GARDEN OF THE YEAR

BODNANT GARDEN CONWY

This 80-acre garden set in a stunning valley delights in variety, with formal gardens, Italianate terraces, lawns, a laburnum arch and stunning water features, including the Pin Mill and tree-lined streams of The Dell.

Judge Phoebe Smith says: “The laburnum arch changes every different season, sometimes bright yellow, sometimes green, sometimes bare. There’s a secret garden and places to get lost – it’s very family friendly with big open spaces and lots of little places to hide away as well.” nationaltrust.org.uk/bodnant-garden

COLETON FISHACRE DEVON

Besides this beautiful arts and crafts home of the D’Oyly Cart family sits a radiant RHS-designed garden with views to the sea. With glades, ponds and tropical plants blooming in a lush valley, the colourful yet tranquil design complements the art deco character of the house. Judge Mark Rowe says: “One of the edgier National Trust gardens, this is framed by coastal cliffs, and is not especially formal – it’s quite ragged at the edges, and it has a lot of charm to it.” nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre

ROUSHAM GARDENS OXFORDSHIRE

This privately owned garden (though open to the public) was designed by William Kent in the early 18th century, and is almost unchanged since then. It retains many features that delighted 18th-century visitors, including sham ruins, ponds and cascades.

Judge John Craven says: “Rousham Gardens managed to escape Capability Brown, so it still has the formal gardens as well as the broad open landscape garden. It’s a wonderful place to wander and see what is possible in a large English garden.” rousham.org

LOST GARDENS OF HELIGAN CORNWALL

A genuine secret garden, Heligan languished under weeds for years. Today, these restored gardens have a rare beauty, with winding paths, vast tree ferns, bamboo tunnels and ancient woodland. Judge Fergus Collins says: “Lost Gardens of Heligan is a great restoration story and has become an absolute jewel full of mystery and romance.” heligan.com

MOUNT STEWART COUNTY DOWN

Located on the edge of Strangford Lough, Mount Stewart is in a spectacular position. The mild climate allows for an impressive degree of planting experimentation, and the formal areas have a Mediterranean feel. Formerly owned by society hostess Edith, Lady Londonderry, the early 20th-century gardens hold tales of wild, bacchanalian parties at the lodge and in the gardens.

Judge Marke Rowe says: “The landscape is a wonderful jumble of formal gardens and Italianate gardens, where lots of high shrubs have created a wonderful microclimate. Its racy history also adds spice to any visit.” nationaltrust.org.uk/mount-stewart