Fewer crowds, pleasant weather  (usually),  and generous garlands of fragrant wisteria draped across sturdy arbors and weathered stone walls all make spring one of the best seasons to visit England. My own childhood memories of English springtimes include strolling through beech woods, thickly carpeted with wild garlic and bluebells,  picking posies of wild primroses (frowned upon now of course but in the 60's it was acceptable) and visiting the allotments with my grandad for his seed potatoes and big brown bags of fertilizer. Today I love to share 'my England' by curating small group tours, where my guests become family – and one of my favorite areas to visit in May or June is Yorkshire. Here's why.

Meadows Are in Bloom.

England instituted the 'No Mow May' campaign a few years ago with the idea of creating a pathway for pollinators across the country by letting the lawn grow long for the month of May. It may have been a somewhat misguided concept but the idea caught on and now often extends beyond May. If nothing else it has got folks excited about non-manicured green spaces and the realization that they can be created in the smallest pocket garden or larger estate. Helmsley Walled Garden is one of my favorite destinations in the North York Moors. Overlooked by the ruins of a castle, the setting is magical but its mission as a therapeutic garden sets it apart. There's a sense of connection between nature and the human spirit that is hard to define in words – you need to experience it for yourself. One of the areas within the garden is the meadow shown above, which is studded with ethereal wildflowers during spring. The placement of this sculpture really provides bold contrast and a focal point.

Shade Gardens are Still Fresh

If you have shade gardens at home, you know they shine in spring and fall but drift into a gentle slumber during summer months. I love spring travel to glean ideas on how to make the most of these areas. Newby Hall  has much to offer the visitor including striking herbaceous borders, water gardens, a walled garden and even a miniature railway! I loved strolling  the shaded paths (shown above) in spring, the dappled light cast by early blooming rambling roses allowing hosta to thrive beneath. Yet all my guests were entranced by the large blooming deutzias that cascaded onto the path. Their beauty is fleeting so this placement, with other spring celebrities was a perfect way to draw attention to them. RHS Harlow Carr is my favorite RHS garden – yes, even over Wisley. It never disappoints, is fabulous in every season and is filled with 'take home' ideas. In early June the streamside plantings are at their peak, with the shadier area  a colorful tapestry of maples, Rodgersias, ferns and Siberian iris.

Wisteria is at its Fragrant Best

I adore wisteria – in someone else's garden! It's too much work for me to grow it with all the climbing and pruning that's needed to help it shine. This display at Helmsey Walled Garden is one of my favorite planting combinations that showcases both purple and white wisteria growing together with golden laburnum. With the flowers festooned overhead so the fragrance wafts down gently, this floral tunnel is unforgettable. Underplanted with purple alliums and golden lilies it becomes truly magical.

Early Perennials are at their Peak

A few years ago I wrote a blog post on these candelabra primroses which are seen in abundance at this time of year in England. I've not been terribly successful growing them from seed  – have you? Certainly this display at RHS Harlow Carr makes me want to try again. They look especially magnificent grown with Himalayan blue poppies which you will also see in large drifts in this garden. Scampston Walled Garden is best known for its multi-roomed walled garden designed by Piet Oudolf with this central area perhaps being the most photographed in spring. Hardy blue geranium (I think it's Geranium 'Rozanne') mingles with alliums and other early perennials to create the most wonderful picture frame to the central fountain. Tucked away in the Yorkshire Dales, within an area of 'Outstanding Natural Beauty' is Parcevall Hall. This is truly a tenacious plantsman's garden! The hillside garden has been terraced with the intrepid visitor being rewarded for the uphill hike by expansive views over the surrounding countryside. Each terrace celebrates spring with its own plant palette. Although heralded by Monty Don, Breezy Knees is still relatively unknown as a destination. It's only a few miles outside York; I've written about it before after a summer visit, but it is equally enchanting in spring. Oddly enough, one of my favorite areas is the approach to the entry gate. A long, straight path is flanked with planted beds, but off to one side is an ever-changing display which on my last visit included this expansive carpet of orange California poppies. Do check out that earlier blog post for more images though including the 'giant wellies' and Stone Hedge as this is a garden that is full of FUN as well as plants.

Design is Never out of Season

York Gate Gardens is just outside Leeds and an easy day trip from York. It is owned by Perennial, a charity that helps 'gardeners who have fallen on hard times'. It may only be one acre in size but it lives BIG thanks to the Arts and Craft style layout with multiple garden rooms, each different in character. On my last visit in 2022 the weather was damp and drizzly so I'm really looking forward to a return visit to get more photos. Far from just being a series of planting displays, some of the design details are truly noteworthy including this mosaic path and medallion – a wonderful example of a pathway transition and use of both a portal and a focal point to pull you down the path. If you've been following my blog for a while and/or have read my books, you'll know I'm an advocate for foliage driven design. Flowers are fleeting, and while foliage may not last 'forever' it certainly has longer design potential. With that in mind I loved this simple display at Breezy Knees of a bed featuring silver and gold foliage, accented with a central black obelisk. Together this creates a long-lasting focal point within the garden.

See For Yourself!

Springtime is a season of promise and new beginnings, and England is one of the best places to celebrate. Won't you join me? Our 2026 tour includes all the gardens shown above plus many more of my favorites including the moated Markenfield Hall shown in the lead photo, before we head into the more rugged Lake District. TIP: If you have problems with the video I have also posted it on Facebook. Check out the itinerary and  email today if you'd like to join our adventure.