Last month the famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show hosted some of the most spectacular floral displays in the UK. So now that the summer months are well and truly here, why not put your own green fingers to the test at home? These beautiful outdoor spaces are sure to give you all the inspiration you need – whatever the size of your garden.
1. Kew Gardens – London
Kew Gardens boasts an incredible 500 acres of woodland and hosts 50,000 living plants that are among the most diverse in the world! The Temperate House is one of the world’s largest surviving Victorian-era glasshouses and contains some of the rarest and most threatened plants across the globe.
This iconic London destination is ideal if you’re looking for new and exotic flowers to grow or if you fancy turning your hand to building a beautiful greenhouse of your own.
2. Chatsworth House – Derbyshire Dales
Are you striving for your garden to look like it should belong in a period drama? Then Chatsworth House is the ideal source of inspiration. It’s believed that Jane Austen based her idea of Pemberley (Mr Darcy’s residence) on this delightful landscape in the Derbyshire Dales.
The gardens are laden with design influences ranging from high renaissance to early baroque, and its statues ooze Victorian charm. Be sure to check out their topiary maze if you want to spruce up your garden hedges.
3. Sissinghurst Castle – Kent
This quaint meadow garden was designed by poet Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, who moved there in 1930. The magnificent ‘white garden’ contains clusters of small neutral flowers that tumble around the greenery. It contrasts to the bright colours of the rose garden that blooms in June.
This is the ideal spot to visit if you’re wondering how to choose the perfect colour scheme for your garden.
4. Gordon Castle – Morayshire
According to Healthline, gardening outside has fantastic well-being benefits, and there is a great sense of achievement to be gained from growing your own vegetables. Gordon Castle in Morayshire is famous for its gardens that home an array of herbs, fruit and vegetables within its ancient walls. Here the gardeners cultivate over 200 different types of vegetables alongside wonderful herbs that are used for essential oils and herbal teas.
If you’re looking into growing your own fresh produce at home, a small herb garden is a great way to start. You could even look into planting a window box or harvesting certain herbs indoors if you live in a property without a garden. That way, you can still enjoy the benefits of gardening!
5. Crossrail Garden – London
The fabulous garden above the projected Crossrail station at Canary Wharf offers an authentic slice of paradise for city-dwellers. With its distinctive lattice rooftop and abundance of exotic plants, this subtropical garden has become a favourite haunt of business people and tourists alike.
If you love urban roof gardens, then this should be at the top of your list of places to visit. You’ll find palm trees, maples and bamboo, which are wonderful additions to your garden if you enjoy a calming, muted palette.
Moving house this year?
Have you started dreaming of buying your own home and garden? Whatever stage of the moving process you’re at, Moveable can help. Our platform has dedicated guides and price-comparison tools that will help save you time and money. Sign up for free here.