Spring in the garden at Mottisfont

Our riverside gardens burst to life in spring, from sprouting bulbs to newly hatched ducklings and cygnets on the river. Discover delightful displays of daffodils, crocuses, tulips, and bright chionodoxa. The winter garden continues to boast bright colour and fragrance throughout March and into April.

We've planted masses of mixed, naturalising bulbs under ancient trees, in the winter garden, the walled gardens, and in the cherry orchard. These newly planted bulbs include narcissi, fritalaria, leucojium, cyclamen and crocus. Thousands of tulips will follow in April.

The first flowers are beginning to emerge, with many more to bloom as the days get warmer.

Maud Russell’s head gardener, Mr Buckle, started the ‘bulk planting’ of single plant variety which has since been adopted by subsequent head gardeners.

Another highlight of the season is a display of bright blue chionodoxa which sweeps through the pleached lime walk in April; and, nearby, you can follow a sloping pathway through an archway of blooming magnolia.

Our regular planting of tulips in the parterre, the short lime walk, and the central walled garden will be the finale of our bulb showcase, leading into early spring-flowering roses.   

Developing a new garden

Following a fundraising appeal, we’re currently developing the third walled garden, known as the ‘frameyard’. Soft landscaping works are planned to run until March, after which we'll begin planting - the final stage before we fully open this new garden. You're welcome to come and take a look as we work, and find out more about the project.

Bluebells on the wider estate

Out on the wider estate, our ancient woodlands put on a wildflower show for spring. Species such as lady's smock (also known as the cuckoo flower), celandines and bluebells begin to cover the meadows and woodland floor. 

Our estate walk is the best way to see this annual flowering.