What's in Bloom? Winter in the Gardens

Excellent Evergreens

Transport yourself to a tranquil winter glade in the pinetum, one of the oldest features of the gardens. On a frosty day, look up to the sparkling canopy, feel the pine needles crunch underfoot, and take in the fresh scents of the evergreens including 20 Pinus, 16 Picea, and 8 Abies species.

Take shelter from cold temperatures in the Fernery where you'll find a showcase of New Zealand tree ferns (Dicksonia) and Ficus Pumila or 'Creeping Fig' covering the walls. The building itself is one of the most outstanding of its kind and designed in the late 1850s by Joseph Paxton.

Winter highlights in the gardens

Embrace winter on a brisk walk through the Pleasure Gardens and wind your way into more sheltered spots like the American Garden and the White Walk. 

Bare trees allow glimpses of the vast Parkland beyond, and look out for an array of unusual twisted trunks often hidden by thick brush during the rest of the year.

On a snowy day, marvel at the beauty of the Mansion's exterior from the Italian Garden, transformed into a winter wonderland. 

Keep an eye out for those first glimpses of Spring when snowdrops and crocuses create carpets of colour along the pathways of the Broadwalk.