Coughton's winter garden

There is something for everyone to enjoy throughout the seasons here at Coughton and highlights include the variety of roses, daffodils around the lake and the plentiful vegetable garden, orchard and bog garden.

Throughout the winter there are lots of preparations going on for the following seasons. Whilst the plants and flowers sleep waiting for the spring, other parts of the garden come into their own and crisp winter days are ideal for exploring the gardens.

Wrap up warm on a crisp winter's day and explore the riverside and lakeside walks. There are tranquil spots to enjoy the scenery and look out for the birds which have stayed behind for the winter. Some shrubs go unnoticed during the summer season but when they drop their leaves in winter the colour of their branches shines out along the pathways.

Along the riverside walk the catkins on the hazels are preparing themselves for spring and don't miss the reflective lake, covered in ice on your way to explore the orchards opposite. From Thursday 5 November the bog garden and orchard will be closed so that the gardeners can carry out essential maintenance on the pathways.

Beneath the trees and buried within the borders thousands of bulbs lie in wait for the warmer months but a few spring to life during the cold season such as winter irises, hellebores and cyclamen.

Some of the plants, such as our phillyrea in the courtyard, are tender and have to have special attention during winter to protect them from the frosts so they are wrapped up well.

After we close for the winter it's a very busy time for the gardeners and a good time to carry out works ready for when we re-open in the spring.