Gardens
The Parterre Through the Seasons
The formal south front is re-planted twice a year with 100,000 plants. Here is what to expect, month by month.
The parterre is Waddesdon's answer to a canvas. Twice a year the gardening team lifts the entire scheme and re-plants it — around 100,000 plants each turn.
Spring: March to early June
The spring scheme uses tulips, wallflowers and forget-me-nots against the pale Bath stone. It peaks in late April.
Summer: mid-June to early September
The summer bedding is the show-stopper — dense, saturated colour laid out in elaborate carpet patterns that echo the geometry of the house.
Autumn and winter
The autumn switchover happens over two intense weeks in late September. Through winter the parterre goes quiet — the drama moves to Daffodil Valley in March and to the Christmas light installation.
Reviewed by The Visitor Guide editorial team. Last updated July 2026.
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