Please be aware that Hestercombe will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, but will be open daily throughout the rest of the Christmas holidays.
Claire shares how she's learned to embrace the romance of autumn, appreciating the final burst of colour and the beauty in decay as she prepares the garden for the colder months.
An update from Claire Greenslade on slug invasions, landscape resilience and efforts to enhance sustainability and maintain the garden's unique charm.
After a well fought round of Regional Finals across the UK and Ireland, the Chartered Institute of Horticulture and Young Horticulturist of the Year are pleased to announce the Grand Finalists for 2024.
An update regarding the cedar tree on the east side of the daisy steps at Hestercombe.
Our Head Gardener, Claire Greenslade, explains how to manage the winter blues with plants.
Our Head Gardener, Claire Greenslade, provides an update on what our hardworking team of gardeners have been up to at Hestercombe over the winter months.
Our Head Gardener, Claire Greenslade, discusses the gardening jobs that can be started in the new year.
Head Gardener, Claire Greenslade, on Snowdrops, the impressive display that we have at Rook Wood from late December to March, as well as the history and some fun facts surrounding the plant.
Head Gardener, Claire Greenslade, on how we can adjust our garden planting to better suit long, dry spells
Head Gardener, Claire Greenslade, shares tips on how we’re saving water at Hestercombe
Head Gardener, Claire Greenslade, explains how Hestercombe is fighting ash dieback and trying to protect the future of our woodlands
Head Gardener Claire explains why buying British grown or sustainable flowers is the best way to show love this Valentine's Day
Hear more from Claire Greenslade on the recent checks carried out on Hestercombe's Cedar of Lebanon
National Tree Week is the perfect time for celebrating trees. Did you know that our sweet chestnut on Hestercombe's Orangery Lawn is over 500 years old?!
Get outside this season, breathe in the fresh air and watch Hestercombe gardens come alive with the rich colours of autumn.
Are you a creative looking for your next opportunity?
A number of beautiful hand-painted, solid wood carved toadstools are to be auctioned as part of The Mushroom Magic Trail
No Mow May ~ can you resist your mower for one month to help insect life in the UK?! Head Gardener Claire Greenslade sets you a challenge...
We love to see wildlife activity in our gardens but how can we encourage and support them? Head Gardener Claire Greenslade explains.
In 2005, Hestercombe Gardens Trust took ownership of Gotton Copse, a patch of woodland roughly 9 acres in size, but it was several years later that we started to restore the area ~ and found swathes of glorious bluebells!
A 2004 project successfully replanted a unique variety of historic irises on the East Rill borders in Hestercombe's formal gardens ~ and many of them will be sold in the Plant Centre
Head Gardener Claire Greenslade shares her step-by-step guide on how to sow seeds, from preparing seed trays to hardening off
Head Gardener Claire Greenslade appeared as a panellist in the Lutyens Trust America's webinar, 'Gertrude Jekyll and the Garden at Upton Grey'
For only £20, sponsor one of 60 bird boxes at Hestercombe, and help provide a safe, cosy home for a family of little birds! A lovely little nature-inspired gift for young family members.
From 29th - 31st January is the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch in 2021. It's free to join in - all you need to do is sit and watch birds in your garden or favourite outdoor space for an hour, and note down all the different types of bird that you see.
Hestercombe Head Gardener Claire Greenslade provides a handy set of guidance for why, when and how to plant a tree.
Head Gardener Claire Greenslade explores the concept of re-using old bicycle inner tubes to help new trees grow, and reduce plastic in the garden
Step by step advice from Hestercombe's Head Gardener Claire Greenslade on the do's and don't's of pruning apples and pears
Out in the gardens, our gardeners have been making the most of wet days by turning the compost heaps. Head Gardener Claire Greenslade tells us more!
November signals a busy time for our gardeners who have to prepare the gardens for the chilly winter months ahead. Head Gardener Claire Greenslade explains what this involves.
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.
Have you ever been scared to start a project in the garden because of the enormity of it? It happens to all of us, especially when deciding on the size of the flower beds.
Feast your eyes on the riot of colour that is the Great Plat in Hestercombe's formal garden
At this time of year our beautiful wildflower meadow is a haze of flowers with the hum of bees and the fluttering of…
Find out what's looking good in the gardens this June at Hestercombe - we explore the varieties found behind Lutyens' pergola.
For the keen twitcher, the amateur bird watcher or the casual observer of our feathered friends, we’ve the perfect setting at Hestercombe to get a view of some of Britain’s favourite garden birds.
Daffodils (in Latin, Narcissus pseudonarcissus) springing up signal the arrival of spring and have been the muse for many artists and poets including the famous poem by William Wordsworth, who had a home in Somerset.
The snowdrop brings a cheerful reminder that spring is on its way ~ Hestercombe’s Head Gardener Claire Greenslade explains how and when to plant them.
When it's cold outside and the days are short, it can be all too tempting to hunker down, cosy up and stay indoors.…
Winter Gardening Ideas: How To Look After Your Garden As the chilly nights draw-in make sure you follow…
Head Gardener, Claire Greenslade gives some top tips on autumn gardening. Now autumn…
There’s little better than a butterfly fluttering past, a bee buzzing by or a dragonfly darting through when you’re…
If you wander up to the far reaches of the Landscape Garden here at Hestercombe, you’ll stumble upon our kiln. It’s…
As horticulturalists, plastic has historically been a huge part of our gardening efforts. Just think of all the seed trays, plant pots and plastic watering cans we get through, even in a small garden!
Make the most of National Gardening Week
Interesting facts about some of Hestercombe's regular visitors.
