Scientific Research

RHS Garden Wisley, near Woking, is the flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society, and regarded by many as one of the greatest gardens in the world. Attracting around one million visitors each year, the garden covers an impressive 240 acres incorporating a stunning Glasshouse, Exotic Garden, Rock Garden, Conifer Lawn and Jubilee Arboretum. Visitors can take inspiration from constantly evolving planting schemes and stock up in The Wisley Plant Centre, which is the largest stockist of hardy plants in the country. As part of the RHS £160 million investment programme, the historic Arts and Crafts-style Laboratory, at the heart of the garden, is undergoing a transformation to bring the public face-to-face with Wisley’s scientists and research facilities, enabling visitors to learn more about horticultural science and its impact on the world around us. Visit the garden in September for Wisley Flower Show (3rd-8th) to see spectacular displays and shop specialist nurseries and garden trade stands, or browse online at rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley for an up-to-date listing of courses, events and workshops available throughout the year.

Gorgeous garden

Nestled behind tall hedges, Merriments beautiful 4-acre RHS Partner Garden is a must-visit for garden lovers. Vibrant colour-themed borders evolve through the seasons from spring pastels to the fiery autumn hues. Visitors can take inspiration from both formal and wild plantings, all set on a gently sloping, south facing site. Many of the plants on show in the garden are grown in the on site Nursery and are available to buy in the Plant Centre. Merriments also has a table service licensed restaurant serving freshly prepared, seasonal meals, largely made from local ingredients, plus a shop offering a wide range of gardening essentials, gifts and cards. The Garden is open between 24 March & 20 October 2019 and four-legged friends are welcome on leads. merriments.co.uk

Picturesque lavender fields

With a career working in the fine fragrance industry under his belt, in the nineties and early naughties Brendan Maye decided to try to reestablish English lavender’s credentials by growing it in Surrey. But without a farm to cultivate the flowers, Brendan looked to a local environmental charity for help. By sponsoring the charity to plant the lavender and leasing a field near Banstead, Brendan was able to get his project off the ground. Brendan bought the lavender and over the years he and his wife Lorna have grown their business from strength to strength, adding a Plant Nursery and Gift Shop by transforming a dilapidated plant nursery in Epsom. The farm will be open to visitors throughout the summer from June, whilst the nursery and gift shop (which incorporates 12 acres of lavender, fruit trees and glasshouses) is open all year round. mayfieldlavender.com