Spring is our favourite time of year here at Batsford

Spril at Batsford Arboretum

Spring is our favourite time of year here at Batsford - the place bursts into life; the arboretum is alive with colour, the plant centre is buzzing with people who are getting back out into the garden and the café’s sun terrace is in use again - the season generally brings hope of warmer days to come…hopefully! 

It’s in the spring that the arboretum really comes into its own, thanks to the large collection of Japanese flowering cherries. As holders of the National Collection of Prunus (Sato-Sakura group) cherries, Batsford is home to 120 trees in clusters around the 56 acre arboretum, offering a confetti of colour - from pure white to fuchsia pink - appearing gradually from early April to early May. 

In mid-May, Batsford’s famous Pocket Handkerchief Tree – the Davidia – springs into life. The tree is known as the Pocket Handkerchief Tree because each flower is protected by two long white bracts which look like white handkerchiefs hanging from the branches. Planted in around 1910, Batsford’s Davidia is believed to be one of the largest in the UK today.

Spring sees the start of events season here at Batsford too and there’s plenty to look forward to – from the annual Easter chicken hunt to a creative writing workshop and outdoor theatre. 

Whether you’re after a relaxing walk amongst the blossom, a browse through our huge array of plants and gardening goodies, looking to pick up a unique gift for a friend or you just fancy treating yourself to a cuppa and a cake or delicious lunch; there’s something for everyone at Batsford this spring – oh and we’re dog friendly too! Batsford is open every day of the year and is just a mile from the historic marketing town of Moreton-in-Marsh in the heart of the north Cotswolds.

Visit www.batsarb.co.uk

Saltridge Woods (Credit: Ken Long)