TOP
RHS Wisley Cottage Garden

Gorgeous local gardens to visit in early summer

GORGEOUS LOCAL GARDENS TO VISIT IN EARLY SUMMER

IMOGEN WILLIS UNCOVERS THE BEST PLACES FOR STUNNING VISTAS AND BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS.

Pictured top: RHS Wisley

1

PAINSHILL PARK

Promenade over the 5 arch bridge used in the popular Netflix series Bridgerton, explore the architecture and views from the Bacchus Temple, or watch the beautiful wildflower meadows wave in the breeze as you walk along the Serpentine Lake. If the sound of this is working up a thirst, visit the vineyard to see where they get the grapes used in Painshill’s award winning sparkling rose.

Five Arch Bridge Painshill
Painshill

2

ISABELLA PLANTATION

Located in Richmond Park, the Isabella Plantation is a tranquil spot full of plants, with a quiet stream running through the middle. In June seek out the white foxgloves on The Birthday Mound, first planted to mark the 50th birthday of the Isabella Plantation in 2003. In Wilson’s Glade look out for the gorgeous bell- shaped pink flowers that grow in June.

3

CANNIZARO PARK

A short walk from Wimbledon Common, this secluded grade II listed park contains wonderful spots to sit amongst nature under the trees, with beautifully maintained gardens, courtesy of the Friends of Cannizaro Park. In June make sure to visit Lady Jane’s Wood and the Azalea Dell where the azaleas will be in bloom.

Cannizaro Park
Cannizaro Park

4

RHS WISLEY

Wander along the broadwalk and take in the blaze of different colours in the Mixed Borders, then visit the Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden, home to a variety of roses flourishing in June, with lawn art mown into the grass. If you fancy being by the water, the Jellicoe canal is covered in gorgeous flowering waterlilies in June, if you’re lucky you may spot frogs darting to and fro between them.

RHS Wisley
RHS Wisley

5

FULHAM PALACE

This gorgeous spot has many highlights throughout the year but is particularly lush in June, when the Walled Garden is really looking stunning. The apple arch, fruit trees and vegetable patches all grow some tasty treats, which are sold on the barrow (Tues – Saturday, 11-15.00).

6

CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN

A green space in the heart of London founded in 1673 by the Society of Apothecaries. The gardens still host a variety of herbs, medicinal plants, woodland walks and rock pools with lots of quiet spots if you need an escape from your work- from-home setup.

7

CHISWICK HOUSE AND GARDENS

The gardens were the birthplace of the English Landscape Movement and are stunning, thanks to a restoration project. See the vast kitchen garden dating back to the 1600s and the avenue of cedar trees.

8

HAMPTON COURT PALACE

There are 60 acres of formal gardens set around Hampton Court Palace to explore, from exciting water features in The Great Fountain Garden to the symmetrical beauty of the Privy Garden. The summer highlights include the herbaceous border of the East Front Gardens and Queen Mary II’s Exotick Plant Collection in the Lower Orangery Garden.

9

RAMSTER GARDEN

Based in Chiddingfold, Surrey, the Ramster Garden and Tea House is a fabulous opportunity to see an amazing display of flowering rhododendrons, alongside climbing roses and gorgeous wildflower meadows. Open until 2 July.

10

KEW GARDENS

June is the perfect time to wander through the Rose Garden at Kew, home to 170 different species of roses. Bask in the mowed walkways between the beds, or step into flower heaven with a visit to the laburnum pergola in The Queen’s Garden and wander under the sweet-smelling canopy of yellow blooms.

Rose Garden RBG Kew
Rose Garden, Kew Royal Botanic Gardens

Find more walks and family cycle routes near you.