause over tea and cake, whatever the weather may decide to do.

Meanwhile, the nursery has been quietly industrious, propagating a wide selection of plants for sale.

As we look ahead to the 2026 season, there is a shared sense of anticipation among the whole team. The winter’s work has laid the foundations; soon the garden will gather pace again. We very much look forward to welcoming familiar faces and new visitors alike, and to sharing the unfolding year at Fullers Mill Garden.

We do hope you will love it as much as we do.