Explore the Garden
Explore the Garden
The Picton Garden was originally laid out by Paul & Meriel Picton in the early 1980s on part of the Old Court Nurseries site. To start with the garden was there to house the National Plant Collection of Michaelmas daisies but over the years has expanded and is now 1.5 acres full of plants for all seasons of the year, beautifully curated by Ross and Helen Barbour. There is much emphasis placed on creating a beautiful but relatable space with a huge variety of plants while still maintaining a healthy ecosystem. The garden is an insecticide and molluscicide free area.
Plan Your Visit
Information about directions, opening times and prices
The Nursery
Find out about the history of the Nursery and Gardens
Our Collections
Find out about our two Plant Heritage National Collections
Seasons in the Garden
Late Winter
Beneath the bare branches and throughout the open borders a myriad of snowdrops come into their own. With a collection of over 300 varieties the display on a crisp February day is fabulous but the snowdrops are not the only stars at this time of year. The dainty white bells are joined by a myriad of bright bulbs, the intricate fronds of the National Plant Collection of Polypodiums (Hardy cvs) and the warming coloured stems of Cornus, Birch and more.
Spring
As the snowdrops fade the Heritage Narcissus (pre-1930s) start to come into their own bringing pops of yellow and white throughout the garden. The woodland area comes alive with fresh fern fronds, Epimediums, Hepaticas and many more shade loving treasures.
Summer
The warmest months bring with them an array of herbaceous including Geums, Geraniums and Alliums. The succulent bed is full of tender beauties, Aeoniums and Echeveria galore while the collection of Bistorta bring an new texture and colour to the borders.
Autumn
As the days start to shorten the Michaelmas daisies become the stars of the show. The National Plant Collection of autumn flowering asters and related genera (Michaelmas daisies) of more than 430 varieties start flowering in August reaching their peak between September 20th and October 10th. Keeping them company is a myriad of other late season herbaceous, Colchicums and the beautiful autumn foliage of the Japanese maples.
