A taste for the tropical

Soak up the atmosphere of the lush exotic garden, or be inspired by the dramatic prairie planting at Abbeywood Gardens, Delamere, in Cheshire. A Plant Hunters’ Fair takes place here just as the six acres of formal and informal gardens reach their peak, so it’s an ideal time to visit (18 August, 10am-4pm,

£3 – see planthuntersfairs. co.uk). But Abbeywood’s spectacular collection of plants and idyllic setting make it well worth a visit any time. The gardens open Sundays to Thursdays, normal adult admission £6, children free. For more information, call 01606 888 251, or visit abbeywoodestate.co.uk.