Summer garden at Ormesby Hall

Rhododendrons grow in clusters and come into bloom in late spring, lasting into early summer leading the way for the other summer flowers to follow. This year they have come into bloom later than normal, so we may get to see them for longer this summer. For a good flowering season, rhododendrons like a very wet season just before they come into flower and grow best when protected from the wind and have some shade. At their best: mid-June

This ornamental onion shaped flower boldly stands amongst other herbaceous perennials in the formal borders. They need to be planted in a sheltered site to prevent their spiky stalks from being blown over. Alliums are amongst the hundreds of species of monocotyledonous flowering plants that include garlic and onion, which could explain their onion like shape. At their best: early summer

New for 2021 will be the display of newly planted foxgloves along the woodland path. In this previously evergreen focused space the foxgloves will bring some height and colour to this area of the garden. After being relocated altogether we expect the best foxglove display the garden has ever seen. At their best: early July

The delphiniums return every year and were one of Mrs Ruth Pennyman's favourite flowers in her garden. The tall flower spikes have single or double flowers, in shades of blue and purple. They thrive in sunny spots with lots of space and do not like sharing borders with many other flowers or shaded areas. Their height makes them vulnerable to strong winds and are easily blown over. At their best: July and August

The striking blue and white flowers of the agapanthus can be found in the formal borders and in troughs on the cafe terrace. With their strong stems and large, radiant heads the Agapanthus, also known as African Lily create a stunning display in the garden. These plants are very vulnerable to the cold and frost, so due to the colder spring their flowers are not forming as quickly as they normally would. At their best: July and August

Summer sees the hydrangeas compete for centre stage and there are a range of colours to be seen, most commonly purples and pinks. The acidity of the soil can influence the colour of the flowers, which last into autumn with their flower heads providing structural interest throughout the winter. We often pick the heads and dry them for Christmas decorations. At their best: July - September

Roses have always been an important presence within the garden, with different species of rose adorning the walls of the Georgian mansion and greeting visitors as they step through the garden gate. The spectacular colours and scents of roses are a sure sign that summer has arrived and keep their beautiful shape into the autumn. At their best: July - September

Surrounding the rose garden and cafe terrace the scented lavender is a hive of activity for bees and other pollinators. This richly fragrant flower offer a delight for your senses as the air is filled with the sweet smell of lavender. This easy to grow shrub thrives in sunny conditions and is the perfect opportunity to watch nature at work. At their best: July and August

Acanthus mollis, commonly known as Bear's Breeches is a flowering perennial found in the herbaceous borders. Rising above the foliage the deeply cut, dark green leaves give an elegance to the plant, with the spiky, dusky purple flowers acting as a hood over the smaller white flowers, growing as tall as 3.5 feet. At their best: mid-summer

As soon as summer begins we are on dahlia watch. Planted in 2019 the dahlias reside in the tropical themed formal borders in the centre of the garden. There are a variety of dahlias planted, with most offering a showy double form. One of the species is the cartwheel dahlia with it's unusual fan shaped flowers, beloved for their pollen by bees. Dahlias not only put on a show in summer but also into early autumn. At their best: August and early September

Amaranthus is an annual perennial, also known as love lies bleeding or a tassel flower. The fascinating cascade of colour also gives off the shape of a bushy foxtail and is mesmerising to look at. It is a very distinctive flower and can grow as tall as 5ft with it's bushy, dark green foliage. Each of these deep purple tassels is a colony of tightly packed, tiny flowers, which can remain in full bloom for weeks. At their best: August.

The gladioli adds structure and elegance to any summer garden as they tower over some of the smaller summer flowers. They are often known as sword lillies due to their long, pointed leaves. This herbaceous plant originates from sunny climates so requires plenty of sun, making the central formal borders the perfect location for them amongst the other tropical coloured flowers. At their best: July and August