This spring, the gardens at Hever Castle have been enhanced with the planting of more than 40 new trees around the lake and wider grounds, continuing the long-standing tradition of developing and enriching the estate’s historic tree collection.
The new additions include ten stunning Prunus ‘Pink Perfection’ cherry trees, planted to line Astor Graves Avenue, alongside further white cherry trees beside the lakeside and eight more close to the former boathouse. The collection has also been expanded with ornamental crab apples, swamp cypress, weeping silver birch, Douglas fir and both Japanese and European larch trees.
Magnolias have also been planted on the island, adding further seasonal interest and colour to the landscape.
Every year, some trees across the estate are naturally lost, and the gardening team carefully replants in equal measure to preserve and strengthen the grounds for future generations. This year’s wet winter and spring created ideal planting conditions, despite the recent dry weather.
The new cherry trees will bring spectacular early spring colour to the gardens while helping to continue the legacy of William Waldorf Astor, whose vision helped shape Hever’s famous landscape. The planting programme also supports the ongoing expansion and diversification of the tree collection around the perimeter of the estate.
Elsewhere around the lake and weir, vibrant rhododendrons and hydrangeas are adding rich seasonal colour, beautifully reflected in the still water, which mirrors the surrounding banks and planting.
Alongside the tree planting, thousands of annual bedding plants are now being displayed throughout the Castle and Italian Gardens, creating a kaleidoscope of colour for visitors from mid-May onwards.
Although annual bedding schemes are sometimes viewed as less sustainable, they remain an important part of Hever Castle’s identity as an Edwardian pleasure garden. The gardening team grows many plants from plugs, plants them by hand across the grounds and reuses compost wherever possible.
This year’s bedding displays include angelonia, cleome ‘Lavender Dreams’, osteospermum, salvia, petunias, verbena and Mediterranean lantana, all carefully selected to provide vibrant colour and texture throughout the summer season.
Book your visit to Hever Castle & Gardens.
Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.
