Alan Weston
Private Client Director
Some of you reading this will know I have always been a passionate gardener and may have offered as many gardening tips as financial planning tips over the years!
Gardening is a hobby, but as under-gardener to my wife Ro, it is also a lifestyle that offers so many rewarding facets. Not only are you outside in all seasons and all weathers but it is good for the body and soul.
It is also very satisfying to grow and source your own fruit and vegetables and have a house full of flowers cut from the garden almost the whole year round.
We have lived in Bramshott for more than 30 years, and we created a garden over the same time frame as we created Weston Cummins which, as you will know, is firmly integrated into the larger HFMC Wealth family. Whereas the integration is part of our client and staff succession plan, I plan in the years ahead to retire to the garden and keep it ever more productive.
When we first moved into the house, we were told that the village opened its gardens every two years to the general public! As we had inherited a rather rundown garden and almost uninhabitable house, we abandoned it on the first occasion and instead enjoyed looking around a dozen or so other local gardens.
Now, I am pleased to say that – more than 30 years later – we have one of the most acclaimed larger gardens in the village. Over that time, we’ve also grown a financial services business that was equally attractive – certainly to HFMC Wealth!
Spending time in a beautiful garden can be an enriching experience, so here are five beautiful British gardens well worth a visit this autumn.
1. Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew
If you’re passionate about plants, a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens is a must. The world-renowned institution, which is nestled in the heart of London, offers a wealth of sights and experiences for people of all ages.
I particularly love the Grade I-listed Temperate House, one of the world’s largest Victorian glasshouses. Inside, you’ll find around 1,200 different species of plants from Asia, Australasia, the Americas, and Africa, each showcasing the diverse beauty of the world’s flora.
The Mediterranean Gardens also offers a delightful experience, transporting you to Southern Europe with its stone pines, Tuscan olive trees, and Italian cypress.
Kew’s Arboretum is particularly captivating in the autumn months. The vast collection of over 11,000 trees transforms into a vibrant tapestry of gold, orange, and red, making it an ideal spot for a picturesque stroll.
2. Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey
Winkworth Arboretum, located just half an hour from me in Godalming, Surrey, offers an enchanting woodland garden founded by a local doctor, Wilfrid Fox, in the mid-20th century. His dedication to preserving the wooded hillside near his home resulted in a collection of more than 1,000 different species of trees and shrubs, now cared for by the National Trust.
The Arboretum is perhaps at its most stunning during the autumn months when the trees are painted in fiery reds and deep oranges. The collection of Sorbus trees, with their vibrant berries, is a particular highlight.
I find that Winkworth is perfect for a relaxing wander, with a variety of routes catering to different abilities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the grounds at their own pace. During your walk, it might be worth keeping an eye out for local wildlife, as the Arboretum is home to many species of birds and deer.
To truly capture the beauty of Winkworth in its autumnal glory, you might want to take part in the Early Morning Photography Sessions on 15 October. This offers you the opportunity to experience the gardens before their regular opening hours, and you’ll get some amazing pictures along the way.
3. RHS Wisley, Surrey
Wisley in Surrey is renowned for its vast collections of plants found in themed gardens. Boasting 240 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds, Wisley – which is essentially the flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) – offers a feast for the senses.
During a visit, you could explore the iconic Glasshouse, a breathtaking structure that houses an array of exotic plants from warmer climes including South American climbers and pitcher plants from North American bogs.
To unwind and relax, make sure you see the Wellbeing Garden. This area is made up of several “garden rooms” that help you enjoy the many ways outdoor spaces can support your physical and mental wellbeing.
For a truly unforgettable experience this autumn, you may want to plan your visit to Wisley to coincide with the Festival of Flavours, which takes place between 9 and 13 October.
This culinary celebration features expert talks, food markets, and even live cookery demonstrations from familiar faces, such as The Great British Bake Off 2019 winner, David Atherton. All of this could provide inspiration for growing your own delicious food to use in recipes at home.
4. Markshall, Essex
With its sprawling 2,350 acres of picturesque landscapes, Markshall Estate between Braintree and Colchester offers endless opportunities for exploration.
At the heart of the estate lies the Walled Garden, a horticultural wonder that showcases a variety of gardening styles. As autumn sets in, the garden bursts into a medley of vibrant colours, and the open beds with their seasonal blooms create a contrast against the Essex countryside.
Aside from the Walled Garden, the estate’s extensive woodlands are perfect for a peaceful autumn walk, and you might manage to spot a variety of wildlife.
If you’re seeking more of an active experience, Markshall offers opportunities for cycling, horse riding, and fishing – and there’s even a Parkrun event on a Saturday morning! Dogs are welcome, too, making it the ideal place to explore with your four-legged companions.
5. Exbury Gardens, New Forest
Exbury Gardens is a famous estate situated within the picturesque New Forest National Park. Celebrated for its collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias, the gardens offer a captivating display of flowers.
While it is known for its floral artistry, Exbury also offers a diverse range of horticultural styles across its 200 acres, such as formal gardens and natural woodland areas, the latter of which transitions into warmer hues in the autumn months.
Exbury is perfect for a leisurely walk, but if you’d prefer to get off your feet for a while and take in the landscape another way, you could traverse the gardens along the Garden Railway.
During this 1.5-mile journey on a Victorian steam train, you’ll pass through some of the best parts of the gardens, including the enchanting Summer Lane Garden, which is only accessible by train.
Exbury is also host to many activities all year round, so it’s a great spot for a special day out with children or grandchildren. For instance, between 28 October and 3 November 2024, you could take part in:
• Pumpkin carving
• A ghost train ride
• A gruesome garden trail.
These events could be the ideal way to thrill your children or grandchildren this Halloween!
