Summer 2008 at Wakehurst Place

Seasonal Highlights

Summer work in the gardens concentrates on maintaining the beauty of our displays, but we also encourage our native plants by our maintenance regime. In June wildflowers including buttercups, common spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii), self-heal (Prunella vulgaris) and cat’s ear (Hypochoeris) replace naturalised narcissi in un-mown grass areas throughout the gardens. Also take a look at the raised parterres by the Millennium Seed Bank, showing wild flowers from threatened habitats in Great Britain.

Near to the Mansion, the Walled Gardens come into their own from June to September. Peonies, Penstemon and sumptuously scented roses are followed by sweet peas and tender perennials in a mass of colour until autumn. The new North American border in the walled Pleasaunce displays vibrantly coloured perennials originating from this Continent.

In the Specimen Beds, June’s display of Penstemon is followed by bold drifts of hydrangeas, buddleja and Salvia. The dazzling yellow blooms of the National Collection of Hypericum (also to be seen by the Stables) dominate this area. Look out for the glossy foliage and spectacular white blooms of Eucryphia in the Southern Hemisphere Garden.

The Mediterranean planting of sun roses (Cistus) and Jerusalem sage (Phlomis) by the Balustrade blends pinks, whites and yellows right through to September. Look out here for Pisum sativum, the wild forbear of our cultivated pea. Below, in the Slips, native orchids are gradually replaced by other native wild flowers as the summer progresses, including the rare grass vetchling (Lathyrus nissolia).

Beyond the Slips in the Water Garden, through June and into July our Himalayan blue poppies (Meconopsis betonicifolia) dazzle, while Wakehurst’s amazing giant Himalayan lilies (Cardiocrinum) tower up to 2m (6 feet) high. Spectacular varieties of Iris sibirica and Japanese Iris ensata fill the Iris Dell as these dramatic plants form the highlight of the Water Garden area.

Progressing down through Westwood Valley, the bluebell woods of spring are replaced by an array of native flowers, including loosestrife and agrimony. Control of invasive bracken is a major task for the horticultural team through the early summer here. Entry to the Loder Valley Nature Reserve is from the bottom of this valley, where undisturbed woodland and meadow flowers can be seen. Knapweed dominates Hanging Meadow through summer, to be joined by fleabane as autumn approaches. Entrance tickets to the Loder Valley are available from the Wakehurst Place Visitor Centre. Entry can be gained via Ardingly Causeway or, if you wish to gain access via the Gardens, you will be provided with an entrance code. Booking is not permitted in advance or over the phone.

As the days shorten, Michaelmas daisies (Aster) and Vernonia attract late flying butterflies and bees to the Walled Gardens. The first autumn colour appears with the strawberry scent and pinkish tints of Katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum), to be followed by the reds and yellows of the maples (Acer). Near the Visitor Centre, thousands of Cyclamen hederifolium come into flower under the trees, showing there’s plenty to see as summer ends.

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