Nymans’ proud history of plant hunting can be relived in July with one of our most exotic areas of the garden at its peak. The South African beds’ undulating landscape represents the vast rolling plains of that country, as well as beautifully mirroring the vistas of the South Downs which stretch out beyond the bed. It is a true Nymans gem, packed full of intriguing and wonderful plant treasures.

Eucomis, Kniphoia and ornamental grasses are interwoven with horticultural show-stoppers, such as Berkheya purpurea Zulu Warrior and Gladiolus papilio. A sense of the tropical can be brought to your own garden by using hardy South African bulbs. Schizostylis coccinea and Crocosmia are the perfect choice for most gardens as they thrive in damp in soil. These vibrant, autumn-flowering bulbs are the ideal reminder of summer on damp autumn days.

Buying plants is not the only way to increase your garden’s plant collection. Thrifty horticulturists can grow their own plants for free, just like our glasshouse team. It’s all go in the glasshouse here at this time of year, as mid-July is the perfect time for taking cuttings. Softwood cuttings of shrubs, such as lavender and hydrangeas, propagate well from this. July is also a good time to collect Foxglove seeds, which can be sown right away, and bulbs can be picked from lily stems and potted on. These upright, structural plants bring height to borders and are loved by pollinating insects too.

For structure in the garden, nothing is quite as impressive as topiary. It forms the backbone of the garden here at Nymans. Our creative and unusual living statues ensure the garden has all year round interest and brings a unique dimension to the garden. We maintain this clipped perfection by pruning twice a year, once in June then again before the end of August. This helps them hold their shape. Have a go at home and start creating your own garden art.

Nymans is a wonderful place to be in July, so come and enjoy the summer splendour. There’s croquet and badminton to play or you can just pick out a lovely tree to picnic under and admire the scenery.

  • Nymans, Handcross, nr Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 6EB, Tel: 01444 405250, www.national trust.org.uk/nymans
  • Gardens, woods, restaurant, shop and plant centre open every day (except Dec 25). House open every day from Mar 1 to Oct 31