Summer gardens to visit

This summer, make time to visit this collection of stunning gardens and arboretums across the UK

1 KENSINGTON GARDENS

In spring and summer 2017, the historic Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace will be temporarily transformed into a White Garden. In the summer, pots of classic English white roses will surround the reflective pool in the centre of the garden and the planting will become more exuberant, with glowing ornamental grasses weaving through cosmos daisies and billows of graceful gaura. Address Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX Tel 020 3166 6000 Web hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace

2 ABERGLASNEY GARDENS

Aberglasney was made famous by the television series A Garden Lost in Time, which followed its restoration. Today it’s quite simply one of Wales’ finest gardens; a renowned plantsman’s paradise with a unique Elizabethan Cloister Garden at its heart. Aberglasney’s Grade II* listed mansion is a stunning venue for exhibitions and events. Open all year. Address Llangathen, Carmarthenshire SA32 8QH Tel 01558 668998 Web aberglasney.org

3 ABBOTSBURY SUBTROPICAL GARDENS

A recent winner of the HHA/ Christie’s Garden of the Year Award and described by Alan Titchmarsh as ‘one of the finest gardens I have ever visited’. Established in 1765 by the 1st Countess of Ilchester as a kitchen garden for her nearby castle. It has developed since into a magnificent 30-acre tropical paradise with many exotic features including a Burma Rope Bridge. Address Bullers Way, Abbotsbury, Dorset DT3 4LA Tel 01305 871387 Web abbotsburygardens.co.uk

4 THE BISHOP’S PALACE & GARDEN

Over 14 acres of spectacular RHS partner gardens including picturesque, romantic, formal and Victorian styles, a wild flower arboretum, specimen trees, alongside waterfalls, well pools, a moat with resident swans and a stunning medieval Palace. Booking now open for Garden Festival 9-11 June. Open daily 10am-6pm. Address Off Market Place, Wells, Somerset BA5 2PD Tel 01749 988111 Web bishopspalace.org.uk

5 NATIONAL TRUST OSTERLEY PARK

Considered one of the best examples in the country of an 18th Century pleasure garden, Osterley has been transformed back into grandeur with herbaceous borders, roses and ornamental vegetable beds as designed by Robert Adam. Open daily, 10am-5pm. Address Jersey Road, Isleworth, London TW7 4RB (sat nav TW7 4RD) Tel 020 8232 5050 Web nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley