Image supplied by Hodnet Hall, Image © Marvin Challinor
As the season changes from Winter into spring, the gardens at Hodnet Hall are already bustling with activity.
It would be a mistake to assume the gardens have been dormant. The mild winter has seen many spring bulbs hastily pushing themselves up through the earth in December, their green leaves waving furiously as the recent storms blew through them.
Visitors arriving in spring to visit the gardens here at Hodnet are in for a real treat.
Walking under the magnificent budding oaks and beeches, you will be greeted by the fresh green foliage of many deciduous azaleas and the hints of perfume from their flowers. Thousands of daffodils line the banks of the drive, and splashes of purple and blue crocus mix into the sea of yellow. In addition to the thousands of bulbs on show, Hodnet is renowned for its collection of mature and young magnolias. M. campbellii is one of the first to signal the arrival of the magnolia season, and its large pink flowers are hard to miss.
Image supplied by Hodnet Hall, image © Marvin Challinor
With its 60 acres of gardens and soil ideal for rhododendron growing, it will be no surprise that even in March there are rhododendrons in flower. R. orbiculare being of interest with its rose-pink flowers and R. arboreum with its dense heads of pink flowers.
On the other side of the garden, behind its red brick walls, lies the Kitchen Garden. In the cover of the potting shed, potatoes slowly chit while the warmth of the glasshouse brings on the seedlings. Outside, under the plum tree, Scilla luciliae weaves a blue carpet beneath them. Its delicate flowers resting just above the blades of grass. March truly is a magical time to witness the annual spring phenomenon of Hodnet Hall Gardens.
Marvin Challinor – Head Gardener
The gardens are open every Wednesday and Sunday and Bank holiday Monday from Sunday, 10 March until Wednesday, 30 October, from 11 am – 5 pm.
Please see the website for further details: www.hodnethallgardens.org
