Plant collector Ernest Wilson is thought to have provided specimens that added extensively to the planting here in the early 20th century and the last private owner of the estate Thomas Upcher also made significant additions to the garden up to death in 1985.
The wild garden is now home to over 80 species of rhododendron and azalea often providing colour from November to August with peak flowering occurring from mid-May into early June.
Year round interest
Spring
The rhododendron display is a dynamic one gradually building in colour to its late spring peak. An early spring species ‘rhododendron macabeanum’ with its large lemon coloured flowers tucked away from the path network is worth seeking out and you cannot miss the crimson-scarlet flowers of ‘rhododendron Doncaster’ one of our most photographed species along the main drive. You will need to look up at some of our taller specimens including the appropriately named rhododendron arboreum.
We also have a number of specimen trees flowering during spring, the handkerchief, pieris and snowdrop trees are of particular interest. Spread around the garden, there are also fifteen species of magnolia to admire.
Patches of bluebells decorate much of the estate including the wild garden, and if you extend your walk into the parkland you will be rewarded with a display of buttercups and cowslips from April-June.