Garden Studios

Garden lovers had been flocking to Alan Bloom’s Bressingham to determine his six-acre garden The Dell for years.

But from February 1 the Winter Garden created by Adrian Bloom opens to the general public until the tip of March, and visitors could also see the splendidly-named Foggy Bottom.

Adrian now runs the 350-acre estate that his late father built up near Diss, in Norfolk.

In the summer it has family attractions equivalent to a steam railway and fairground rides that attract greater than 60,000 visitors a year.

But go now and you’ll find the estate much quieter – there are not any train rides or carousels open – and you’ll benefit from the clever combination of plants within the Winter Garden that look good from autumn through to spring, while Foggy Bottom is renowned for its year-round interest.

Adrian started work on Foggy Bottom together with his wife Rosemary in 1967, while the Winter Garden is now a mature 10 years old.

It has only been open to the general public earlier few years, and contours the fiery stemmed Cornus Midwinter Fire, supported by colourful conifers, hellebores, spring bulbs, trees and shrubs with exceptional bark and flowering perennials.

There are a number of snowdrops to work out in February, with more bulbs springing into life between this weekend and when the garden closes on March 31.

Severe weather, though, may close the garden during these two months, so always phone ahead to ensure it’s open before you allow home .

Unfortunately, despite the trails the Winter Garden seriously isn’t suitable for wheelchair access, but there are rebates for groups of 20 or more.

The Winter Garden is open daily from 11am until 4.30pm. Tickets cost £5 and under-15s are free.

For additional information visit www.bressingham.co.uk or call 01379 688585 to ascertain whether the gardens are open.