Snowdrop installation opens at Waddesdon Manor

Photo by Derek Pelling

A display of 500 stunning hand-crafted metal snowdrops set in the beautiful grounds of the Aviary Gardens at Waddesdon Manor opened for everyone to admire and enjoy this week.

The installation has been created by Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity and each of the snowdrops has been dedicated to the memory of a loved one.

“We wanted to offer something unique and tangible to represent and honour the lives of loved ones in a really special way.  We chose snowdrops as they are a sign of hope at the end of winter.  It has been a really special project for all of us at the charity and we hope that the display will offer everyone who visits their own time to reflect and remember,” says Michelle Merrison, In Memory Manager at the charity.

Jo Crossey visited the display earlier this week, having purchased a Forever Snowdrop in memory of her son who was cared for at the Hospice in 2018.  “It was a real family occasion, with my husband, daughters, granddaughters and daughter-in-law, Sean’s wife all coming to the see the display.  It was so special to all be together to remember Sean, and the display was so perfect.”

Mark Blandford-Baker, Chief Executive of the Rothschild Foundation, said, “The Rothschild Foundation is proud to host this poignant installation for Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity. The Hospice was our Charity of the Year in 2019, and we are delighted to be able to continue our relationship. We hope that visitors will find the installation a tribute and a comfort during their visit as they walk around the gardens at Waddesdon.”

The Forever Snowdrops will remain on display at Waddesdon Manor until Sunday 3rd April.

All the money raised through the purchase of the Forever Snowdrops will go to support Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity to fund excellent hospice care for local patients and families across Buckinghamshire and its borders.