Our Head Gardener points out what to look out for during June…

As we gently move into early summer there is a wonderful array of flowers on display around the arboretum.

Allium ‘Mount Everest’ and ‘Purple Sensation’ are in flower along ‘Her Ladyships Walk,’ the entrance path into the arboretum.

The delicately fragrant white blooms of philadelphus are beginning to blossom, accompanied by several varieties of shrub roses, including Rosa ‘Hansa,’ ‘Wild Edric’ and ‘scabrosa’ all featuring lightly scented flowers. Deutzias are also in bloom, showcasing equally striking flowers that may have little to no fragrance, yet this does not diminish the stunning range of colours from white to deep pink.

Common spotted orchids (Dactylorhiza fuchsia) will be in bloom in the wildflower area surrounding our ‘Daphne’ statue. They are also plentiful in the wildflower meadow in ‘Seven Leys’, accompanied by oxeye daisies and a diverse array of wildflower species.

Candelabra Primulas in a mixture of pink, red and yellow flowers are dotted along the edges of the stream and to the sides of the red bridges.

Ornamental flowering dogwoods (pictured above) are not to be missed; notable varieties include Cornus ‘Norman Hadden’ and Cornus ‘Porlock’. Their flowerheads can reach up to 8cm in width, adorned with four ovate white bracts that gradually turn pink as they age. These stunning bracts create a remarkable display and can be found at the lower front of the Rest House, near the memorial benches of Lord Dulverton and Ken Hope. Additionally, Cornus kousa ‘John Slocock’ features white bracts that develop light red edges over time, located near the Anne Frank tree.

For those who enjoy the outlines and shapes of majestic trees, take a moment to admire the fresh new leaves on the purple beech and weeping beech.