Each season brings its surprises. In winter you will see snow drops galore and sparkling frosted grasses, which contrast beautifully with the majestic, gothic dark green yew hedges.

The birds are not short of food here – glossy berried hollies and the Butcher’s Broom studded with fat, red berries. Then there are the lime green cornus stems, and last yet not least, are the first camellias!

We are renowned for our camellias – over one hundred varieties can be found apparently! These flower from early in the year and well into spring. The ornamental white quince brightens the walls and at the top of the garden is a wonderful daffodil walk and the ancient orchard is a cascade of daffodils, more varieties than we care to name!

Then the magnolias start flowering in abundance, one of which is 200 years old, followed by the magnificent fifty foot rhododendron aboreums. Reflecting in the glory of all of these is the Judas tree, with it delicate pink-pea flowers.

In early summer the apple blossom is abundant and the purple Wisteria tumbles down the balcony like bunches of ripe grapes. The Foxglove and Strawberry trees (no strawberries unfortunately!) take their turn to flower and drifts of Verbena bonariensis bloom in the herbaceous borders. The Flaming Cannas and Cornus Capitata (Indian Strawberry tree) should not be missed. A stroll along the ponds at dusk will allow you to see the mysterious Arum lilies glow!

Later into summer the hydrangeas; blues, pinks, whites and purples, start to bloom - some are the most beautiful iridescent blue and have flower heads of twenty five centimetres or more! Autumn brings the flaming red Acer reflected in the pond and ………. apples, everywhere! If you look carefully you will see tiny mauve/magenta cyclamen at the foot of some of the trees.

If you ever take a stroll down our drive into town, make sure you prepare yourself for catching the aroma of the Burnt Toffee tree flavouring the crisp air!

And these are just a few of the delights to be found at Lower Coombe Royal……