Spring at Knightshayes

bright yellow daffodils on green grass with the house in the background and a blue sky

It's the time when colour starts creeping across the fields and gardens, blowing away all the winter cobwebs and giving us lots of opportunities to get back outdoors and enjoying nature. There's lots to do and spot at Knightshayes at this vivid time of the year.

Spring blooms

The garden is bursting back to life and there are plenty of spring flowers to spot as you wander the garden and parkland.

Crocuses, snowdrops and daffodils: You can spot these in drifts across the estate but some top spots include at the front of Gardner's Cottage next to the walled garden, on the lawn to the front of the house and in the American garden by the pond.

A carpet of purple and cream crocuses sloping towards the turreted tower of the walled garden — A carpet of crocuses and daffodils cover the lawn in front of Gardeners Cottage each spring.

Magnolias: Home to over 50 magnolia trees, the tree line in the formal garden turns decidedly pick in April and May. Follow the paved path up to Holly’s Wood or go off-road to the South Garden to see some stunning specimens.

large rich pink magnolia flowers against a bright blue sky — Over 20 million years old the magnolia tree existed before bees meaning they had to rely on beetles for pollination which is why they have such large, strong flowers.

Blossom: See blossom in the garden and parkland from February right through to May.

February: Japanese quince

March: Magnolias

April: Crab apple tree, cherry tree and hawthorn blossom

May: Apple and medlar tree blossom

Deep pink blossom on bare branches climbing upwards against the pale stonework around a window — Japanese quince blossom covers the front window of the house in spring.

Wildlife

Lambs: Home to a flock of sheep you can see their lambs jumping and running in the fields from March onwards. Please take care not to chase or scare them and dogs must be kept on a short lead at all times when in fields containing livestock.