“The nicest gardens we’ve been to”

Tulip ‘ballerina’ – a dazzling orange in the spring sunshine

This glorious spring sunshine and the lack of frosts, wind and rain has done fantastic things for the gardens at Docton Mill Gardens & Tea Room.  Already sheltered in their own beautiful valley, the fabulous weather the whole Peninsula has been bathing in has really helped them reach the most glorious spring state.

Lana Borrett, owner and Head Gardener, gives us this update on these must-see gardens:

"The garden is magnificent in this glorious spring sunshine, everything is blooming so vividly and the play of sunlight and dappled shade is making everything look magical.  Our magnolias are in full bloom. M. soulangeana – to name just one – has huge pink blooms and magnolia petals adorn the garden like confetti. 

In the herbaceous border Tulips ‘Maytime’ and ‘Lilac Time’, bright crimson, are at their very best, and the lovely suntrap sitting area in the summer garden is set off in dazzling orange with Tulip ‘Ballerina’ and Persian Carpet wallflowers.

Lysichiton – skunk cabbage – with their striking yellow spears

Down at the stream gardens, the striking Lysichiton, commonly known as skunk cabbage, are drawing many comments from our visitors with their eye catching bright yellow spears, and in fact we’ve had lots of people coming up to the tearooms at the end of their visit and telling us Docton Mill Gardens are the most enjoyable garden they’ve ever visited, which is fantastic for us to hear.   Of course it helps that our generous cream teas are going down extra well in the sunshine!"