HOME + GARDEN

BY NEIL MILLER, HEAD GARDENER AT HEVER CASTLE & GARDENS

© Vikki Rimmer

© Vikki Rimmer

Much of that enchantment is thanks to former owner William Waldorf Astor. Who else would think to install magnificent gilded gates at every entrance to the Italian Garden and then add another set leading into Blue Corner? This ambitious American, for whom money was no object, dreamed on a grand scale. He oversaw the excavation of the lake, the creation of the Loggia and Piazza, and the development of what became one of the finest Edwardian pleasure gardens in the country.

Today, we see ourselves as caretakers of that legacy, working to preserve the garden’ s extraordinary structure- from the classical columns of the Rose Garden to the formality of the Tudor Garden. That said, each season brings opportunities for fresh ideas. As March arrives and the sap begins to rise, so too does our garden inspiration. March is the month for planning and action. From cleaning greenhouses to planting up colourful spring containers, there’ s plenty to keep gardeners busy.

At home, you might consider:

• Pruning cornus( dogwood) now their vibrant winter stems have faded.

• Cutting back winter-flowering shrubs once they finish blooming.

• Dividing perennials in your borders to create more plants for free.

• Clearing ponds and fountains of debris, taking care not to disturb frogspawn.

• Watering tulips in dry spells.

• Feeding roses with an organic fertiliser, gently worked into the soil.

It’ s also an ideal time to prepare seed beds and soil for sweet peas and meadow flowers such as cornflowers. Hardy annuals can be sown directly outdoors, but if you have a greenhouse you’ ll often achieve stronger results by starting them under cover. Cosmos and zinnias are particularly generous performers, rewarding a little early effort with months of colour later in the year.

At Hever, the camellias remain in bloom, cherry blossom is beginning to unfurl and the tulips are building towards their moment to shine next month. Across the estate, the sense of seasonal magic is unmistakable: thousands of daffodils glow through Anne Boleyn’ s Orchard, while sweetly scented hyacinths wash Blue Corner in soft blues and purples. This area

is lovingly cared for by our experienced team member Darren, whose attention to detail keeps the beds looking immaculate throughout the season.

The rockery in Blue Corner is almost fantastical in scale and remains one of the most atmospheric areas of the garden, offering visitors a quiet moment of discovery amid winding paths, layered planting and unexpected viewpoints.

March at Hever Castle Gardens

Dazzling Daffodils runs from 16- 22 March at Hever Castle & Gardens. Guided tours take place daily at 11.30am and at 2pm on weekdays.

The Plant Fair Roadshow returns for its second year on Sunday 22 March.

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