SPEND Father’s Day exploring the beauty of the National Trust’s Hampshire gardens in June.

Treat dad to a day out he will really love, be that a family walk in the countryside, enjoying a hearty meal, or re-living his childhood by creating a den with the kids - one of the Trust’s 50 things to do before you’re 11¾ challenges.

National Trust gardens are at their peak during the summer months, with striking colours, scents and relaxing spaces to take in the view.

At local property The Vyne (01256 883858), in summer, the perfumed herbaceous borders of this former Tudor ‘power house’ are packed with eye-catching shape and colour.

Look out for deep magenta and royal blue geraniums, elegant foxtail lilies and peonies in shades of cream, pink and burgundy. Don’t forget to take a peek inside the unusual 17th-century circular summerhouse and the walled garden, full of fruit and vegetables.

Every year in early summer, thousands of visitors flock to Mottisfont near Romsey (01794 340757) to see the scented jewel in its crown – the internationally renowned National Collection of old-fashioned roses.

Nestled in the sheltered surrounds of a large walled garden, the flowers reveal exceptional fragrance and colour. Blooming above richly planted herbaceous borders they flower just once a year, reaching their peak in June.

The four big herbaceous borders in Mottisfont’s large rose garden have been restored to their original planting scheme of 40 years ago, providing a sumptuous and evolving display from June to September.

For those who can’t get along to Mottisfont during the working day, the property is staying open until 8pm on fair weather days until June 30. These dates are announced on the website at the beginning of every week in June. Mottisfont’s garden team also runs Ask the Gardener sessions at 2pm daily throughout June.

Over 90 varieties of rose bloom at Hinton Ampner near Alresford (01962 771305) in the summer.

Basingstoke Gazette:

A highly scented collection, it is well known for its repeat flowering, giving delicious fragrance and colour well into August.

In June and July, enjoy the tranquillity of these gardens after the crowds have gone home.

On June 24, July 22 and August 12, join the head gardener from 7pm-9pm for an exclusive tour in the early evening light, accompanied by a glass of Pimms and canapés. This tour costs £20.

Find out more online at nationaltrust.org.uk/southeast.