IT’S time to roll out the white carpet at local National Trust property The Vyne.

The Sherborne St John Tudor mansion has an excellent annual display of snowdrops. One of the first sights to meet visitors in early February is a pretty ribbon of pearly white colour from the snowdrop trail that winds its way from the estate’s car park to the Walled Garden.

Further snowdrop displays can be found in the Wild Garden, mingling with yellow-petalled winter aconites.

Nick Lightfoot, head gardener at The Vyne, expects to see snowdrops appear within the next fortnight.

He said:  “It is always a joy when the first snowdrops break through the frozen ground. Along with aconites and primroses, they are the harbingers of spring. They are best seen in half-light and, of course, amidst the winter snow.

“It’s not just us humans who enjoy them though; on mild late winter days, they are also very popular with honey bees!”

The garden is now open and the house and tea room will be reopened for business on February 16.

Further details are available online at nationaltrust.org.uk/southeast.