We can expect a rainbow of colour on display at National Trust estates across the region this Spring. Here’s our pick of the best.
Swathes of daffodils at Cliveden, near Maidenhead
National Trust Images / Hugh Mothersole
March is peak daffodil time at Cliveden with bright yellow carpets along the main drive and down into Rushy Valley. For spring 2024 there are 16,000 new narcissus (Carlton) in the four Long Garden beds – a large showy daffodil for maximum impact. There are also daffodils around the perimeter of the parterre and by the Blenheim Pavilion and Rose Garden. Planted in terracotta pots in the plant theatre near the café you’ll find the narcissus cultivars: Rip van Winkle, Peeping Tom, Minnow, Snipe and Baby Boomer.
Cherry blossom at Greys Court, near Henley-on-Thames
National Trust Images / Hugh Mothersole
There are more Sakura cherry trees than ever before in Greys Court’s Cherry Garden. Every spring it erupts into frothy blossom and with each year, the trees develop into the blossom tunnel effect that is the garden team’s ultimate objective. The ancient walls of the Tithe barn adjacent to the Cherry Garden have now been fully conserved and set off the white flowers beautifully.
Snakeshead fritillary meadows at Stowe Gardens, Buckingham
National Trust Images / Hugh Mothersole
This elegant plant has a curious pink chequerboard effect on its curved petals. The bulb-shaped flowers look oversized compared to their fine thin stems; it’s amazing how they stay upright. Stowe Gardens has been cultivating snakeshead fritillary meadows along Bellgate Drive and in Sleeping Wood. Mark it in your diary, snakeshead fritillaries flower in April.
Forever Flowers at Waddesdon, near Aylesbury
National Trust Images / Ian Ward
In partnership with the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity, the Aviary Gardens at Waddesdon will welcome a temporary display of 750 bespoke metal red roses, each dedicated to the life and memory of loved ones who are no longer with us. (Wed 17 April – Sun 28 April, closed Mon & Tues)
Bluebells at Basildon Park, near Reading
National Trust Images / Hugh Mothersole
The woodland at Basildon Park is a great place to see English bluebells at the end of April/early May. The dappled shade of the oak and beech trees provides the perfect environment for these fragile flowers to thrive. Their cool blue haze and delicate scent are a transient treat, so keep an eye on social media to find out when they’re at their height.
Parterre bedding display inspired by Greek myths at Hughenden, near High Wycombe
National Trust Images / Hugh Mothersole
The heroes of two Greek tragedies have spring bulbs named after them and they form the inspiration for Hughenden’s spring bedding scheme. According to legend, Hyacinthus died accidentally during a game of discus and a hyacinth grew from his spilled blood. Narcissus pined away after he fell in love with his own reflection in a river. These yellow and blue bulbs form the structure of the bedding scheme on the parterre, with splashes of deep crimson with Bellis Bellissima Red.
