HOUGHTON Lodge Gardens near Stockbridge is delighted to be open for the 2022 season.

Swathes of daffodils welcomed its first visitors of the season on April 1. Over 7,000 new daffodil bulbs were planted over winter to create riverside drifts of yellow.

The formal and informal gardens of the 18th-century Cottage Orné, opened along with the onsite tearoom and the return of guided tours of the historic house.

Throughout the opening month, visitors can expect to see a rainbow of colour as tulips come into flower along with the array of apple, pear and cherry blossom which will provide confetti-esque views in the walled garden.

The new Oriental Garden will officially open in 2023, when Houghton Lodge celebrates its 230th anniversary, but this year’s visitors will be able to see and watch the development of the new area from the outside.

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The estate joiner has crafted the beautiful red Nikko Bridge and Torri Arch. Roses have been planted which have historical origins in the Orient along with cloud trees and Japanese acers on the banks of the pond and stream. The Cherry Orchard has a new yew hedge which has been dedicated to the Queen’s Green Canopy ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’ initiative.

Houghton Lodge Gardens are now open until September 30, 11am-5pm Monday to Friday and 10am-5pm on weekends and Bank Holidays.

Online booking is recommended but not essential via www.houghtonlodge.co.uk

Garden admission is not required for visitors to access the Honesty at Houghton Lodge tearooms.

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