September is a wonderful time to visit and to indulge in a little gardens therapy.

With the warm weather continuing, and the gardens being quieter it’s the perfect time to wander peacefully or sit and soak up a beautiful view.

Here are the best gardens in Hampshire to catch the late summer colour:

Hinton Ampner

Hinton Ampner still packs a floral punch in October, thanks to its collection of dahlias.

Over twenty different varieties can be seen across the gardens, in hot reds and oranges, yellows and creams.

Exotic heads are everywhere, from the bright orange of ‘David Howard’ and the vivid red of ‘Murdoch’ in the cool leafy Dell, to the tight pom-poms of 'White Nettie' in the Autumn border. 

Basingstoke Gazette: National Trust EnglandNational Trust England

New this year are hundreds of eye-catching stripey-pink Mystic Dreamers in the sunken garden mixed with deep purple salvia and richly scented white nicotiana.

The flowers are now at their peak, thriving in the warm September sun, and welcoming visitors as they enter the gardens.

Mottisfont

In September, the herbaceous borders in Mottisfont’s walled garden still display a colourful palette of flowering plants, some of which are highly scented.

Look out for asters, phlox, nepata and anenomes in shades of blue, pale pink, mauve and red.

Basingstoke Gazette: National Trust EnglandNational Trust England

Against the walls, some of the garden’s famous climbing roses reveal a final burst of colour. In the kitchen garden – a place inspired by the property’s medieval past - onion and garlic are being harvested for the café, and apples are quickly ripening.

The Vyne

The Vyne’s walled garden dahlia border features a rainbow of colours, from soft pastel shades, to vibrant oranges, bright pinks and deep magenta blooms. Whilst supplies last, you can take home a free, freshly cut bunch of dahlias from the walled garden’s produce stand.

Basingstoke Gazette: National Trust EnglandNational Trust England

Make sure you explore the fruit orchard when you visit. They are expecting bumper crops of apples from the 54 heritage varieties, including ‘leathercoat russet’ and Bramshott rectory. Look out for free apples too, collected by the garden team.

Booking your visit to a National Trust garden:

Basingstoke Gazette: National Trust EnglandNational Trust England

Book online by visiting the website of the property you want to visit, where you’ll also find out what’s on offer and what to expect when you arrive. Or call 0344 249 1895.

To find out more about the National trust in Hampshire, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hampshire.