Come and see The Malverns burst with floral goodness in all its forms this spring and summer; from our splendid formal gardens which showcase the best in floral arrangement to magical wildflower meadows which span large areas of our district. In spring and summer the fresh air of The Malverns is perfumed with the sweet scent of flowers, cut grass and just a hint of apple from the orchards. If we could bottle it, we would! But for the time being you’ll have to come and experience our botanical delights for yourself…
Historic and Formal Gardens
The Malverns is a historic district, and its green-fingered past residents have left a fantastic legacy of picturesque landscaped gardens for us to enjoy.
Witley Court and Gardens
Witley Court and Gardens is an extensive and fashionable 1890s landscaped garden complete with spectacular statues and fountains. Recently restored are the expertly clipped Parterre Gardens, where the pattern of the garden forms an intricate design on the lawn. This blooms with violas and primroses in April, and the summer months bring salvias, dahlias and begonias flourishing over the hedges. Discover the wilder side of Witley in the Wilderness Garden which boasts tall mature trees, glorious Rhododendrons and a pleasant wildflower meadow.
Croome National Trust
Croome is an impeccable example of historic garden design. Planned by famous 18th Century landscape designer ‘Capability’ Brown many species of flowering plants have been expertly planted to make the most of every season. In the spring exotic flowers and citrus tress are moved into the gardens from the greenhouse to make the most of the warmer weather and scent the air with their blossoms. Take this spring circular walk to take in the grounds in bloom.
Kyre Park and Gardens
Kyre Park Gardens is another ‘Capability’ Brown success and has been considered one of the finest gardens in Worcestershire since the 1700’s. With plenty of pink spring blossom and lawns carpeted with flowers this garden comes alive this time of year; you can even stay in the grand house itself to enjoy the gardens for longer. This ‘hidden gem’ comes highly recommended and has a nearby café and antiques barn.
Priory Park and Rosebank Gardens, Great Malvern
Floral views from Rosebank Gardens
Great Malvern itself has two lovely examples of Victorian pleasure gardens in Priory Park and Rosebank Gardens. Priory Park benefits from a beautiful collection of mature and exotic trees and has well maintained flower beds and hanging baskets filled with colourful plants in the spring and summer. Rosebank Gardens, situated at the top of Great Malvern on Bellevue Terrace, boasts views of the surrounding countryside framed with roses and beautifully maintained flowerbeds. The tiered garden also has a couple of large and fabulous hydrangea bushes which steal the show when they flower in the summer.
Little Malvern Court & Gardens
Little Malvern Court & Gardens opens for its visitor season 17 April 2024 (on certain days only) and is well worth a visit to see expertly cut hedges and flower gardens of roses, dahlias and floral herbaceous plants. The blossoms compliment atmospheric countryside views that can be seen from the estate, which is located on the slopes of the Malvern Hills.
Old Court Nurseries & The Picton Garden
For an example a quintessential flower garden its worth a turn around Old Court Nurseries & The Picton Garden. Established in 1906 this nursery and gardens cultivates rare plants and is famous for its collection of Michaelmas daises. The gardens winding paths lead you to discover a gorgeous display of yellow heritage Narcissus and, as spring gives way to summer, an explosion of colourful herbaceous flowers. The nursery shop sells many of the flowers planted in the gardens, so you can head home with a piece of Picton magic for your own garden.
Ralph Court Gardens
There’s more than just flowers bursting from the undergrowth at Ralph Court Gardens! This selection of 12 themed gardens provides a wonderland of floral and ornamental displays including the Medusa Gardens planted with cascading hanging baskets and the colourful Elves Forest planted with dwarf conifers and magical seasonal blooms. Something new sprouts around every corner at Ralph Court Gardens and keeps little ones entertained for hours. Make a day of your visit and eat at the wonderful onsite restaurant.
Where to See Wildflowers
Much of the Malvern Hills district is covered in meadow or grass land, including large areas of the Malvern Hills. This important habitat is home to an abundance of rare wildflowers, butterflies, bees and tall grasses. Please make sure you stick to the paths and take all your litter home to avoid damaging the natural environment. Read the Countryside Code here.
The Malvern Hills
On the Malvern Hills in the spring bluebells and wild garlic are the main event as they thrive in the wooded areas on the lower slopes. The bluebell woods are some of the most striking displays of the plant anywhere in the word with the green woodland floor turning completely blue in some areas. Head to Jubilee Drive, accessible via a short walk from Black Hill car park, to see this lovely native species. The ancient woodland Park Wood is also a great spot for wild garlic as are the wooded paths around Raggedstone Hill.
In the summer months the bare tops of the hills turn to large grasslands with flowers like the delicate lilac harebell, white heath bedstraw and bilberry’s making an appearance. Find walks on the the Malvern Hills with the button below.
Upton Ham Meadow
Upton Ham Meadow is a rare, flower rich grassland and an example of a Lammas or floodplain meadow. The meadow floods annually bringing water and nutrients to the grasses which creates a perfect environment for rare and pretty wildflowers. This time of year, after the flood water has thankfully receded, the meadow blooms with wildflowers including the pretty lilac Lady’s Smock or Cuckoo Flower. It is a lovely walk on the paths across the Ham, and back to Upton upon Severn via the river path. Please ensure dogs are kept on a lead at all times as the meadow is a ground bird nesting site.
Green-Fingered Events and Activities:
The RHS Malvern Spring Festival 2024
The Royal Horticultural Societies Spring Festival returns to the Three Counties Showground from 9 – 12 May 2024. The show is a celebration of all things growing and gardening and is packed with talks, demonstrations and markets. There will be feature gardens created at the showground as immersive walk through spaces with the aim of bringing visitors closer to horticulture. The floral marquee is sure to be a highlight featuring floral displays from master florists using blooms from specialist nurseries from across the country.
National Garden Scheme Open Gardens
Many gardens across our distict open their gardens with the National Garden Scheme in the spring and summer – see what’s on below:
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Foraging Courses
For those who want to know what all these flowers are good for, apart from looking pretty, there are a couple of foraging courses available in The Malverns. Courses at Eastnor Castle take you on a 2.5 hour walk around the deer park teaching you how to identify edible plants and ends with a hearty seasonal foraged meal.
Clare from Food and Foraging puts on various foraging classes, including a forage and wild pizza Sunday where you can forage toppings for a woodfired pizza.
Florists and Garden Centres in the Malverns
Take a piece of Malvern horticulture home with you in the form of a bouquet, flower arrangement or seedling to plant in your own garden. We’ve created a list of all the garden centres, florists and plant nurseries in The Malverns, a look around many of which constitute a day out in themselves!
