A rare sunny Saturday was maximised with a visit to Nymans, a National Trust garden located in Handcross, West Sussex.

Nymans is an interesting garden with a fascinating history. Four generations of the Messel family have been involved with the evolution of the proprty and are still involved today.

As with lots of large estates and gardens owned at the time of the expansion of the British Empire, great collections of plants, ferneries, pineatums and arboretums were created. The Messels  were a forward thinking family, and were experimental with horticultural techniques. As such, they built up a collection of hardy plants from around the World, that grew successfully in the British climate. Specialising in woody plants and shrubs, a collection of over 80 species and 50 hybrids of Rhododendrons were housed at Nymans in 1916.

Initially, after the garden was gifted to the National Trust, it experienced a period of low intervention and management. Subsequent damage to the overgrown gardens in the Great Storm released a new lease of life, and light, into the garden. Subsequent restoration of both house and gardens rapidly doubled visitor numbers.

Recently the gardeners have really poured heart and soul into the gardens, bringing with them the Messel ethos of experimentation. The Tropical Borders, the South African border, and the Mediteranean Border are evidence of the injection of energy, enthusiasm and knowledge of the staff. Even at this time of year, the colours are captivating. As you walk around there is a new project underway too: The Sunk Garden, which in its simplicity is a place of calm, where the formality of upright cypress trees and newly shaped borders married with the soft rustic feel of the grasses and Gaura compliments the Loggia and makes for a place of real contemplation in the autumn sun.

Walking around this garden, even at this time of year, the colour is just inspiring. Borders of half hardy salvias, dahlias, and late flowering perennials are to be found at every turn. You realise that with a little effort – and experimentation – you can bring some unusual successes to your own garden in the Autumn. So why not! Get to Nymans, see what they have succeeded in, and take home some ideas for your own garden!