September and October sees Hestercombe transformed by the rich shades of autumn; the cold-loving flowers and shrubs begin to bloom, bringing new colours and points of interest to the gardens.
On your next visit to Hestercombe during these months, see if you can spot these beautiful seasonal changes to our stunning gardens. September and October is the perfect time to spot several varieties of Aster around the formal gardens, providing a purple pop to the grey walk and along the rills. Look out for the succulent salmon-pink gladioli, which can be found standing tall in the centre of the formal garden. If you delve deeper into the Formal Garden, you might spot the two Japanese acer trees, whose ruby-red leaves and curled branches bloom as the colder weather approaches. Once the larger summer foliage has gone, the autumn plants and vines within the pergola are fully visible. Finally, as we head further away from the summer months, you’ll begin to see crisp green Bramley Apples showing within our orchard, south of the formal gardens, and watch them turn red as they ripen.
Our Head Gardener, Claire Greenslade says for those of you gardening at home:
“Autumn doesn’t mean the end for your garden – instead, enjoy the intense bursts of red, orange and yellow, and spend time in the autumn gardening – albeit wrapped up in your scarf and gloves!
Try perennials such as Persicaria, Filipendula, Monarda, Helenium, Gaura, Japanese anemone and Salvias mixed into your borders for height and colour. Ceratostigma plumbaginoides creates stunning blue flowered ground cover, and Sedums keep attracting all the late insects and butterflies”.
Aside from things to look out for in the garden, Hestercombe has a whole host of autumnal inspired events to see you through the transition to the new season.
During October half-term, we’ll have plenty of family-friendly (but slightly spooky!) events - perfect for burning off some energy. The Hestercombe Barmy Bats trail will have you in a flap, whilst our special events such as visits from some creepy crawlies, the Potion Room, a spooky science masterclass and scary storytelling will keep mini witches and wizards magically occupied.
We also have autumnal events for adults. This October, Hestercombe will also be hosting Fungal Foray. Join Michael Jordan, author and chairman of the Fungus Conservation Trust for a fun and informative walk through the gardens to discover and identify the many different types of mushrooms and toadstools to be found at Hestercombe.
Hestercombe Gallery's current exhibition SEDIMENT continues into October. International artist Mariele Neudecker brings together three decades of work in the crossover of art and science. The artist’s quest to find a ‘contemporary sublime’ leads her to explore topics such as mapping, perception, the invisible, painting and the history of art. This multimedia practice incorporates sculpture, video, painting, photography and sound. Showing until 24th October 2021.
The Stables restaurant offers visitors an historic space to enjoy a delicious, home-made brunch, lunch or afternoon tea as the days get colder. There will also be plenty of spooky treats for little ones to enjoy! It’s free to enter (no gardens admission required) and is the perfect setting to enjoy a seasonal, unique menu that won’t disappoint.
We hope you have enjoyed this little update and share our enthusiasm in looking towards the gardens coming alive with the deep colours of autumn and the perfect opportunities a new season provides to get outside and breathe in the fresh air.
