Visitors will learn which flowers thrive in the beating sun and the cool shady spots as you pass each border from north to south. You will be amazed by the inspiring use of wall space and vertical gardening in Bowood’s Private Walled Garden. The long border still holds an Osmanthus burkwoodii, planted by Sir Harold Hillier over forty years ago. It must now be a Champion; it is over eighteen feet high. There will also be time to ask questions to our Head Gardener.
This tour is aimed more towards keen gardeners looking to expand their knowledge and gain some insights into how we at Bowood deal with the many challenges our dedicated team of gardener’s face.
Head Gardener Tours
Our Head Gardener David Glass will meet you at the House & Gardens admissions for 10:30am. Followed by a 90-minute guided tour of the Private Walled Garden, with detailed information on the history of the garden and what it takes to take care of the gardens and grounds at Bowood throughout the year.
Following the tour, you are welcome to wander the gardens, grounds, and Bowood House at your leisure.
10:30 – Arrive at Admissions
10:45 – Arrival refreshments
11:00 – Tour to commence
12:30 – One-course lunch served in The Stables
13:30/14:00 – Guests are welcome to explore the grounds, which includes Bowood House and Terrace Gardens, Arboretum, Doric Temple, Cascade and Hermits Cave.
£41.50 per person to include a one-course lunch in The Stables.
2024 Head Gardener tour dates:
What you can expect to see on each tour:
The April tour, will be tulips, possible Wisteria in flower and some late spring blossom.
The May and June tour, the wall climbing roses to be out and one of the most striking sights of all is the arched arbors covered with trailing Wisteria flowers over the pathways.
And for the final July tour the roses will be in full bloom and everything will be out in our mixed borders.
On all tours you will see our large selection of wall climbing plants throughout the Wall Garden and House, along with our spectacular mixed boarders.
Please note: The tour requires around 90 minutes of walking, with limited seating. The paths around the House and Grounds are gravel therefore wheelchairs and pushchairs may find it difficult. We have a ramp leading onto the top terrace, however there are steps leading to the lower terrace.
If you have a question about your visit to Bowood, you may find it here.
