STROUD'S museum is hosting a special snowdrop celebration this weekend.

The event is taking place at the Museum in the Park on Saturday and Sunday, from 11am to 4pm.

In the museum's walled garden, the snowdrop display has been put together thanks to research and help from local Galanthophile (lovers of snowdrops) collectors.

It features a collection of snowdrop varieties connected with the former Giant Snowdrop Company, from the scented Galanthus S. Arnott – the original giant snowdrop – to snowdrops collectively known as the ‘Hyde Four’ named after family members as well as many other notable varieties.

The Giant Snowdrop Company, based in Hyde in Stroud, introduced the first mail order service for snowdrops.

This meant that in the late 1950s and early 60s, keen gardeners rather than a restricted group of the 'well connected' could now buy species snowdrops, some of the rare varieties that up until this time had not been readily available.

Volunteers will be on hand with more information throughout the weekend.

Picture: Simon Pizzey