Dursley Garden in January

The days have become VERY hot this month (28+ degrees celsius). At Dursley though, all the perennials are just loving the heat, with Lilies probably the most special feature through January.

Over summer Judith is busy making Devonshire teas on an almost daily basis, when people phone in advance to order them. Do ask, though, if you haven't pre-ordered, as she often has a batch of scones made already. There have been lots of visitors, but the garden is so expansive that it never feels like there is anyone else around. Lots of shady spots to sit quietly and enjoy the gorgeous garden and landscape. Judith would love to see you. The garden is open 7 days, year round. Contact phone: 06 3724804

The main perennial garden is full of colour that continues right through until late autumn

Gorgeous shaded spot beside the tennis court

The back porch is bulging with potted colour this year.

Dursley Garden in November

The garden at Dursley is full of glorious fragrance and fresh new growth right now. Roses starting to flower, and perennials adding gorgeous colour. This is the most perfect time to visit the garden. Judith has done a lot of development over winter, with some new areas now opened up for access. The garden is very accessible for wheel chairs and mobility scooters, too!! Judith would love to see you whatever mode you choose to travel in.

Adorable birds nest tucked in the foliage of the 'Fairy Rose'

This Philadelphus is incredibly fragrant when in flower. 

Philadelphus - not only fragrant, but pretty, too. 

The main perennial garden is still very subtle, with predominantly foliage for another few weeks, later to give way to Judith's vibrant clash of almost every colour, later in the season!! Here are bearded iris, and very first rose flowers. 

The sculpture and enormous trees at the end of the Long Walk are great in the evening light.

Beautiful purples in the round garden

Beautiful combination of colours in the round garden. 

Dursley Garden - Daffodils

Not only is the garden open again, but it is in full daffodil heaven right now! Judith has thousands of them popping up all over the garden. Also the many, many tulips are about to colour up, along with all sorts of spring goodies. If you have a spare couple of hours, it is well worth the spring visit. As I have mentioned before - the garden needs to be seen at different times throughout the year to fully appreciate the seasonal variation. If you telephone Judith, you can also book in Devonshire Teas or a light meal. 06 3724 804.

Fields of daffodils..........

Lots of seating options throughout the gardens

Friendly locals

Trilliums en masse

Thousands and thousands of spring bulbs happening throughout September and October.

Dursley Garden Closed May-August

Judith is letting you know that the garden will be closed from the 20th of May this year, until the 1st of August.

If you do get a chance to pop out in the next month, the cyclamen are still in full swing - which makes it at least 2 months of them in flower. They really do look gorgeous. The autumn colours are spectacular, throughout the garden. The roses and perennials are having their grand finale, too, before the first frosts. There is still plenty to see.

When the garden reopens in August, the main featuring plants will be the masses of hellebores under the trees, thousands of daffodils, as well as the huge and varied camellias. No month is dull at Dursley! But August onwards has the best displays of spring bulbs, which are a real feature.

Trilliums

Thousands of hellebores are gorgeous in late winter

Cyclamen at Dursley Garden

The cyclamen are carpeting the ground under the 100 year old oaks, in Judith's garden at the moment. They go on for about a month I think. They look amazing! I love capturing them in the late afternoon when the sun is filtering through the trees just highlighting a few groups here and there.

The garden is also full of late summer perennial delights at the moment - asters, golden rod, Japanese anemone, plus roses, and the colourful portulacas on the driveway. Just gorgeous. Come out for a visit - only 15 minutes from Masterton. $5 per adult.

Japanese Anemone around an old tree stump throne!

Golden rod (Solidago) is huge in the perennial border

Portulacas make a bright show on the driveway

Paeonies and Roses at Dursley Garden

What's not to love about November gardens in the Southern Hemisphere? The perennials are in full swing, the roses are fresh, and there are so many fragrant plants to be enjoyed in the warm evenings.

Graham Thomas in his golden glory 

The perennial garden against the house changes weekly

Paeonies thrive at Dursley

Great time of year for the bumble bees

Stunning trees - Melia azedarach - Indian Bead Tree 

Melia flowers though November

Dursley Garden in November

Fragrance, roses, colour, freshness, vibrancy - a few words to describe how Dursley Garden is to walk around at the moment. Played tennis there on the weekend, and the roses draping over the fence were stunning, as was the fragrance of the huge Philadelphus (Mock Orange Blossom)  next to the court. Bliss!

Here are a few snapshots of the garden in early November. If you haven't already been out to visit this year, now is the perfect time to come. Lots of places to sit and enjoy the view, or partake of the famous Devonshire Teas Judith whips up in about 10 minutes flat ($5 each).

Rose perfection - 'Julia's Rose' - stunning. 

Gorgeous apricots and purples together in the round garden

Cerinthe major?

Multiple places to sit, either in the shade or in the sun.

Bees in their temporary lodging in the vege garden. 

This Philadelphus fragrance is AMAZING at the moment. They are all around the garden.

Apricot fox gloves are a perfect neighbour for the roses

Wisteria walk down towards Dingly Dell

The perennial bed is still very subtle colours at the moment - lots
of greens, and paler colours. Roses about to hit full glory.