Spring colour at Emmetts Garden

Emmetts Garden is renowned for its marvellous spring colour each year, from the sea of English native bluebells to the 80 species of rhododendron. Around every corner the beautiful blooms are filling the air with sweet scents and blushes of colour.

Striking black, pink and red tulips in flower

Tulips 

In a spectacle of gorgeous bright colour, our tulip meadow is a spectacle of spring with up to 7,000 bulbs planted every year. The tulips sit out underneath the cherry blossom trees in a stunning display of red, pink and black.

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Wild cherry blossom

Cherry blossom 

The lollipop shaped cherry trees blossom every spring over a sea of tulips, with approximately 48 standing tall in front of the wildflower meadow. Wild cherry also grows down at the bottom of the South Garden, ready to bear fruit in the summer.

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Handkerchief Tree (Davidia involucrata) at Emmetts Garden in spring

The Handkerchief Tree

According to local legend the handkerchief or dove tree is said to be the most romantic tree in China, an association which dates back to the Han dynasty. It is named for the drooping white bracts that come out late spring which give the appearance of hanging handkerchiefs or the fluttering of dove wings.

Fritillaria in bloom at Emmetts Garden, a National Trust property in Kent

Crown imperial (Fritillaria imperialis)

The crown imperials at Emmetts Garden are a firm favourite across volunteer and staff teams, as well as with our visitors. Their bright colours ensure they stand out from the crowd and merge wonderfully with the later bluebells to create a display of spring colour.

The Rock Garden in spring at Emmetts Garden, a National Trust property in Kent

The Rock Garden

The rock garden truly is a garden for all seasons, but spring has to be when it really shines. Tulip species cover a large area of it, with other smaller blooms creating delightful colour contrasts. The tulip ‘batalinii bright gem’ mixed with lithospermum diffusum looks particularly distinctive. Another firm favourite is the pasque flower. It shows off warm purple and pink colours whilst looking very delicate to the touch. Combined with the yellow dog's tooth violet, it makes a striking show.

Rhododenrons in bloom at Emmetts Garden, a National Trust property in Kent

Rhododendrons and azaleas 

Discover rhododendrons and azaleas as you've never seen them before at Emmetts Garden this spring with over 130 varieties from across the globe.

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The wedding cake tree in May at Emmetts Garden, a National Trust property in Kent

The Wedding Cake Tree

This unusual tree gets its name from how the branches grow in horizontal tiers, resembling the structure of a wedding cake. Originally from Japan and Korea, the white star-shaped flowers that bloom in May and June set this tree apart from the other rare species in the garden. This tree provides year round interest though, with the foliage turning to vibrant shades of red and purple in the autumn.

Bluebell woods at Emmetts Garden, a National Trust property in Kent
Emmetts Garden   Kent

Bluebells at Emmetts Garden

Spotting bluebells is one of the best things about a spring walk and Emmetts Garden doesn't disappoint for this. The woods have even been designated a SSSI (site of special scientific interest) due to the English native bluebells that bloom here. Every year the hillside is smothered with the nation's favourite wildflower creating a truly beautiful spectacle.

Go bluebell spotting at Emmetts Garden