Our Head Gardener points out what to look for in the arboretum during July…

Wildflowers continue to flourish beautifully around the Daphne statue and in the Seven Leys wildflower meadow. Keep an eye out for the last blooms of Common Spotted Orchids (Dactylorhiza fuchsii), along with Oxeye Daisies, Lady’s Bedstraw, and both Common and Greater Knapweed.

In Seven Leys, explore the intriguing Sambucus ‘Chocolate Marzipan’, featuring dark foliage and marzipan-scented flowers, alongside the hybrid, later flowering Sambucus ‘Gate into Field’, which boasts larger flowers than the common elder.

Ornamental flowering dogwood – Cornus ‘Norman Hadden’ – will still be in bloom, along with the striking small white flowers of Cornus macrophylla.

You’ll also discover an abundance of Telekia speciosa (Heartleaf Oxeye) with its daisy-like yellow flowers on tall stems, which are a magnet for bees and butterflies. These can primarily be found along the path beside the upper stream.

Hydrangeas will gradually start to flower, particularly Hydrangea aspera ‘Hot Chocolate’ with its dark purple leaves and pink flowers, as well as Hydrangea serrata, showcasing a delightful mix of pink to light red blooms along the stream.

Lime trees will be in flower; while their blooms may not be spectacular, they emit a strong, sweet fragrance. A prime example is Tilia Japonica in Seven Leys, which is adorned with flowers and buzzing insects!

Hoheria, though not heavily scented, has delicate white flowers that attract plenty of bees and butterflies along ‘Her Ladyship’s Walk’, the entrance path to the arboretum. In the same area, Magnolia delavayi stands tall, featuring cup-shaped pale creamy-white flowers and thick green leaves.