Late summer and early autumn colour in Mottistone Gardens

Late summer flowers in bloom in the borders at Mottistone Gardens on the Isle of Wight — September colour in the borders at Mottistone Gardens

Large orange flowers of Dahlia ‘Ludwig Helfert’ in Mottistone Gardens — Dahlia ‘Ludwig Helfert’ in Mottistone Gardens

The pink flowers of the Bonica rose in the gardens of Mottistone, Isle of Wight — The Bonica rose in the gardens at Mottistone

Clusters of pink flowers on the Bonica rose at Mottistone Gardens — Clusters of flowers on Rosa 'Bonica' in Mottistone Gardens

A trip to Mottistone Gardens means you can make the most of the last lazy days of summer. The warm, sheltered location provides the perfect setting for flowers to blossom under the September and October sun. This means that the gardens are still full of colour in late summer and early autumn, with many of the plants that flourished through the high season still blooming. Others, meanwhile, are starting to thrive as the new season arrives. And every time you return to see what's new, you're helping us plant something different for next year.

Autumnal hues

As the colours of the countryside change across the Island, so too do those at Mottistone. Just like the trees around them, in the lower garden, the leaves and flowers of Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ and ‘Karfunkelstein’ change colour over the months, finally reaching their full glory as the cooler days arrive. The reds and oranges of autumn leaves are also echoed in the borders. The bright, spikey orange heads of Dahlia ‘Ludwig Helfert’, and rich bronze foliage and flowers of Alstroemeria ‘Indian Summer’ reflect the landscape perfectly. Red bells of Penstemon ‘King George V’ continue to blossom in the sunshine, whilst in the monocot border stately ginger and canna lilies produce vibrant orange flowers.

Orange and yellow flowers of Alstroemeria ‘Indian Summer’ in Mottistone Gardens — Alstroemeria ‘Indian Summer’ gives late summer colour at Mottistone Gardens

Around the maze, further colour and structure is provided by the giant leaves of exotic lilies and banana plants. The dark red foliage of the Abyssinian banana, a favourite of our Head Gardener, survives the cooler conditions of the British climate in its sheltered location at Mottistone and produces particularly large leaves.

Large red leaves of the Abyssinian banana in Mottistone Gardens — Our Head Gardener's favourite, the Abyssinian banana in Mottistone Gardens

Continuing summer colour

Summer colour continues across the garden too. In the rose garden, the Rosa 'Bonica' enjoys a second flush in the late summer sun. With its compact clusters of dainty shell pink flowers and glossy leaves, it stands out within the garden. Dotted through the borders and lining the paths are delicate Japanese anemones, golden Rudbeckia ‘Herbstonne’, bright cosmos and purple catmint. These, along with the small, dainty flowers of the ‘Rozanne’ and ‘Dusky rose’ geraniums in the top border, are a magnet for bees and butterflies. As the final days of summer arrive, the vivid scarlet and purple flowers of the ‘Mrs Popple’ fuchsia start to blossom, edging the paths to the tea-garden with bright, cheery colour.

Bee on purple catmint flowers in Mottistone Gardens — Bees love catmint in Mottistone Gardens

New for this year....

Our hard-working garden team spent last winter redesigning and creating a brand new organic kitchen garden. It now features accessible pathways and raised borders so that everyone can enjoy the fruit and vegetables that grow here.

We use the produce in the tea garden, where possible, in our tasty sandwiches and light lunches. In early autumn we'll be harvesting the last of the French and runner beans, as well as courgettes, tomatoes and peppers. The main crop of potatoes will be ready too, and juicy apples and pears will be dangling from the trees, ripe for picking. By October, vibrant orange pumpkins will be a familiar sight.

" My favourites at this time of year are autumn-fruiting raspberries, especially a variety called Falls Gold which melt in your mouth."

Enjoy more from the gardens

Lady picking beans and carrying a basket of vegetables

Something tasty from the garden

The secluded tea garden serves soups, sandwiches and light lunches which use seasonal produce from the organic kitchen garden when possible.

A National Trust picnic set out on a blanket with a wicker picnic basket

Shopping at Mottistone Gardens

Our shop at Mottistone Gardens is a great place to explore. Here you’ll find a range of tempting seasonal and locally sourced treats, with all profits made going back into the conservation of our beautiful gardens.

Whichever season you choose to visit Mottistone Gardens, there’ll be plenty to see.