The Gardens of Easton Lodge are hosting several opens days in April to start the spring season.

Visitors are invited to explore the gardens on Thursday, April 4 and Thursday, April 11 during the Easter holidays, with a special Sunday open day on April 21.

The daffodils in the Lime Wood are set to display a spectrum of white to orange hues. As these fade, newer varieties will bloom alongside the tulips in the Italian Garden.

Dunmow Broadcast: The Gardens are also preparing Easter trail for kids on Thursdays April 4 and April 11

 

The Archive Room will be open with information about the Gardens' history, including the life of the Countess of Warwick, Harold Peto who redesigned the gardens for her, the gardeners, and the airmen and women who used the gardens as a refuge during the Second World War.

The Open Day on Sunday, April 21 coincides with National Blossom Week.

The blossom season in the walled kitchen garden runs from March through to May, with the pink blossom of the peaches and nectarines and white apricot followed by the blossoming of plums and cherries.

Apple tree varieties should also be in blossom.

A spokesperson for the gardens said: "Other flowers around the gardens will also provide a feast for the senses: vivid colours from the imperial fritillaries and the bright greens of spring leaves; scent from the first roses and perhaps some early bluebells; and the sound of the bumblebees and honey bees out and about collecting pollen."

Children can enjoy blossom-themed activities, including a trail and crafts.

Local duo Karen and Tony will be singing folk and acoustic songs, and there will be plant, craft and other information stalls.

Refreshments will be provided by Gardens of Easton Lodge Preservation Trust volunteers, including hot and cold beverages, bacon, cheese or hummus rolls and homemade cakes. 

Dogs on leads are welcome.

The gardens open at 11am on the Sunday, April 21 open day, with the last entry at 4pm and closing at 5pm.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.eastonlodge.co.uk or through www.Trybooking.com.

The Gardens of Easton Lodge were refashioned in 1902 by Edwardian garden designer Harold Peto, for Daisy Greville, the Countess of Warwick.