Stunning flower displays at National Trust sites in Hampshire

National Trust sites across Hampshire are seeing some of the brightest and earliest displays in years, with peak flowering timed perfectly for Mother’s Day.

The cheerful blooms have flourished despite an exceptionally wet winter, with visitors now greeted by golden carpets of flowers at Mottisfont, The Vyne, Hinton Ampner, and Uppark.

Tracey Geaves, senior gardener at Mottisfont, said: "The very mild winter saw blooms starting to appear early, and although we were worried they may be impacted by the months of rain, it seems to be the opposite.

The Vyne - daffodils National Trust (Image: Karen Legg)

"Last week’s rare burst of sunshine and warmth – 4 March was the warmest day this year - saw them start to come out in force, and they’ll be a real treat for Mother’s Day visitors this weekend."

The favourable conditions have contributed to what many gardeners describe as the best daffodil displays in recent years.

In response to a warming climate, National Trust gardening teams have adjusted their planting schemes to ensure blooms appear at different times, to extend displays.

This approach aims to prolong the visual impact and enjoyment for visitors.

At The Vyne, near Basingstoke, the scheme includes later-flowering varieties such as the highly scented white 'Pheasant’s Eye'.

Mottisfont - daffodils with view of house, National Trust (Image: Joanna Crosse)

Each site offers a unique landscape for enjoying the blooms.

At Mottisfont, daffodils brighten the ground beneath towering trees near the house, while at Hinton Ampner they blanket lawns and fill the orchard with colour.

Visitors can also take the new Magnolia Garden circular walk, and enjoy terrace displays filled with narcissi, primroses, pansies, and violets.

The Vyne features abundant daffodils in the historic walled garden and along the South Drive, and Uppark welcomes guests with daffodils lining the banks by the main gates and the southern drive.

To coincide with the displays, some National Trust sites are taking part in National Lottery Open Week, running from March 7 to 14.

Uppark House and Gardens - daffodils on drive to house, National Trust (Image: Michaela Saunders-Hall)

Anyone with a valid National Lottery ticket can enjoy free entry to participating locations during the promotion.

However, free entry is not available on Sunday, March 15.

More information about eligible sites and opening times is available on the National Lottery Good Causes website.