What’s to see?

The first section visitors see is the oldest, established part of the gardens. In sunny parts look out for the new, repeat-flowering Every day lily and a range of alstroemeria. Impatiens and begonia provide a carpet of colour under the trees.

Verbena put on a show at the main entrance, with pelargoniums cascading down an embankment of loffel stones.

A pathway to the trial house leads past a small garden and beyond that are the themed displays of edibles, succulents, patio plants, novelty petunias, perennials and hanging baskets.

The main attraction is the trial flower house which houses hundreds of annuals, perennials and foliage plants, many of them gold medal winners from the US and the UK.

The final section features a pathway leading through a series of sky frames, a new design concept that opens up the “fifth” dimension of landscape space.

“Our emphasis is on colour, at different levels and in different combinations,” says Varney, who likens them to a huge box of Smarties, popping with colour.