Go flower sight-seeing
Spring has sprung with floral displays washing colour across the local countryside. Here are the hotspots to visit, to brighten up your day…
1. The Valley Gardens
- Great Park, Virginia Water, Egham TW20 0HP
- Best for: Daffodils
They don’t call it Daffodil Valley for nothing; for golden yellow carpets, The Valley Gardens at Windsor Great Park are unbeatable. Think one acre of Narcissus pseudonarcissus (aka the Lent or wild daffodil) blooming against a Virginia Water backdrop. Best viewed from the Heather Garden.
2. RHS Gardens Wisley
- Wisley Ln, Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB
- Best for: Cyclamen
What better place to enjoy delicate-hued cyclamen than at the RHS Garden Wisley Cyclamen Society Spring Show (March 30). Admire rare and interesting varieties in the competition classes then buy your own plants to grow at home, with advice from the on-hand team of experts.
3. Ramster Hall
- Petworth Rd, Chiddingfold, Godalming GU8 4SN
- Best for: Camellias
The early rhododendrons and camellias burst into flower at Ramster Hall and Garden this month. Saunter down the Camellia Walk for sights of the flower and watch out for blossoming Magnolia trees, too. Gardens open from March 16.
4. Gatton Park
- Reigate, Redhill RH2 0TW
- Best for: Snowdrops
Head to the rock garden during Gatton Park’s Snowdrop Day to catch a glimpse of these heralds of spring. Then wander around the rest of the ‘Capability’ Brown-styled parkland just outside Reigate, to spot aconites, watch for birds and marvel at the views across the lake.
