What to see in July

29 June 2026

The rhododendrons and azaleas that filled the garden with colour earlier in the year have faded, and the garden settles into gentler shades of green. But this is far from the end of the show. July is a month of atmosphere, texture and abundance, where the garden invites you to slow down and notice the smaller details.

The lake is alive with waterlilies, their soft colours reflected on the still surface, while the wildflower meadow hums with bees, butterflies and other insects moving through the long grasses. In the borders, summer perennials bring colour and movement, with fuchsias, agapanthus, dahlias and crocosmia all beginning to shine.

Astilbe japonica is another July highlight, with vivid plumes that provide one of the strongest bursts of colour in the garden at this time of year, standing out beautifully against Furzey’s lush green backdrop.

Dahlias unfurl slowly, and then all at once!

One of the standout trees this month is our Indian Bean Tree, Catalpa bignonioides ‘Aurea’, which can be found on the top lawn. Its huge lime-green leaves create a wonderfully tropical feel, and its white, bell-shaped flowers are at their best in July. Last year we introduced irrigation bags for a couple of our trees, including this one. These slowly release water directly to the roots, helping to reduce water loss through evaporation and encouraging deeper root growth, which makes the trees more resilient in dry weather.

Another highlight to look out for is Cytisus battandieri, also known as Pineapple Broom. It had a rejuvenation prune last year and, although still a little leggy in places, has responded incredibly well. Its yellow flowers usually last well into July and bring a lovely sense of brightness to the garden.

Hydrangea macrophylla is also looking beautiful this month. Following careful spring pruning, the quality of the flowers is especially strong, adding generous colour and softness to the summer borders.

Later in July, keep an eye out for Eucryphia × nymansensis ‘Nymansay’, towering above the Giants Table at about 40ft, which will soon burst into elegant white flower. It is a real seasonal showstopper and always proves popular with our local bee population.

Delicate Hydrangea buds ready to unfurl

Don’t miss the cottage garden, carefully grown and cared for by our learning disability team. At this time of year it is full of abundant summer produce and colour, with edible flowers such as nasturtiums, alongside kale, tomatoes, green beans and sunflowers on their way to flowering.

July can feel full and slightly wild in any garden. Borders spill over pathways, plants seem to grow overnight, and there is always another job waiting. But it is also the moment we spend much of the year working towards. The garden is alive, thriving and, in places, a little untidy, and that is part of its charm.

A visit to Furzey in July is a chance to experience the garden through all the senses. Notice the texture of fern fronds beneath the trees, grasses moving in the breeze, birdsong carrying through the woodland, and dappled light filtering through the canopy overhead.

Whether you are a seasoned gardener or simply looking for a peaceful summer day out, July is a wonderful time to deepen your connection with nature. Wander the winding paths, discover a secret corner, or pause for a slice of cake in our thatched tea room.

Don’t miss our Galactic Furzey trail – an out-of-this-world adventure for the whole family, perfect for a summer holiday adventure.

The gardens and tea rooms are open seven days a week, 10am – 4pm. During our peak season and throughout the summer we will no longer allow dogs in the gardens, only assistance dogs on a lead.

Pre-booking online in advance is essential during the school summer holidays. Visit www.furzey-gardens.org to plan your visit.

Cottage garden is full of produce