Summer in the gardens at Mottistone

A gravel path between two borders filled with purple and orange flowers with Mottistone Manor at the end of the path — The borders at Mottistone in summer

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

Colourful summer flowers in the gardens at Mottistone, Isle of Wight — Colourful summer flowers at Mottistone Gardens

The red, blue and orange border in late summer at Mottistone Gardens, Isle of Wight — The colourful plants of the red, blue and orange border in August

White ox eye daisies on the wildflower banks at Mottistone Gardens, Isle of Wight — Ox eye daisies on the wildflower banks at Mottistone Gardens

Throughout the summer, the gardens at Mottistone on the Isle of Wight provide a treat for the senses. From the heady scent of roses in the garden in June, to the eye-catching colours of the various plants and flowers that fill the borders by August, a visit in any month will reveal something new.

The start of summer

As summer begins, the warm June sunshine fills the gardens with the beautiful aroma of lavender and roses. With its compact clusters of dainty shell pink flowers and glossy leaves, the Rosa 'Bonica' stands out within the garden.

Over on the wildflower banks, the ox eye daises cover the slopes in a carpet of white, whilst in the lower garden the tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) produces brightly coloured flowers in abundance. Up on the steps, Mexican fleabane (Erigeron karvinskianus) cascades down the stonework that leads to the rose garden. It is one of the most talked about plants at Mottistone and is popular with bees.

The flowers of the Tulip tree in Mottistone Gardens, Isle of Wight — Flowers of the tulip tree in Mottistone Gardens

Height of summer colour

By July, catmint and the delicate creamy flowers of Sisyrinchium edge the paths that pass through the double herbaceous border. The sun loving Osteospermum 'Tresco Purple' also begins to flower, and the many sunny and sheltered locations within the gardens mean that it will continue to produce colourful blooms through until September.

A yellow dahlia with a bright red centre in the gardens at Mottistone — A colourful dahlia in the gardens at Mottistone

As summer reaches its peak in August, the flowers of the red, blue and orange border display their vibrant colours. Blue Agapanthus contrasts with lofty red Kniphofia, whilst the red bells of Penstemon ‘King George V’ blossom in the sunshine.

A lady and a gentleman talking to a garden volunteer amongst the summer flowers at Mottistone Gardens — The borders are filled with colour throughout the summer

New for this year....

Our hard-working garden team have been busy over the winter redesigning and creating a brand new organic kitchen garden. It now has more accessible pathways and raised borders so that everyone can enjoy the fruit and vegetables that grow here. If you pop back throughout the summer, you'll find different seasonal plants growing here, from the bright greens and vibrant reds of lettuce leaves in June, to sweet, melt-in-the-mouth raspberries in September.

Little girl looking at a raspberry in Mottistone Gardens — Juicy raspberries in Mottistone Gardens

" My favourite thing is to dig up the first new potatoes of the season and taste the sweetness of a freshly picked strawberry."

Of course, these are just a few of the seasonal highlights and there are many other beautiful plants and flowers to discover around the garden. See what other interesting flora you can find on a visit to Mottistone this summer.

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.