Hardwick gardens in spring

Fruit trees in full blossom at Hardwick in the orchard

After the foggy mornings and dark evenings of winter, visitors can enjoy the beginnings of spring as life returns to the Hardwick gardens. Work never stops on the gardens and the team have been working hard all winter to ensure that this spring is a wonderful one.

Spring flowers

There are an abundance of spring bulbs appearing amongst the gardens. See the variety of crocus, daffodils and iris. In the stumpery, iris crown the lush green ferns that appear out of the architectural stumps. It won't be long before we start the see the magnolia flower in the South Lawn, a welcome sight for visitors exploring the gardens.

Magnolias in full bloom at Hardwick Hall
Magnolias in full bloom at Hardwick Hall
Magnolias in full bloom at Hardwick Hall

Blossoms

From late March, wander through the orchards to see the branches burst to life with a variety of pink and white blossom. At Hardwick, you'll see an ornamental orchard and a fruiting orchard. Discover the varieties for yourself while exploring the gardens.

The apple blossom in bloom at Hardwick

Blossom in the Hardwick orchards 

Spring is the perfect time of year to venture into the orchard to admire the apple blossom and the promise of autumnal treats.

Gardeners busy at work

The gardeners at Hardwick are busy prepping the beds, clearing the old foliage, making way for the fresh new stems and saplings. In the nursery, plants are being preppared for when the shop re-opens and to plant out in the months to come, bringing that summer colour in the West Court. 

Spring in the estate

Beyond the gardens visitors can enjoy a stroll around the Oak Walk and see the beautiful carpets of bluebells in Lodge Wood. You can also spot the quintessential sight of spring when the lambs are spotted leaping out in the park, often over towards the area known as the Wine Glass.

Lambs enjoy the spring sunshine in Hardwick park
Hardwick park in the spring with lambs
Lambs enjoy the spring sunshine in Hardwick park
Bluebells on the Hardwick estate

Walks to explore at Hardwick 

Hardwick's landscape in and around the estate make a great walk, long or short. Routes through our gardens and key visitor areas are by pre-booking only.