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Garden Celebration at Arlington Court

Conservatory and borders in the flower garden in July at Arlington Court, Devon
Conservatory and borders in the flower garden in July at Arlington Court | © National Trust Images/Mark Bolton

The garden is blooming at the moment. Join us during September to celebrate its beauty and the hard work that goes into caring for the garden. Lots is going on between Monday 2 September and Friday 13 September, read on to find out more

Garden walks, talks and tours with the garden team

Join the garden team from 12.30 pm Monday to Friday between 2 – 15 September to learn more about their work and the gardens at Arlington Court. These events are free to attend (normal admission applies) and begin at the front of the formal garden unless otherwise specified. There is seating available along the way for those who wish to take a break.

Week one:

Monday 2 September, garden walk and talk: Join one of our garden team members for a stroll through the garden. Discover the current blooms and learn about the care and maintenance of the garden. This is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you have for our experienced gardeners.

Tuesday 3 September, tool Sharpening and Selection: learn about which tools are best for pruning, as well as how to care for and sharpen your trusty secateurs.

Wednesday 4 September, an introduction to polyculture: learn more about this unique method of planting that combines fruits, vegs, flowers and herbs to boost pollination and produce.

Thursday 5 September, garden walk and talk: Join our senior gardener for a stroll around the garden.

Friday 6 September, top trees in the pleasure grounds: learn about some wonderful trees in and around the garden. Please note that this includes a gentle walk around the grounds, meeting at visitor reception and lasts around an hour.

Week two:

Monday 9 September, late summer borders: discover the beautiful summer borders which are in bloom, learn about the plants, what looks good, and how to care for a summer border.

Tuesday 10 September, Japanese tools in an English garden: Learn more about the tools in our shed, how we use them and which our the garden teams favourites.

Wednesday 11 September, compost for climate: we compost all the waste produced within the garden, returning its nutrients to the ground and reducing the need to buy compost in. Learn how to compost at home and tour our compost area – usually closed to the public. Please note this talk does include a 10-minute stroll up to the compost area, this is up a gentle slope, and there are no places to stop and sit.

Thursday 12 September, garden walk and talk: Join one of our garden team members for a stroll through the garden. Discover the current blooms and learn about the care and maintenance of the garden. This is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you have for our experienced gardeners.

Friday 13 September, an introduction to polyculture: learn more about this unique method of planting that combines fruits, vegs, flowers and herbs to boost pollination and produce.

Beautiful Blooms: Posie making with the garden team


Tuesday 10 10am-11am, pre-booking essential.

Join the garden team for a tour of the garden, find out what’s in bloom in our cut flower beds and drying in the polytunnel, then get the chance to make yourself a posie using blooms from the garden to take home with you. Our knowledgeable team will be on hand to answer any of your questions along the way and help you with your posie.

£4.50 per person – this does not include admission.

Booking here: Coming soon

Posies at Arlington Court
Posies at Arlington Court | © Katy Anderson

Crafting sessions

Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September, 11 am-2.30 pm

Have a go at Hapa Zome a Japanese dyeing technique that involves hammering flowers to release their pigments, make a paper flower crown or craft a split pin bug - suitable for all ages. Find us in the garden on a dry day, or the Acitivty room if its wet.

What else is on everyday?

Pick up a leaflet from visitor reception to learn more about the top trees around Arlington or the history of the garden. Or find out what’s looking good in the garden by picking up a leaflet from the front of the garden.

Throughout the garden, you will also find artboxes tucked under the benches. Take a moment to pause and let your creativity flow, maybe you will sketch a flower, paint a scene or write a short poem.
For children, we also have a flower hunt – pick up a trail sheet from visitor reception and see if you can tick off all the flowers in the garden, some of them may be tricky to spot!

Hydrangea with blue flowers in the garden in September at Springhill, County Londonderry.
Lots of flowers are blooming across the estate | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra