The garden at Mottisfont

Step into the gardens at Mottisfont for year-round delight

The abundant spring, or font, that gave Mottisfont its name is now an ornamental feature of the garden. Tributaries of the River Test flow through the grounds, too. Follow paths beside the waterways to spot trout basking and swans gliding.

As you approach the house, an enormous tree catches the eye – seeming to dwarf the building from some angles. This huge London plane is thought to be the largest of its kind in Britain, and forms part of the National Collection of plane trees which stand in the grounds.

The garden is home to many other fine specimen trees, including grand horse chestnuts and stately oaks, planted by Georgian owners. Twentieth-century features include an elegant double row of pollarded limes and a circle of beech trees.

Autumn in the garden

Trees around the grounds turn red, orange and gold. Look out for Persian Ironwood (Parrotias), tulip (Liriodendron), American sweetgum (Liquidamber styraciflua), and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), which will all be glowing. The great plane beside the house creates a dazzling display, and along the font stream a group of Euonymus alatus (Burning bush) turn bright red. 

In the Kitchen Garden there's a colourful display of dahlias, some with enormous, stand-out blooms. Look out for the wigwams of ornamental gourds, as well as the last of the harvest.

In the Rose Garden, the blooms of early summer have turned into colourful hips, which brighten the borders at this time of year and provide over-wintering birds with an important source of food. Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) turns flaming red before losing its leaves. 

You'll see formal bedding in the Parterre and fuschsias on north lawn flowering until the first frosts. From November, the winter garden begins to come into its own, with displays of berries and ornamental willows keeping the colours alive. 

Guided garden walks

Our volunteer Garden Guides (and Rose Garden volunteers, during ROse Season) lead free of charge, themed daily walks, including a Welcome Walk which provides a general introduction for first-time visitors, alongside more in-depth history and seasonal garden walks.

Walks last around 20 minutes, and are usually repeated several times a day so you can find a time to suit (or join more than one walk!). You'll discover so much about the history, people and plants of this internationally important garden. 

The Welcome Team at visitor reception will be able to advise what’s on offer when you visit, or look out for information boards around the property. There's no need to book and it's the perfect way to enhance to your visit.

A perfect setting to enjoy a picnic

At Mottisfont, you’ll find beautiful corners throughout our gardens, perfect for a relaxed alfresco lunch. Whatever the season, whether you're spreading a blanket beneath ancient trees or settling beside a gently flowing stream, our grounds offer a peaceful escape for families and friends.

We also have several designated picnic areas around the grounds, complete with tables – including adapted tables designed for easier access, so everyone can enjoy dining outdoors together. Speak to the team at Visitor Reception for more information.