The Bowood estate will be opening its spectacular rhododendron walks nine days early due to the recent mild weather conditions.
The stunning woodland garden will now open its doors on Thursday April 17. Over 60 acres are carpeted by rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas, creating a dazzling array of colour.
The display was a major influence in bringing the Garden of the Year 2014 award to Bowood. The estate also offers gardens from every design period from early Georgian onwards.
The woodland garden surrounds the Lansdowne family mausoleum, one of Robert Adam's finest classical buildings. The gardens also host some of the earliest known hybrids in the UK, formed when two separate plant species combine.
The acidic soil found in the area is highly unusual, also contributing to the unique flower population. But the flowering season is short-lived, generally lasting only six weeks from the first blooms.
The gardens are reached via their own dedicated entrance two miles from Bowood house on the A342. With the season being such a short one, garden lovers are urged to catch the colourful displays in good time.
The rhododendron walks are open daily from 11am-6pm and will remain open for around six weeks. "Well behaved" dogs on leads are permitted, but will not be allowed into other areas of the grounds.
Entrance is priced at £6.75 for adults and £6.25 for senior citizens. Children under the age of 12 go free of charge.
JACK CLARE
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