Explore August's best gardens: discover the idyllic green hideaways that will captivate you in their lush splendor this season
Top Gardens to Visit in August: A Guide
August is a wonderful time to explore the beautiful gardens of the UK, and this month, we have some recommendations from Tom Brown, head gardener at West Dean Gardens. Here are some must-visit gardens that will captivate your senses with their vibrant summer blooms.
Great Comp Garden
Located in Sevenoaks, Kent, Great Comp Garden is a hidden gem known for its curator, William Dyson, and his impressive collection of salvias. The garden, which can be contacted at 01732 885094 or greatcompgarden.co.uk, offers a huge range of salvias that respond well to the hot, drier conditions of August.
Special Plants
Situated in Cold Ashton, Chippenham, Wiltshire, Special Plants is a must-visit for plant enthusiasts. With a focus on Mediterranean plants and unusual perennials, this garden and nursery, which can be contacted at 01225 891686 or specialplants.net, showcases an extensive collection in two gravel gardens. Special Plants is open every Tuesday until October, and Derry's nursery is open daily with a variety of unusual perennials, grasses, and biennials.
Abbotsbury Subtropical Garden
Located in Abbotsbury, Weymouth, Dorset, Abbotsbury Subtropical Garden is a delight in high summer. With hydrangeas and tender perennials creating a diverse and vibrant display, this garden offers stunning views of the Jurassic Coast. Online booking is advisable but not essential, and the garden can be contacted at 01305 871387 or abbotsburytickets.co.uk.
East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden
Covering 32 acres, East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden in Norfolk, Norwich, is a large garden created by Graham Robeson and Alan Gray. Known for its exuberant planting style and sometimes theatrical design, this garden is a must-visit for those seeking an unforgettable gardening experience.
York Gate Garden
York Gate Garden, located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, is often hailed as one of the finest small gardens in the country. Known for its strong architectural elements, bone structure, and exquisite plant combinations, York Gate Garden is a must-visit for those seeking inspiration and tranquillity. The garden can be contacted at 0113 267 8240 or perennial.org.uk/garden/york-gate-garden.
Please note that no further details are provided for Great Comp Garden and East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden in the given information. However, they are recommended gardens to visit in August by Tom Brown and Åsa Gregers-Warg, respectively.
Abbotsbury Subtropical Garden is open daily until December, offering stunning views of the Jurassic Coast throughout the year. Special Plants is open until October, with online booking advisable but not essential. Great Comp Garden's garden and nursery are open from 10am to 5pm.
York Gate Garden is a charity-owned garden, dedicated to supporting people who work in horticulture. It is a testament to the beauty and power of gardening, and a visit here is sure to inspire and delight.
We hope this guide helps you plan your August gardening adventures. Enjoy exploring these beautiful gardens!
- August is an excellent time for outdoor-living, and visiting the top gardens in the UK, like Great Comp Garden, can provide a captivating and sensory experience.
- For plant enthusiasts, Special Plants in Cold Ashton, Wiltshire, offers a vast collection of Mediterranean plants and unusual perennials in two gravel gardens.
- Abbotsbury Subtropical Garden in Abbotsbury, Dorset, boasts stunning views of the Jurassic Coast during high summer, with a diverse and vibrant display of hydrangeas and tender perennials.
- East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden in Norfolk, Norwich, is a large garden with an exuberant planting style and sometimes theatrical design, offering an unforgettable experience for gardening enthusiasts.
- York Gate Garden in Leeds, West Yorkshire, is renowned for its architectural elements, bone structure, and exquisite plant combinations, offering inspiration, tranquillity, and support for those in horticulture.
