THE prolonged heatwave we have been experiencing has brought out a wonderful array of flowers in the garden at Barrington Court, near Ilminster.

The garden at the National Trust site is in full bloom and benefitting from the unusual recent hotter weather.

The dahlias in the Lily Garden are in full flower in their newly repaired beds and the more traditional autumn flowers, such as Michaelmas daisies and rudbeckia, are coming into bloom earlier than normal.

Christine Brain, the head gardener at Barrington Court, told the Chard and Ilminster News: "This heat wave has had an unexceptional effect on the garden here.

"The dahlias are in full bloom, but we are also seeing early signs of autumnal flowers as well.

"As a result, this is now a great time for garden lovers to come and visit Barrington Court.

"Visitors can enjoy the vibrant colours, intoxicating scents and water features such as the playing fountains, the pond and the moat."

Ms Brain added: "The Lily Garden is the largest of the three gardens, and the first garden to be planted.

"It remains the closest of all to Gertrude Jekyll’s executed designs.

"Garden lovers can also wander around the walled Rose, Iris and White Gardens, as well as stroll down a beautiful pergola walk.

"In addition, the kitchen garden is full of produce – with the opportunity to buy any surplus vegetables which are not being used in the café."

The grass hay has just been cut and baled and the fruit in the orchard is beginning to ripen.

Ms Brain said: "Now would be a great time to visit Barrington Court and enjoy the beauty of this tranquil place."

For further details of activities, events and opening times at Barrington Court, visit the National Trust website at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/barrington-court