Shepton Snowdrops

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Shepton Snowdrops

A project from Shepton Mallet, Somerset, UK to commemorate James Allen (1830 - 1906)

Shepton Mallet, in the heart of Somerset, was home to James Allen, an amateur horticulturist and the first person ever to breed new varieties of snowdrop from wild plants - a feat which earned him the nickname of the 'Snowdrop King'

The Snowdrop Festival is a vibrant not-for-profit community project to plant Shepton Mallet with hundreds of thousands of snowdrop bulbs, and to restore the Allen fam

ily memorial in the town's cemetery, in order to celebrate James Allen's and town's place in gardening history

25/06/2026

We LOVE looking back at some of the amazing memories from this year’s Shepton Snowdrops Festival 🌿

Here are some of our favourite pictures from the fashion show with a difference!

Creative, theatrical and truly spectacular outfits were brought to life by local designers, stitchers, makers and community members, all crafted using upcycled, recycled and pre-loved materials, and inspired by the beauty of the garden.

A brilliant celebration of imagination, sustainability and community creativity ✨

And people are already getting creative for next year’s fashion show! The theme for 2027 is A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Angela would love to hear from anyone who’d like to get involved as a designer, stitcher, maker or model — or all four!

To find out more or register your interest, contact Angela at [email protected]

22/06/2026

The Snowdrop King of Shepton Mallet 👑

James Allen, born just outside Shepton Mallet in 1830, spent his entire life in the local area, but his influence reached far beyond it.

Although he worked in the family business from an early age, his true passion was snowdrops. By the late 19th century, he had become one of Britain’s most respected snowdrop breeders and is believed to be the first person to deliberately cross and grow new snowdrop hybrids from seed.

Known as the “Snowdrop King,” James Allen is credited with creating at least 100 different varieties of snowdrop. Sadly, only two, Magnet and Merlin, are still known to survive today.

Yet his legacy lives on, both in the gardens he helped inspire and in the title he still holds to this day.

18/06/2026

Good Things Growing: A Garden Good News Round-Up 🪴

It’s always a joy to pause and celebrate the positive stories blooming in the gardening world right now.

Gardening has a powerful impact far beyond the plants themselves, improving wellbeing, strengthening communities, supporting biodiversity, and creating greener, more resilient places for people and wildlife to thrive together.

15/06/2026

What a wonderful weekend we had at Shepton Mallet Open Gardens! 🌿

A huge thank you to everyone who came along to explore the beautiful gardens on display and to all the gardeners who generously opened their gates and shared their hard work, creativity and passion with visitors.

Thanks to your support, all proceeds from the event will be donated to the Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Project, helping to make our town an even more beautiful place to live and visit.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make the event such a success, whether by opening a garden, volunteering, or simply coming along and enjoying the day.

Take a look at some of the highlights below 📸

13/06/2026

The sun is shining, the sky is blue, and tomorrow it’s time for the Shepton Mallet Open Gardens! 🌿☀️

What better way to spend a beautiful June Sunday afternoon?

Explore 20 wonderful gardens of all shapes, sizes and styles across Shepton Mallet, and enjoy two welcoming stops for refreshing tea and delicious homemade cakes along the way.

📅 Sunday 14th
🕛 Gardens open from 12 noon to 5pm

Book your tickets here - https://www.ticketsource.com/sheptonsnowdrops/t-ejjpvez

11/06/2026

THIS Sunday, step behind the gates and discover the hidden beauty of Shepton Mallet’s gardens!

For one special afternoon, garden owners across the town are opening their gates to share the stunning spaces that usually remain tucked away. Wander through a wonderful variety of gardens, gather inspiration, meet fellow garden enthusiasts, and enjoy a unique glimpse into some of Shepton Mallet’s best-kept secrets.

🌿 Gardens open from 12 noon – 5pm

🎟️ Book your tickets online - https://www.ticketsource.com/sheptonsnowdrops/t-ejjpvez

10/06/2026

Did you know it’s the Great Big Green Week ? a celebration of community action to make our neighbourhoods greener, healthier and more beautiful places to live 💚

Here in Shepton Mallet, we’re proud to play our part. Each autumn, volunteers plant tens of thousands of snowdrop bulbs, bringing a spectacular display of colour and life to the town each spring. This month, local gardeners are also opening their gates for Shepton Mallet Open Gardens, sharing their creativity, passion and green spaces with the community.

Every action, big or small, can make a difference. So, what will you do for the Great Big Green Week? 🌿💚

09/06/2026

THIS SATURDAY! 🌿

Don’t miss the Shepton Horticultural Society stall at Collett Park Day! Whether you’re looking to add some colour to your garden, fill a few gaps in your borders, or pick up something new for the season, there will be plenty of plants available to buy.

Make a day of it and enjoy everything Collett Park Day has to offer – and best of all, entry is FREE thanks to Shepton Mallet Town Council.

We look forward to seeing you there!

And don’t forget 🚨Shepton Mallet Open Gardens on Sunday.

Book your ticket here - https://www.ticketsource.com/sheptonsnowdrops/t-ejjpvez

08/06/2026

June is the perfect time to visit and experience the beauty of the renowned garden created by Gertrude Jekyll and Edwin Lutyens.

With borders bursting into colour and the landscape at its seasonal peak, there’s no better moment to enjoy one of Britain’s finest historic gardens.

03/06/2026

Looking for inspiration this June? 🌿

Discover some of Shepton’s most beautiful and diverse gardens during this special afternoon of garden opening on Sunday 14 June, from 12 noon to 5pm.

Wander through stunning borders, charming courtyards and beautifully designed spaces, gathering ideas for planting, colour, fragrance and garden design along the way. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or simply love spending time outdoors, there’s something to inspire everyone.

See it all in just one afternoon!

🎟️ Book your tickets online in advance, or simply turn up on the day and pay at the first garden you visit.

Address

Shepton Mallet

Website

http://www.sheptonsnowdrops.org.uk/

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