Sublime Spring Gardens

Sunshine on your face, the scent of blossom in the air, the dreamy song of a blackbird. What better way to while away a spring day than in an idyllic country garden? Matthew Wilson heralds 10 of the best

- By Matthew Wilson. Photographs by Alamy

In recent years, much has been written about the restorative power of gardens and the great outdoors to positively influence our mental and physical wellbeing.

These beneficial properties may be most pronounced in springtime. After winter’s short, dank and drear days, the rush of green growth heralded by spring and the accompanying buzz of wildlife suddenly spurred into action is incomparable.

While springtime gardens may lack summer’s flower-power, they offer a quickening and scale that is unmatched. Spring bulbs form vast carpets under the dappled shade of fresh, lime-green tree foliage. Herbaceous perennials grow like teenagers, often with lustrous foliage colour. Blossom trees – including beautifully fragrant cherry, almond, plum and apple – provide early pollen and nectar for foraging bees.

The vibrancy and pace of spring is what makes it such a special season, and a wonderful time to visit gardens.

SOUTH WEST

1 Bowood Woodland Garden

Nr Chippenham, Wiltshire. Open April to June. With two miles of footpaths over 12 hectares, the Woodland Garden has an extensive collection of rhododendrons and azaleas in a carpet of bluebells. It opens for only six weeks of the year in spring, when the plant collections are at their peak. A trip to it dovetails nicely into a visit to the main gardens and stately home of Bowood House next door. 01249 812102, bowood.org

NORTH WEST

2 Sizergh Castle Near Kendal, Cumbria. Open daily.