What's flowering in October
The autumn border at the bottom of the garden is filled with flowers and ornamental grasses that are at their best in September and October. The Coral plant (Berberidopsis corallina) a climber on the front of the house, is looking wonderful. There is an excellent display of autumn colour from maples, parrotia, red oaks and many other ornamental trees and shrubs.
What the gardeners are doing this month:
If the weather turns cold during October we will give the lawns a final cut before cleaning down and storing mowers for the winter. We will continue to tidy up beds and borders, but any plants sporting seedheads will be left as winter food for the birds. Our plans for the winter months ahead will be finalised, and will include clearing and tidying of the rhododendron bank above the car park.
Birds and wildlife to look out for:
Deer, foxes and rabbits are regular visitors to the gardens. Badgers have been foraging for the grubs in wasp and bumble bee nests.
The resident garden birds are much more visible than they were during the summer, having finished their annual moult. Wildfowl and geese on the lake are more noticeable too; some are residents others are winter visitors from further North.
Opening times
- Gardens, adventure playground and grounds open all year from dawn to 6pm.
- House, cafe and shop open daily until 2 November: 10am - 5pm
Designer gardens
Come explore the 30 acre Thomas Mawson designed Arts and Crafts garden. With views over Windermere and the towards the Langdale Pikes, this is a garden with a magnificent backdrop.
Depending on the season you can walk along the terraces to see dazzling displays of camellias, magnolias and rhodendrons filling the air with delicate fragrances.
Elsewhere there's the cherished Handkerchief Tree with its fluttering white flowers and the beautiful vivid crimson blooms of the Chilean Lantern Tree. Other features include:
- Herbaceous and mixed borders
- Old fashioned and shrub roses
- Wildflower meadow
- Kitchen garden with fruit, vegetables, herbs and cut flowers
We use environmentally friendly techniques including composting, recycling and the minimal use of pesticides, peat and water resources.The gardens are home to a wide variety of birds and wildlife and are open 365 days from dawn until 6pm.
Want even more visitor information?
Visit Golakes (opens in new window), the official website of the tourist board for The Lake District and Cumbria. Browse and book accommodation and attractions online and see what's on in the area.
