Welcome to Modern Agriculture!
There are few flowers that scream high summer like the beautiful and multifarious dahlia. Whether big or small, orange or purple, single flowered or multi-petalled, their vibrancy and flourish makes them an appealing attraction to the high summer garden. Here are seven gardens to see dahlias across the UK.
Dahlias provide a vibrant burst of late-summer colour at Cambridgeshire’s Anglesey Abbey right up until the first frosts. Moreover, the sweeping borders are filled with more than 70 varieties of dahlia. Tickets: £15.80, children £7.90.
Visit nationaltrust.org.uk.
Visit Sarah Raven’s private gardens in East Sussex on one of the open days during July, August and September to see the dahlias out in full force. Can be combined with a visit to the Sarah Raven shop! Tickets: £7.50, children up to 14 free.
Visit sarahraven.com.
This delightful Oxfordshire garden was designed by William Kent in the 18th century. Unusually, its magnificent dahlia border still recycles the same 500 tubers that first flourished when the bed was created in 1946. Tickets: £8, children admitted by arrangement only.
Visit rousham.org.
These gardens in the heart of Harrogate in North Yorkshire spread out over 17 acres of park and woodland. The highlight, without a doubt, is the incredible dahlia garden, filled with thousands of the gorgeous blooms. Free admission.
Visit friendsofvalleygardens.co.uk.
In contrast to the neat rows of dahlias found in other gardens, these colourful plants at Cambo Walled Garden in Fife form part of a naturalistic scheme instead. The result is a brilliant display throughout the summer months. Tickets: £5.50, children and carers free.
Visit camboestate.com
These gorgeous late-season flowers feature highly at Dixter, in the abundant borders packed with all sorts of colour and shapes. Helmed by head gardener Fergus Garrett, Great Dixter is a must-see garden for every gardener. Tickets: £10, children £2.50.
Visit greatdixter.co.uk
Spectacular dahlias have enjoyed a long history at Dyffryn in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. Abuntantly flowering, they always make it into the summer bedding on the South Front. In a few years’ time, as part of the re-introduction of the ‘Lost Gardens of Dyffryn’, they’ll return to the Sunken Dahlia Garden.
Tickets: £10.90, children £5.45.
Visit nationaltrust.org.uk
Find our roundup of beautiful rose gardens to visit.
Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly The English Gardener newsletter, bringing you all the grow your own advice you need throughout the year. Sign up on the right of this article. Need plants or gardening kit? Visit our directory of suppliers.