Sandringham; a royal favourite

One of the original gardens that opened for the National Garden Scheme in 1927, this Royal favourite has continued to open and support the work of our nursing and health charities for over 90 years. Sandringham is one of only two gardens to have opened for the National Garden Scheme every single year since our foundation. Join head gardener Martin Woods, for a brief introduction to the gardens:

A closer look

Set over 25 hectares (60 acres) and enjoyed by the Royal Family and their guests when in residence, the more formal Gardens are open from April – October. The grounds have been developed in turn by each monarch since 1863 when King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra purchased the Estate.

A densely planted shrubbery with a shady woodland walk was instigated by Her Majesty in the late 1960’s. A collection of Rhododendron, Camellia and Magnolia trees were brought up from Windsor were planted to create more interest, shelter and privacy in the garden.

Much of the planting has now matured and along with a wide range of rare and unusual trees, under planted with shade loving plants, provide a spectacular display for those who enjoy the shape, colour and texture of leaves, stems and bark though the seasons.

Created by Geoffrey Jelicoe in 1947 for King George VI the formal enclosed areas of garden are informally planted in a cottage garden style and are usually at their best in late July where they act as a haven for bees and butterflies.

The West side the house overlooks a large expanse of lawn, once the site of an elaborate series of colourful formal flower beds and pathways, these were ploughed up during the 2nd World War to make way for crops as part of the dig for victory campaign. In recent years these large expanses of lawns have proved useful for large Garden Parties including one to celebrate Her Majesties Diamond Jubilee.

Throughout the garden areas of informal lawn are dotted with trees of all ages including an oak tree planted by Queen Victoria and a Giant Red Wood tree planted by Princess Christian Of Denmark. The Oldest tree in the Garden is a Veteran Oak standing beside the upper lake, this is said to be over 8oo years old. Two ornamental lakes are bordered areas of rockwork were landscaped in the 1880’s for King Edward VII by James Pulham, a landscape gardener of the time who specialised in stonework and the creation of grottoes, rock faces and stoneware which was very popular at the time.

Natural Springs feed the lakes and an ornamental stream planted with moisture loving plants meandering through meadow areas. This part of the garden is managed in a more naturalistic style to encourage a wide range of wildlife.