Since every newspaper in the UK is featuring pages of pictures of the snow, I thought I would add some from the Botanic Gardens of the University of Leicester. After unseasonably warm, spring-like weather, the bulbs were growing and birds singing last week. Now an unusual 15cm/6″ of snow has fallen in 24 hours, and is forecast to remain for several days. So for those nearby, it’s your chance to visit the gardens; for others, here are some pictures largely without words.

The Botanic Gardens are about 2 miles/3km from the Leicester city centre and main University site, and occupy about 6ha/16acres. The were founded by bringing together the gardens of four large houses, now student residences and conference centres. The mission of the Gardens is to explore, conserve and explain the world of plants with a diverse collection underpinned by and underpinning botanical research. There are National Collections of Skimmia, Aubrieta, hardy Fuchsia and (one I’m personally less proud of …) Lawson’s Cypress.