THE city may be wrapping up warm against the cold, but that doesn’t mean residents can’t enjoy budding flowers ahead of spring.

Visitors to the University of Oxford Botanic Garden can enjoy winter flowers and bulbs in a special ‘Winter Wonder’ walk.

A map which can be picked up at the entrance to the garden in Rose Lane, Oxford, highlights winter flowering plants such as witch hazel, jasmine and snowdrops. Jessica Law, 26, who works in the ticket office at the Botanic Garden, said: “It’s definitely good for encouraging people to come to the gardens in winter.

“Already things have started flowering and it’s good for showing people that there’s still a lot going on at this time of year.”

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Emma Williams, education officer at the garden, said: “People might think there might not be so many flowers or bulbs but you can see loads of winter flowers.

“It’s about taking a few minutes to look at the details of plants.

“We want to remind people that when it’s cold outside nature still carries on.”

The trail was designed by education trainee Jenny Hulmes, 28, who is learning how to be an education officer at the garden.

The guided walk comes free with entry to the garden, which costs £4.50 for adults and is free for under-16s.


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