Exploring the Gardens of Exclusive Collection: A Springtime Stroll Through Our Estates

Lainston House: A Garden in Full Bloom

The gardens at Lainston House are bursting into life, with colour and growth at every turn! The daffodils, tulips, and Snakeshead Fritillaries we planted in the autumn have started to bloom, adding a cheerful splash of colour around the estate. The lawns are getting their stripes back, and the Oval is looking particularly lovely. Over by the house, Grounds Team member Kate has begun sowing annuals like Osteospermum, Gazanias, and Petunias, ready to brighten up the flower beds and pots.

In the kitchen garden, the space is buzzing with activity - quite literally. Head Kitchen Gardener Stef reports that the first asparagus spear has made its appearance, followed closely by broad beans and cabbages. Stef is also busy with eight varieties of heritage tomatoes growing in the propagator, while rhubarb is almost ready for harvesting. Our green manure has been cut and dug in, and we’re regularly selling surplus herbs, like oregano, at reception for charity - ensuring nothing goes to waste! For a behind-the-scenes look, join one of Stef’s Garden tours and get a glimpse of all the spring action.

Pennyhill Park: A Floral Wonderland

Pennyhill Park is springing into bloom and it's looking more like a botanical playground than ever. Our gorgeous rhododendron driveaway is budded and ready to pop. The Lilypond terrace is showing off with a stunning display of Barberton daisies, common daisies, pansies, peonies, tulips, and hollyhocks - all decked out in shades of red, the terrace’s signature colour. Meanwhile, reception is dressed in a chic mix of white and purple, with primroses, wallbell flowers, Japanese camellias, and grape hyacinths adding to the charm. 

Over in the spa, we’ve gone for soft pastels and sunny yellows. Lavender, cornelian cherry trees, cowslips, and daffodils are strutting their stuff, while wisteria and pampas grasses are getting ready to make their big debut.

And it’s not just flowers - our nature walk is looking fresh with newly re-barked paths, and the ponds are all cleaned out, just waiting for the spring vibes to take over. Plus, we've added herbs like rosemary, thyme, and garlic to the kitchen garden - so everything’s looking (and smelling) great.

But don’t just take our word for it - come and check it out for yourself!

The Manor House: A Fairytale in Bloom

Nestled in the charming village of Castle Combe, The Manor House’s gardens are straight out of a storybook. As you drive in and cross the bridge, you’re greeted by cherry blossom trees on either side, showering you with a soft pink petal parade. The wisteria weaves its way over ancient stone walls, and the daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths are putting on a bright, cheerful show.

The perennials are stretching out of their winter slumber, and those cherry trees by the Italian steps are just days away from bursting into bloom, ready to delight our buzzing bee friends. We’ve also been busy in the kitchen garden, harvesting rhubarb, lettuce, coriander, and chervil, with much more to come as the season progresses.

In a bit of a plot twist, we’ve decided to say goodbye to our box hedges for now - our wedding season is upon us! But fear not, we’ve got big plans in the works, with lavender and other nectar-rich perennials soon to replace them, continuing our efforts to help our bee hives thrive.

Across the road at The Castle Inn, the outdoor terrace is brightened up with colourful hanging plant pots and daffodils, making it the perfect spot to relax and take in the spring atmosphere.

Spring is definitely in full swing, and we can't wait for you to see it all unfold! 

South Lodge: Springing into Spring

Down in Sussex, South Lodge is putting on a dazzling spring display. The daffodils are out in full force, welcoming you with their cheerful yellow blooms, and the camellias, magnolias, and forsythias are showing off their gorgeous colours. The rhododendrons are just starting to join the floral party, and with the largest single-stemmed rhododendron in the UK on our front lawn, it’s an impressive sight.

In the kitchen garden, the team has been busy planting everything from tomatoes and peppers to courgettes, squash, and pumpkins. They’re also growing herbs like basil and Mexican marigold, and lots of leafy greens like chard, lettuce, and cavolo nero. It’s the perfect time to start planning for fresh, homegrown produce later in the season.

Take a peaceful stroll through the 93 acres of gardens, and be sure to stop by the swing, where you’re surrounded by daffodils and the calming sounds of the spa’s water and the water feature by The Reeds. You can truly relax here, forgetting the stresses of everyday life.

Whether you're in the mood for a leisurely stroll, a good book, or simply soaking in the spring vibes, we’re here for it!