Spring gardens to visit

Late spring is a great time to visit this collection of stunning gardens

1 MOUNT STEWART HOUSE AND GARDENS

Mount Stewart is predominately a woodland garden and at this time of year, a delight. Lady Londonderry, who created the garden nearly 100 years ago suffered incurably from ‘Rhododendronitis’ and a walk in spring-time is enriched by these gorgeous plants. Magnolias, cherries, camellias and daphnes also delight. nationaltrust.org.uk/mount-stewart

2 GLAMIS CASTLE

Glamis Castle is the ancestral seat to the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne, the setting for Shakespeare’s Macbeth and the childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Glamis Castle has witnessed 1,000 years of history in the heart of Angus. Glamis Castle reopens 30 March-31 October. Glamis, Angus, Scotland DD8 1RJ | glamis-castle.co.uk | 01307 840393

4 CALKE ABBEY, NATIONAL TRUST

See Calke Abbey’s walled gardens come alive with colourful displays of tulips, wallflowers and forget-me-nots, while the historic Orangery houses a variety of tropical and sub-tropical plants. The rare, surviving auricula theatre is a must-see, adorned with auriculas this month and seasonal highlights throughout the year. calkeabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk | nationaltrust.org.uk/calke | 01332 863822

3 COWBRIDGE PHYSIC GARDEN

Cowbridge Physic Garden is a haven of tranquillity, nestling behind ancient stone walls in the market town of Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan. Planted and nurtured by dedicated volunteers, all varieties are heritage species with medicinal, culinary or dyeing uses. Entry is free. Cowbridge CF71 7BB | cowbridgephysicgarden.org.uk | 01446 773659

5 OSTERLEY PARK AND HOUSE

This spring, enjoy a stroll through the woods and meadow at Osterley, carpeted with bluebells and other wildflowers in early May. Explore the gardens at your leisure or take a guided walk through the park with one of our ranger team on selected days to discover more. Isleworth, London TW7 4RB | nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park | 020 8232 5050