Now that summer is behind us, the cold-loving flowers and shrubs of October have started to bloom, bringing new colours and points of interest to the gardens.
Sunday 24th November - Due to high winds this morning and fallen branches around the gardens, we will be opening at the later time of 11am today. Illuminate will take place as planned tonight.
Due to the weather some routes leading to Hestercombe are closed due to fallen trees, please check your route here before travelling as visitors may need to take alternative routes to the venue.
Now is the perfect time to spot several varieties of Aster around the formal gardens, providing a purple pop to the grey walk and along the rills.
Crisp green Bramley Apples are now showing within our orchard, south of the formal gardens, with some turning red as they ripen.
Image: Malus domestica
This month is still a fine time to see these succulent salmon-pink gladioli, standing tall in the centre of the formal garden.
Image: Gladiolus Hybridus
Flanking the base of the formal gardens from their proud position on the rill are two Japanese acer trees, whose ruby-red leaves and curled branches look like something out of a fantasy novel.
Image: Acer palmatum, with its branches framing the centre of the formal gardens
Now that the larger summer foliage has gone, the autumn plants and vines within the pergola are fully visible. To see nature interplay with the brickwork in the pergola
If you’re interested in taking some of the gardens home with you, our Plant Centre is open and accessible at the end of your visit.
This year within the sights and sounds of the autumn gardens you may also find pieces of our Open Up gallery exhibition. See if you can spot all of the outdoor artwork on display!
Over the last 30 years Hestercombe’s historic landscape and its unique, world famous gardens have been lovingly restored.
However, Hestercombe’s closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on Hestercombe Gardens Trust’s finances. We’re an independent charity without the safety net of larger organisations, and we must now raise substantial funds to ensure Hestercombe continues to thrive and to help secure its magnificent heritage for future generations.
We would be incredibly grateful for any donation that you are able to give. Thank you.
If you are a UK taxpayer and you select ‘Please Gift Aid this donation’, the UK Government will give Hestercombe Gardens Trust an additional contribution of 25% at no extra cost to you.
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