Snowdrop Kokedama - Tiny Spheres of Spring Magic
Beautiful Japanese -inspired kokedamas hanging from the trees in the Woodland Walk at Goldsborough Hall
February at Goldsborough Hall is always a special time as our award-winning gardens burst into life with thousands of snowdrops - the first joyful sign that spring is on its way. The gardens are open throughout February for visitors to enjoy this spectacular display, and our next Snowdrop Sunday will take place on Sunday 22 February 11am-4pm.
If you wander through the Snowdrop Garden during your visit, you may spot something a little unusual hanging from the trees - clusters of moss-covered baubles, each cradling dainty snowdrops. These enchanting creations are called kokedama, which literally translates as ‘moss ball’ in Japanese.
Kokedama literally translates as ‘moss ball’ in Japanese
Originating in 17th-century Japan and derived from the art of bonsai, kokedamas embody the philosophy of Wabi-sabi - finding beauty in simplicity, imperfection and the natural cycle of change. They remind us that nature’s most transient moments are often its most captivating.
The snowdrop kokedamas have become a highlight of the Snowdr0p Garden at Goldsborough Hall
Here at Goldsborough Hall, our snowdrop kokedama have become a highlight of the garden trail. Visitors love being able to admire the delicate blooms at eye level without needing to crouch down or use a mirror on a stick!
Each kokedama is lovingly handmade by our head gardener, Debbie, and assistant gardeners Melly & Paul - a fiddly process that requires patience and care, but results in miniature works of living art. Suspended from the trees, they seem to float amongst the winter branches, adding a touch of quiet magic to the snowdrop season.
How to make your own snowdrop kokedama
If you’d like to try your hand at creating one at home, it’s a wonderfully mindful and rewarding project - and a lovely way to bring a little of Goldsborough’s February charm into your own garden.
You’ll need:
A few snowdrops in a pot
Moss from the garden or a roof
String or fishing/floristry wire
Scissors
Gloves (optional)
A finished kokedama - ready to hang in the trees
How to:
Tip out the pot:
Keep the soil around the snowdrops and shape it into a ball.Add the moss:
Cover the ball with a wrap of moss, smoothing it evenly all around.Tie securely:
Wrap string/wire around the moss in different directions to hold it firmly, knotting neatly. The twine should both support and decorate the moss ball.Hang:
Tie an extra loop to hang it from a branch. Keep it moist but not soaked - a light misting every few days works perfectly though the winter’s rain will also keep it moist.
The result is a simple, living ornament that changes gently as the weeks pass - a perfect reflection of Wabi-sabi philosophy and a little nod to the snowdrop serenity of Goldsborough Hall.
Where to see the kokedamas?
The Goldsborough Hall gardens are open daily throughout February, and on Snowdrop Sunday 22 February, 11am-4pm. Visitors are warmly invited to explore the gardens and grounds, then relax in the Orangery for refreshments - the perfect way to complete a winter visit. Click here to book your ticket to the gardens and for Snowdrop Sunday.
Kokedamas are little nod to the snowdrop serenity of Goldsborough Hall
The snowdrop kokedama can be viewed at eye level as it twists delicately in the breeze