Our exclusive seasonal garden tour, mainly focussed on their renowned winter garden, one of the UK’s finest, was led by Fran, the head gardener, who has worked there for almost 30 years.

After a warm welcome, Fran gave us a potted history of the gardens and how it has evolved to the fine garden that it is today. Listening to her speaking passionately and eloquently about the place, it is easy to see why she is the head gardener.

Fran led us around the gardens, stopping regularly to point out seasonal highlights – plants that are putting on a display at this time of year. Whether it was flowers, leaves, stems, bark, there was much to see. I am always amused by the plant with the rudest name: Rubus cockburnianus! It is commonly featured in the best winter gardens – it is a bramble with white stems in winter and very striking.

Beds and borders have been cleverly designed to show off plants at their best, taking into account key design elements including form, shape, colour, contrast, texture and scale.

We also got an insight into management practices in the gardens. All areas are regularly reviewed and changes made. We talked about plant health and how it is maintained and enhanced, using the latest best practises, taking wildlife and environmental factors into account. She spoke about future plans for specific areas, including the beds outside Jermyn House. It will be interesting to see them develop and mature.

It was also great to touch base with James, a GOC member, who works at Hilliers, and is a great ambassador for the Gardens.

If you get a chance to visit, go!