Visiting the garden at Canons Ashby

Looking after the wildlife 

At Canons Ashby, planting takes place with nature and wildlife in mind, as well as for visitors. Plants are selected that insects and birds will love, which are grown from seed in the local area so there is less of an impact on the environment. 

Homes for the smallest residents

As you explore the garden and grounds, you may find habitat piles or bug hotels in certain places, where leaves, wood and other garden debris have been collected and left in a safe place. This provides protection for creatures like hedgehogs, small mammals and insect life in the cold winter months.

There are also wildlife homes and refuges behind the scenes, which provide places for growing biodiversity and habitats for creatures of all types.  

As part of looking after the wildlife, apples and pears are left on the trees or ground. This fruit provides food for lots of creatures in the coldest months, particularly birds like fieldfares or waxwings. 

The team regularly check the nest boxes in the garden and parkland. If needed, the boxes are given a clean and prepared for future lodgers. By monitoring which boxes are being used, more information can be discovered about what types of birds are living here. 

For families 

There's plenty of activities to do and things to explore, to keep the family entertained all year round. With the garden, parkland and paddock, there's plenty of space for your young adventurers to stretch their legs and blow off some steam. Have a chat with the team at visitor reception when you arrive to find out what trails are available. 

Summer Highlights

This summer marks a new chapter in the garden. For the first time, both the Top Terrace and the Sundial Terrace have been replanted with drought-resilient perennials, replacing the traditional seasonal bedding. These thoughtfully chosen plants are designed to deliver lasting colour while using less water, gradually maturing to create fuller, richer displays year after year. As autumn arrives, bulbs and additional planting will bring even more colour for the following year.

The herbaceous borders are at their peak, towering foxgloves rise above intricate irises, while delicate poppies and soft drifts of nepeta add texture and lightness. Together, they create a vibrant display that also supports wildlife, attracting bees and butterflies that can be seen visiting the garden throughout the day.

Elsewhere, the garden’s walls are transformed by a tapestry of climbers. Roses, honeysuckle and clematis intertwine to create a fragrant display that carries from early summer well into the season.

The vegetable beds will be brimming with fresh produce over the summer months. Any surplus is shared on the honesty bench, where donations are welcomed. Cut flowers grown on site bring colour indoors to the tea room, and a selection of home-grown plants can also be found in the gift shop.

During your visit, you may spot members of the gardening team at work. They’re always happy to share their knowledge, so do stop for a chat and ask any questions.

 

 

Please note, we have cattle grazing in the wider Parkland, so please be aware when walking through these spaces

Here are some tips to help you stay safe around the livestock you may encounter on the farmland:

Try not to startle livestock
As you’re approaching, whistle or talk to the livestock so they’re aware of your presence. If you then walk past calmly and quietly, the animals are more likely to ignore you.

Cattle may become excitable or frightened by large groups, so try to keep members of your group calm and quiet as you pass.

Don’t panic or run if cattle approach you
Cows can be very inquisitive and may move towards you, but they will usually stop before they reach you. If this happens, be confident and don’t panic. If you run, they may try to follow you.

Think ahead
Don’t allow yourself to become cornered by a group of cattle. They may just be curious, but cows pushing from the back of the herd could cause those in front to panic if they are forced too close to you.

If you find cattle blocking your way, clap your hands loudly as you approach and they should move out of your way. If not, leave the path and go round them.

Take extra care when livestock are with their young
Don’t get between mothers and their young. Most are very protective and can become aggressive. Make sure you give them lots of space.

Leave all gates as you find them
A farmer might have closed a gate to stop their livestock from wandering or left a gate open to let their animals move more freely. Do your bit to help farmers by leaving all gates as you find them.