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Victorian bedding displays...As you enter the Garden through the Grand Entrance, you will see the abundance of flower colour coming from the 'Victorian type' borders on the main lawns, and also from the Victorian Garden, situated just below the Curator's house. On a warm summer's day these displays look quite exotic. The Victorians adored these kinds of formal bedding plans, and this area was laid-out as far back as 1853 by Mr. Ewing, the third curator. Most of the plants used in the designs are not hardy in England, so will be lifted, before the winter/spring display is planted.

The mixed borders... look spectacular at present with large swathes of colour and form. From the Glasshouses, looking down to the bottom of the main border, to the right of the fountain, (which is the wettest area of the border); you will see a large swathe of the perennial daisy, Inula hookeri. It is a rapid colonizer, and needs a good deal of room to 'show off', flowering from July-October. The bees, butterflies and hover flies love it. This daisy originates from the Himalayas, introduced to England in 1849, by Mr. Joseph Hooker, as the name suggests.

Whilst walking around the Gardens... take a few steps into the Woodland, down behind the fountain, and you may come upon the magnificent large shrub, Hydrangea aspera subsp. sargentiana. This is a fine mature plant, originating from China, with exceptionally large and handsome leaves, and gorgeous wide, flat heads of mauve flowers, surrounded by large white sterile florets.

The newly restored Rose Garden is showing some beautiful blooms this year and will improve year on year, as more roses are planted and come to maturity. It is a popular spot to while away a warm summer's afternoon and take in the perfume.