Two North Hants National Trust sites tops for favourite blooms of dahlias and wildflowers

The National Trust has named two of its local Hampshire gardens among the tops for favourite summer blooms of dahlias and wildflowers.

Among the best for dahlias is The Vyne, near Basingstoke (late July to October), where, in the 19th century, head gardener Mr Broomfield grew award-winning blooms. In late summer, you’ll be treated to a spectacular sight in the walled garden. The 30m border is packed with dahlias in incredible colourways and styles. Look out for red and yellow dahlia ‘Pooh’, spiky magenta ‘Nuit d’Ete’, and coral pink dahlia ‘Bacardi’. If you time it right you’ll find freshly cut dahlias to take home, for a small donation.

Also look out for the Summerhouse borders, sustainably planted with perennials. They are filled with vibrant colour, from frothy pink achillea and purple-blue spires of penstemon, to bright pink echinacea, fragrant mauve phlox and the soft yellow daisy heads of leucanthemum – all chosen to appeal to pollinators.

Next month The Vyne hosts its very first live music festival, presented by FB Music and Media, with street performers, live headline acts every evening, street foods, local ales and cocktails between July 7 and 9. Gates open 6pm, performances from 7pm-10.30pm (with 30 minute interval), adult £20, child (under 16) £12.50. No overnight camping. Book at https://fbmusicandmedia.com/vyne-music-festival

There’s outdoor theatre too, kicking off with Jane Austen’s Emma. The critically acclaimed Pantaloons bring a hilarious but faithful new adaptation of this Regency rom-com to the stage. July 22, 7pm to 9pm, adult £15, child £9.

Romeo and Juliet follows. Shakespeare’s classic love story is brought to life by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, presented as Shakespeare would have seen it, with an all-male cast, Elizabethan costumes, music and dance. August 5, 7pm to 9.45pm, £19 (under 5s free).

You can book for theatre and cinema via nationaltrust.org.uk/the-vyne

The Vyne is also one of the best for wildflowers. In July, the appearance of their walled garden changes dramatically, thanks to thousands of wildflowers that pop up. It’s the most amazing sight – a sea of red, white, blue and orange flowers swaying in the breeze. These colours were chosen because they’re particularly attractive to pollinating insects. There are over 50 different varieties here, including poppies and marigolds, rose campion and larkspur. The patchwork display makes a great backdrop for family selfies too.

Sandham Memorial Chapel, Burghclere, is another best for wildflowers in June and July. At the front of this unique chapel lies a little apple orchard in a meadow setting. Here you’ll find a rich assortment of flowering wildlife – yellow rattle, knapweed, poppies, oxeye daisies and orchids to name a few. It’s a lovely place to picnic – or a bench or on the ground, in the shade of a tree or out in the sun. There’s fragrant Hidcote lavender to enjoy too, fronting the almshouses in high summer, and providing nectar for bees, butterflies and moths.

Also look out for the cottage garden-style Garden of Reflection sitting nestled behind the chapel – a tranquil place with simple oak benches and soft but vibrant planting. You’ll find foxgloves, ladies mantle, alliums, scabious and gerberas bring colour to the raised beds, with sweet peas providing a traditional backdrop.

Find out more about things to do at National Trust places in and around Hampshire, at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hampshire