The garden at Mottisfont

Daffodils under a plane tree in the gardens at Mottisfont, Hampshire — Daffodils under a plane tree at Mottisfont | © National Trust Images/Alison Marsh

Discover a garden of ancient trees, babbling brooks and rolling lawns. Carpets of spring bulbs, walled gardens, a world-famous collection of once-flowering roses, rich autumn foliage and a colourful, scented winter garden create a feast for the senses all year round.

Step into the gardens at Mottisfont

The abundant spring 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.

Guided garden walks

Our volunteer Garden Guides lead free 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. The Welcome Team at visitor reception will be able to advise what’s on offer when you visit.

Spring blooms and blossom

Our spring bulb showcase is designed to provide changing displays throughout the season. Golden daffodils litter the grass under our ancient trees in early spring. The winter garden beds are bright with colour from crocuses, cyclamen and anenomes, while daphnes, witch hazel and viburnum create a sweet fragrance.

The parterre blooms with a blue and yellow colour scheme of tulipa ‘Sunny Prince’ and hyacinth ‘Delft Blue’.

Our cherry orchard bloomed early this year - 15 Mount Fuji cherry trees produce snowy blossom with a delicious honey fragrance. Blossom is now giving way to fresh new leaves. The orchard is established in a small, bio-diverse meadow which, late in the season, reveals bright spots of colour from narcissi, fritillaries and wild tulips.

In the walled rose garden, there are candy-pink apple buds and snow-white pear blossom, while younger apple trees in the adjacent Kitchen Garden produce modest displays.

Tulips in the kitchen garden at Mottisfont, Hampshire — Tulips in the Kitchen Garden at Mottisfont | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

The Kitchen Garden shows off colourful tulips in raised beds, and is planted with produce once the risk of frost has passed. The rose gardens also have new tulip displays every year, from pretty pastel pinks to rich purple and cheerful yellow.

The first roses start to emerge in May, particularly wall-climbing varieties, building up to rose season in June.

The Kitchen Garden

Rediscovered and restored in 2018, the innovative Kitchen Garden embodies Mottisfont’s medieval history and productive past. Everything planted here is culinary, medicinal or edible, designed to educate and inspire.

Raised beds are planted with a mix of vegetables, herbs and edible flowers from spring to autumn. Surrounding a central water feature, the beds are constructed of brick and flint to reflect materials found elsewhere at Mottisfont. Running the full length of the garden are two cloister-esque wooden pergola walkways crafted from re-purposed Hampshire chestnut. These have been newly planted with sweet peas and grape vines, which will develop over the coming years.