Following a spectacular carpet of daffodils earlier in the spring, shows of colour continue with the emergence of tulips at National Trust places in South Somerset.  

The well-established tulips displays are currently at their height at Montacute House. Visitors will see swathes of red and yellow that have become the traditional colours in the East Court, as the bold accents pop against the honey-toned Ham stone of the house.  

The opportunity to plant completely new varieties has been taken in pots throughout the garden. For example, Tulipa ‘Vincent Van Gogh’, which has softly fringed flowers that open white and mature to dark purple-red colour, is new for 2024.  

The Garden team take into consideration a long list of factors when designing the displays. As well as thinking about what plants are appropriate for a historic environment, questions such as ‘When will they flower?’ and ‘How to extend the display?’ are discussed.  

Chris Gaskin, Head Gardener at Montacute House, said: ‘We know visitors look forward to the tulip display each year, so it is something we plan carefully. It took the team about two to three weeks to make the final selections for the tulip varieties for 2024 – after shortlisting varieties we build a “mood board” where we experiment with colours and textures that work together, and what works well in each area of the garden.’ 

He continues, ‘Although it takes time, we hope to create a tulip extravaganza for everyone who comes to visit. It also gives us scope to build in personal tastes when making the final choices. For example, I’ve been looking forward to seeing the Tulipa ‘Kingsblood’ come through, as it is a very dramatic deep red/scarlet colour.’  

A short drive up the A303, the tulips at Barrington Court are also looking their best at the minute, and visitors can see them throughout the garden. In the Lily Garden, hot colours such as Tulipa 'Apeldoorn's Elite’ reflect the original Gertrude Jekyll colour scheme in this space.  

For an unexpected ‘wow’ factor, as people turn a corner to the Squash Court Garden, more bright colours such as Tulipa ‘Apricot Parrot’ and ‘Monte Orange’ have been planted. In the White Garden, the colour choice is obvious, with Tulipa ‘White Prince’ being a stout, sturdy option that stands up to spring showers. 

Tulips can also be seen at nearby Lytes Cary Manor and Tintinhull Garden. For opening times and more information, please visit: 

Barrington Court | Somerset | National Trust 

Lytes Cary Manor | Somerset | National Trust 

Montacute House | Somerset | National Trust  

Tintinhull Garden | Somerset | National Trust