Hydrangeas, Rare Plants and the August Plant Fair at Abbotsbury

August colour across the Gardens

Hydrangeas, exotic planting and mature summer foliage transform the 30-acre landscape

Abbotsbury’s sheltered location, less than a mile from the sea, creates a distinctive microclimate in which winters tend to be milder, summers slightly cooler, and plants from many parts of the world can thrive in the valley.

By the end of July, the Gardens have developed a wonderfully established appearance. Trees and shrubs form leafy canopies above the paths, tender plants have filled out, and the larger architectural species create striking shapes throughout the landscape.

There are over 6,000 plant species growing at Abbotsbury, with each area offering its own combination of colours, textures and habitats. Formal planting sits alongside woodland paths, waterside areas and more natural sections of the Gardens, giving every route a different character.

Hydrangeas at Abbotsbury

One of Abbotsbury’s best-known collections brings bold shades to the late-summer borders

Hydrangeas are among the highlights of a mid-summer visit. Their rounded flower heads create generous areas of colour, with shades that can include pink, blue, purple, white and green depending on the variety and growing conditions.

This year's spell of hot, dry weather means many of the blooms are fading and drying out a little earlier than usual, taking on softer, papery tones as August rolls on. It's a natural response to the heat, and plenty of visitors enjoy the faded, almost vintage colours, adding their own character against the deeper greens of the surrounding subtropical foliage!

Abbotsbury is known across Dorset for its hydrangea collection, alongside its rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias. The changing seasons allow different groups of plants to take their moment in the spotlight.

Visitors returning later in the summer will often notice fresh flowers opening, foliage changing and different parts of the Gardens coming into focus. The constant development makes Abbotsbury one of the most interesting gardens in Dorset for repeat visits.

Around the ponds and bridges

Waterside planting and distinctive viewpoints create some of the Gardens’ most memorable scenes

The ponds form an important part of the landscape at Abbotsbury. Reflections, mature trees and dense planting give these areas a particularly atmospheric quality during the summer months.

The Gardens’ bridges provide familiar viewpoints across the water, while the 36-metre rope bridge offers a more adventurous route across the largest pond. One of the longest rope bridges of its kind in the UK, it gives visitors a different perspective on the surrounding habitat.

Giant rhubarb, tree ferns and waterside dawn redwoods thrive in the damp conditions around the bridge. Their scale and shape create an immersive environment, with foliage rising above and around the pathways.

The rope bridge was opened by renowned plantsman Roy Lancaster to mark the Gardens’ 250th anniversary. It reflects Abbotsbury’s long connection with plant exploration and offers an exciting addition to a day spent discovering the wider Gardens.

Follow Lancaster the Explorer

A family trail introduces young visitors to plants, exploration and the natural world

Families visiting during the summer can follow Lancaster the Explorer on his journey through the Gardens. The trail is inspired by Roy Lancaster, whose decades of plant hunting, horticultural work and broadcasting have made him one of Britain’s best-known plantsmen.

Children can discover interesting plant facts, collect stamps at points along the route and visit Lancaster’s Explorer Hut. The activities introduce the idea of plants arriving from different parts of the world and encourage younger visitors to look more closely at the species growing around them.

The trail is included with standard admission to the Subtropical Gardens, making it easy to include as part of a family day out.

Visit the August Plant Fair

Specialist nurseries and growers return to Abbotsbury

The Plant Fair in association with Plant Heritage returns to Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens on Sunday 23 August 2026.

Over 30 specialist nurseries, growers and plant experts will gather in one place, giving visitors an opportunity to browse a wide variety of unusual plants and speak directly with knowledgeable growers.

The fair is a must-visit for experienced gardeners searching for something specific, as well as visitors looking for inspiration or advice for their own garden. 

Plant Fair in association with Plant Heritage

Sunday 23 August 2026
Plant Fair open from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm
Gardens open until 5:00 pm
Free car parking

More information

Great British Summer Savings

Enjoy reduced entry to Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens from 25 June to 1 September. Explore 30 acres of summer colour, family trails and subtropical planting, with discounted family tickets also available for both the Gardens and Abbotsbury Swannery.

Find out more

Explore the Plant Centre

Specialist plants grown at Abbotsbury are available to take home

A visit can also include time at the Abbotsbury Plant Centre, where a carefully selected range of seasonal plants, garden favourites and unusual species is available to buy.

Many of the plants have been propagated on site using seeds and cuttings collected from specimens growing throughout the Gardens. The range reflects Abbotsbury’s subtropical character, with hardy ferns, shrubs, trees, succulents and perennials available at different points during the year.

The Nursery team can provide advice on suitable growing conditions and plant care, helping visitors choose varieties that will thrive in their own gardens.

Entry to the Plant Centre is free, and a Gardens admission ticket is not required.