Poppies & roses at RHS Wisley

Last week saw me escape to somewhere I visit often – RHS Wisley. This Surrey gem features regularly on the blog and with good reason too. The ever changing landscape is always a delight regardless of the time of year. What continually amazes me is how quickly it varies from one visit to the next.

We mostly visit as a family although it’s a great place to potter around with a camera too. The upside to living such a short distance away from the RHS flagship garden.

This last visit saw me pass The Rocks then head left – in the opposite direction to The Glasshouse. Having had a quick nose around the orchard, I got distracted by these beauties and the Fruit Demonstration Garden before arriving at the Hillside.

There I stumbled on an incredible sight that almost took my breath away – a commemorative poppy field to mark the centenary of the First World War. You will find more photographs in this Poppy Magic post.

Having lingered a little too long with the poppies, I explored the nearby area

before finding myself in this fabulous herb garden complete with rose covered benches.

I’m not sure where I headed from there but I ended up in the magical Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden which truly is a sight to behold. It mixes roses with perennials in an original yet fantastic way. There was beauty everywhere you looked.

This part of Wisley was designed by landscape architect Robert Myers who is an RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medalist. He has captured the colour and texture perfectly with roses grouped together and colour co-ordinated.

There are a series of shallow steps from the Pavilion at the top with the colours displayed including yellows, whites, creams, pinks and dark reds. We had grand prix red roses at our wedding so these are always rather special.

The beds reach out to ornamental trees and curve round circular lawns with yew pillars and other trees creating height.

As you reach the bottom of this garden, you’re enticed into the AGM Borders Garden by the sound of trickling water.

This garden is inspired by the range of Award of Garden Merit (AGM). The borders continually evolve to reflect the seasons and include shrubs, perennials, bulbs and annual bedding plants.

Everywhere you looked was beautiful.

At Battleston Hill there is a unique woodland garden containing usual trees and plants from all over the world. There are two trails to be discovered here too.

This glorious day made the views at Battleston Hill no doubt even more amazing.

Given how regularly I visit, I’m still amazed I found gardens I’d not previously seen. Not only does RHS Wisley have the ability to excite and amaze on every visit – there is plenty to explore.

Linking up with Mammasaurus for #HDYGG.