Winter in Ham House Garden

Nature may be resting, but there is beauty all around. The formal structure of this 17th-century space is revealed with deep green lines of hedging, and skeleton trees standing proud.

Topiary in the formal garden

Tiptoe past the Cherry Garden’s frosted box topiary, beneath two statuesque hornbeam arches to see the silvery sight of domed lavenders as they sleep through winter. 

The peace of The Wilderness

Then, wander through the Wilderness Garden to see splashes of colour in the red whips of dogwood, delicate green stems and later in the season hunt for the sunny yellow of Winter Aconites followed by dancing bells of white snowdrops.

Winter greens and warming fare

In the kitchen garden, winter crops come in to their own – with brassicas, alliums, salads and greens ready for the picking. Many of these will be used in our Orangery café, a haven of welcome with warming drinks and hearty food to see you through the colder months.  

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. 
 

Daffodils in the snow

Whenever you decide to visit this winter, look out for the many birds and wildlife that have made Ham House and Garden their home. We feed the birds throughout the winter, and regularly see green woodpeckers foraging and taking shelter in the trees. 

Garden Room display

Learn more about nature in the garden at Ham House: the Garden Room tells the story of how the Ham Garden team is encouraging wildlife to thrive here using organic principles.

Free to National Trust members, and included within the entry fee for non-members who pay to visit the garden, the display includes changing seasonal tips and behind the scenes information from the head gardener.