UK: Spring flower weekends at Kew's country estate
20.04.10
Continuing the recent obsession with spring on the pages of Plant Talk Kew's country estate in Sussex, Wakehurst Place, will be celebrating all things springy in the coming weeks.
Visit the bluebells at Horsebridge Woods at Wakehurst Place this spring © RBG Kew
A range of events will be going on timed to make the most of the riotous colours with highlights for visitors including carpets of bluebells in Horsebridge Woods, rhododendrons in Westwood Valley, primroses and ladies smock in Bethlehem Wood, flowering shrubs, and native wildflowers all around the 500 acre estate.
Over three coming weekends (April 24 and 25, May 1,2,3 and 8,9) a programme of walks and tours is being organised to enable visitors to make the most of the season.
These will include expert guides leading walks around the garden on some dates and minibus tours for visitors with mobility problems on others.
Saturday April 24 Guided walks
Sunday April 25 Minibus tours
Saturday May 1 Guided walks
Sunday May 2 Guided walks
Monday May 3 (Bank Holiday) Guided walks
Saturday May 8 Guided walks
Sunday May 9 Minibus tours
Wakehurst’s Garden Manager, Chris Clennett, said: “Spring is always a glorious time of year at Wakehurst and, after the harsh winter, we are expecting a great display this year. The cold weather has delayed some blooms and means we expect to have more plants flowering at the same time over our Spring Flower Weekends.
“We have a range of special events for all ages to enjoy the sights and scents of the season.”
The popular minibus tours will enable visitors to enjoy the lakes, woodlands and other area of the estate which are not normally accessible to wheelchairs. They will run from 10am to 3.30pm on Sunday April 25 and Sunday May 9, no booking is required.
Lead by expert guides, the programme of walks will help visitors learn more about Wakehurst’s collection of plants and take in all the best spring views. These will take place at 11.30am and 2pm on Saturday April 24, Saturday May 1, Sunday May 2, Monday May 3, and Saturday May 8, no booking is required.
Or visitors can explore on their own to discover the stunning seasonal blooms. An information table in the Visitor Centre will provide details of flowers to look out for.