As summer embraces us with its arrival of our Gardens blossom with a vibrant display of colours and fragrances; our Head Gardener, Mark, has carefully selected his must-see plants and gardens for visitors to enjoy at this time of year.
Tulip Tree
Located on the back lawn of the Manor House, Capel Manor Gardens boasts perhaps the grandest Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) in the entire country. Witness its magnificent display of tulips, which grace us with their presence for a brief but awe-inspiring period of two to three weeks.
Rhododendron
Also adorning the back lawn of the Manor House is a sprawling rhododendron bush, adorned with an abundance of vibrant pink flowers. Its sheer size and density make it an impressive addition to our Gardens.
Roses
In the Walled Garden, our gardeners are diligently tending to the climbers as the entire area bursts into bloom. Capel Manor Gardens proudly host hundreds of rose varieties, poised to offer a breath-taking array of colours and delicate fragrances throughout the summer. Make sure to visit the 17th Century Garden, where the rambling rector variety envelops the central arch, creating a stunning backdrop for upcoming wedding ceremonies.
Cactus House
In our Walled Garden you will find our Cactus House where your attention will be immediately captivated by the Ipomoea indica (Blue Morning Glory), boasting radiant blue flowers. At the entrance, you will encounter the waxy tropical plant known as hoya carnosa, adorned with star-shaped pink flowers. Upon closer inspection, you may even notice nectar delicately dripping from the blooms, which can be used in cooking and soothing teas. Keep an eye out for the yellow flower buds on the bunny ear cactus, soon to blossom in the days to come.
Cornus Venus (Dogwood)
In both the Historical Gardens and the Garden of Exaggerated Beauty, you will discover the enchanting Cornus Venus. These exquisite flowering shrubs, often likened to graceful bows, serve as central focal points in their respective gardens. Admire the meticulously designed beds and accompanying blooming plants that surround these shrubs. Do not miss the majestic alliums, standing tall and proud, resembling a crowd gathered along the paved “catwalk” in our Garden of Exaggerated Beauty.
Fothergill’s and Johnson’s Gardens
Early summer, as well as spring, is a time for planting and maintaining your borders. Our gardeners and Capel Manor College students have been hard at work in Mr Fothergill’s Display Garden and Johnsons Garden, located near the café in the National Gardening Centre. Geum, with its deep red hues, is already showcasing its beauty, hinting at the forthcoming explosion of colours in both of these gardens in the weeks to come.
If you have a passion for gardening and want to expand on your knowledge you can explore a variety of horticultural workshops and part-time courses available at Capel Manor College throughout the year.
