At last, the gardens of Britain and Ireland are throwing off their winter duvets and springing back into life. The daffodils are out in full force, the rhododendrons and cherry blossom are bursting into bloom, and carpets of bluebells will soon be unrolling across the land.

Of course, what you see and when all depends on the weather — which in April is never that reliable. But fear not: we’ve picked spring gardens with a wide variety of plants, so whether it’s been bitter or balmy you’re guaranteed a blooming good stroll. What better way to walk off all those Easter eggs?

1 TREBAH, CORNWALL

Set in a dramatic ravine that runs down to the Helford River, Trebah was first planted in the early 19th century. It is a subtropical haven that was rescued from ruin by the hard work and determination of the present owners, Major and Mrs Hibbert. Huge palm trees tower over century-old magnolias, rhododendrons and tree ferns; and, in one swamp, the nascent fronds of the giant Gunnera manicata will be rising from the primeval sludge in which they overwinter. A breathtaking garden.

Open daily, 10.30am-5pm; adults £5.80, children £2; 01326 252200, www.trebah-garden.co.uk

2 FURZEY GARDENS,
HAMPSHIRE

Eight acres of informal woodland garden planted in the New Forest in the 1920s. The garden has views across the Forest towards the Isle of Wight and, in spring, bulbs such as dog’s tooth violets, fritillaries and narcissi are followed by azaleas and rhododendrons, as well as the Chilean firebush tree, which flowers bright red in May.

Open daily, 10am-5pm; adults £4.50, children 5-16 £1.50; 023 8081 2464, www.furzey-gardens.org

3 THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS,
KEW

The world-famous gardens are celebrating the advent of the season with its Spring Festival, which runs until April 23. More than 5m bulbs will be flowering throughout Kew's 300 acres. Over the Easter period there will children’s events including the Animal Farm, Easter Egg Hunt and creative sessions in Climbers and Creepers, Kew’s interactive play zone.

4 BETH CHATTO GARDEN,
COLCHESTER

A far cry from the grand Edwardian gardens that tend to get all the attention in spring, this was founded in 1960 by the great plantswoman Beth Chatto and her late husband, Andrew. At this time of year, the focus is on the woodland areas, where spring bulbs carpet the ground, before the canopy of oaks closes over them and they give way to shade-lovers.

Open Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm; adults £4.50, under 14s free; 01206 822007, www.bethchatto.co.uk

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