I was interested in visiting some of the major English gardens in September. Any suggestions on how to arrange a private tour? The forum from a couple of years ago was very interesting, So I was wondering if there was any other information fellow gardeners could offer.
Thank you,
Marsha Douma
Google English Garden Tours, you will find lots of offerings in different parts of the country. Also look for tours in Scotland, Wales and Ireland, thrall offer lovely gardens.
English gardens are not at their best in September although they are still OK. It really depends upon the type of plants.
Camellias, crocus, daffodils are blooming in the south now (mid Feb > late March). Magnolias & trees with blossom flower late March through April. April > early June = rhododendrons & azaleas with bluebells carpeting woods.
June is good for roses with a second flush in September on many varieties.
July & August is when herbaceous borders look wonderful.
Have you considered driving instead? Yes, it can be stressful, but having your own transportation saves time and money. We rented a car and drove to Sissinghurst, Great Dixter, Hidcote, Beth Chatto, and many more--and felt it was worth it. BTW, Great Dixter was fabulous in September.
many of the best gardens in my opinion are National Trust, including the very special Hidcote and the very beautiful Stourhead.
Some guidance might be helpful to choose which to see, maybe that's why you want a guide.
I will say that almost all provide free intro tours of the gardens 2 or 3 times a day so if you can get to the gardens under your own steam you can do very well without a private guide.
There are gardens all over the country - which parts of the country will you be in, and which gardens do you refer to as "some of the major English gardens"?
By September some of the best displays will be heading over. Any chance you could move the trip up into June and July, when they are at their best?
Thank you everyone for your incredibly helpful replies and thoughts. I picked September because I felt I didn’t want to leave my own garden in the summer especially the vegetable garden but maybe I should rethink the timing. Perhaps late May or early June once everything is in the ground and established would be better. Suggestions for which to choose among the RHS and national trust gardens - they all look so beautiful - are welcome.
I'll be back with some suggestions later - - heading out for the morning
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/sissinghurst-castle-garden
Note that many gardens require advance, timed, ticketing, and sell out all summer. This is a planning effort. We also wanted to see the Chelsea Flower Show, but that's a separate project.
