The best of our late summer gardens at Polesden Lacey

The herbaceous border at Polesden Lacey at sunset. — Catch the last of the summer sun at Polesden

Even in September, the gardens at Polesden Lacey are bursting with colour and fragrance. Here are our top suggestions for what you should look out for in the garden when you visit.

Dairy Courtyard

As you first enter Polesden Lacey, be sure to stop for a moment to appreciate this special spot. Our naturalistic, prairie style bed was first planted in autumn 2018 and takes on a new beauty in the late summer months. Notice distinctive seedheads which look beautiful against a backdrop of feathery plumes of ornamental grasses. Asters bring some delightful colour through early autumn.

Rosa ‘Margaret Greville’

This year, the Ladies Garden has been dominated by Rosa ‘Margaret Greville’, especially cultivated for us in 2017 by Peter Beales Roses to celebrate 75 years since Polesden Lacey was bequeathed to the National Trust by Mrs Greville. This sweetly scented, repeat-flowering rose is a peach pink bloom with a gold centre that will flower well into September.

A pink rose with a yellow centre — Peach perfection with a heart of gold

The Edwardian walled rose garden

There are well over 2000 roses in the rose garden, including over 100 rambling roses on the pergola. The centre beds are made up of around 35 different varieties of Hybrid Tea, Floribunda and Hybrid Musk roses, many of which are still blooming beautifully in this walled garden. Particular favourites of the garden team include ‘Lavender Lassie’, ‘Buff Beauty’ and ‘Graham Stuart Thomas’

Double herbaceous borders

Wander along our vibrant double herbaceous borders in the last days of the summer sun. These borders feature gorgeous perennials such as Helenium, Achillea, and Rudbeckia in beautiful vibrant colours. The stunning mauve Hydrangea at the west end of the borders also makes it well worth walking all the way to the far end.

A section of the herbaceous border at Polesden Lacey — Take in the striking colours along the double herbaceous borders

South Lawn

Walk out onto the South Lawn and, surrounded by the expanse of quiet green space, take in the ever-changing, majestic view of Ranmore Common. There's no better place at Polesden Lacey to notice the changing seasons. The foliage of the ancient woodland transforms from lush greens to a patchwork of deep reds, vivid oranges and striking yellows. At this time of year it’s easy to understand why this is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.