Winter is best in the garden

Ham’s historic formal garden could be said to be at its best in winter. The structure of the 17th-century plans are revealed and the lines of hedging, topiary and evergreens, often with geometric shapes, are at their strongest. Our visitors come to see the cherry garden’s frosted topiary and clipped hedges with ordered beds of domed lavenders and to walk among the 16 wilderness hedged compartments.

By mid-February, bulbs will start blooming in all areas, their colour punctuating the formality with tens of thousands of crocus and scented narcissi softening the character of the garden with new life.

In the kitchen garden, winter crops come in to their own – including brassicas, alliums, salads and greens. While the kitchen garden beds are pristine, loaded with potential and prepared for the productivity to come.