Over the past few weeks, the gardens have truly come to life, helped along by some welcome spells of warm sunshine, and with a little re-vamp, there’s even more new things incoming, so sit back, relax and find out what’s been going on here at The Walled Garden Moreton.

Visitors may have noticed that Dahlia Walk has recently been planted, alongside the new path, with a wide variety of young dahlias finally in place and making themselves known. While still in their early stages, this area promises to become a vibrant display of colour as summer unfolds, and we can’t wait.

Nearby, a brand-new large bed has been created where the Western Cedar once stood. With the support of our EMA students, Head Gardener Martin and his team have carefully prepared the area, adding layers of compost and topsoil to give new planting the best possible start.

Martin explains: “The plan is to sow a summer mix of annuals similar to those in the Square Garden last year. By the summer holidays, we’re hoping for a full, colourful display that will also attract plenty of wildlife.”

The White Border is also progressing beautifully, with white cosmos and nicotiana already planted. Thanks to the hard work of both the team and our students, this area is well on its way to becoming a standout feature.

Along Wisteria Walk, the wisteria is beginning to awaken. It’s slightly later than usual this year, but at the time of writing the blooms are appearing, and more are on the way!

The Grass Border, where the new sculpture sits, has also seen some recent additions. Four Echiums, which were kindly donated, have been planted and could reach heights of up to four metres! Their striking blue flowers will sit wonderfully alongside the Rudbeckia and Echinacea when they come into bloom.

Towards the end of April, we were delighted to install a brand-new pond. This has been a fantastic project involving both the team and our students. While it is still early days, we have already spotted pond skaters, and we look forward to seeing more wildlife make it their home. This space will be used not just as a point of interest for visitors, but as an educational opportunity for the EMA students, as we study the wildlife that moves in and how it functions alongside the surrounding habitat.

For our younger visitors, a new sandpit has been built in Animal Acre and we are putting the finishing touches to it in early May (toys to be added!). Children, accompanied by an adult, will be able to enjoy some time playing before or after exploring the gardens. We hope this new addition offers families another reason to stop by, as we continue to make our gardens one of the best destinations in Dorset for people of all ages.

Get Involved: Volunteer with Us

We are currently looking for volunteers to support the ongoing care and maintenance of the gardens. Our team is small, and while our students provide invaluable help, there is always more to be done.

If you enjoy gardening and can spare an hour or two from time to time, we would love to hear from you. Please email [email protected] for more information.

All volunteers will be subject to referencing in line with our Safer Recruitment policy.

Animal Acre Updates

It’s been a busy few weeks in Animal Acre, with plenty of sunshine and enrichment activities for our animals.

Animal Expert Daisy said: “We’ve been focusing on enrichment to keep the animals active and engaged. Visitors might notice CDs with the chickens or tyres in the goat enclosure, along with other features designed to keep them entertained.”

Our Kunekune pigs, Carrot and Swede, have been particularly enjoying their very own mud spa. Swede has often been found relaxing in the muddy puddles, while our animal care students help protect the pigs from the sun by applying mud behind their ears, as it’s a natural form of sun protection!

In the aviary, some of our finches have recently hatched chicks. They are still very young, but over the coming weeks, visitors may be lucky enough to spot them exploring their surroundings.

Rolo, our male guinea pig, is nearing the end of his post-operative recovery. Later this month, he will be introduced to the female group, allowing him to enjoy more company.

…and many of the animals have been enjoying the sun – like the goats here!

What’s On: Dates for Your Diary

With May half-term just around the corner, we are pleased to announce the return of our popular Bug and Exotic Animal Experiences.

These will take place on 27^th and 29^th May, with sessions starting at 10.00am and 12.00pm – Tickets go on sale early May!

Join Daisy for an up-close introduction to some of the more unusual residents of Animal Acre.

Looking ahead, our much-loved Dog Show and Family Fun Day returns on Sunday 7 June.

This year, we are delighted to be working alongside Dorset-based Dog Rescue Charity Staffie & Stray Rescue to celebrate our four-legged friends. The day will also feature over 30 local businesses, along with family activities including bouncy castles, garden games, outdoor skittles and more.

Entry is our usual £4 per adult, while under-18s and Season Ticket holders are free. But if you enter your pup into the Dog Show, you’ll get one free adult into the event and gardens!

If you would like to take part in the dog show, you can pre-register your dog via the link here:

Dog Show At The Walled Garden Sunday 7th June

After the heatwaves moved our 2025 event online, we’re excited to welcome you all back to the Event Field for a day of Family Fun!

What have YOU been saying?

Thank you for your reviews! The Easter holidays and lovely post-Easter weather have brought many of you out to see us, thank you so much for the reviews and ratings – here’s just a few!

“Popped in 10am midweek for a drink and snack. A few people in but not busy. All the staff were polite and friendly, drinks were brought to our table outside and we were given a buzzer for when our food was ready. Very nice bacon bap and egg & tomato Croissant nicely cooked and ready within 10 mins. It’s a lovely quiet spot for a bit of relaxation.”  – Nicandra, via Google

“I have had a lot of bacon sandwiches in my lifetime so far, but this bacon sandwich was honestly of the best I have ever had. Perfectly buttered bread with lovely back bacon with the fat all caramelised. Simple yet delicious.”  – Simon, via Google

“What a lovely find! Drove past the brown sign a few weeks back and decided to visit over the Easter holidays. My youngest (9 years) took part in the Easter hunt around the gardens- 2 hunts in 1 which was great value for money! I also took my mum and we had a cream tea in the cafe. Was lovely to have some local clotted cream from a farm in Weymouth.”  – via Trip Advisor

“Beautiful ornamental garden + stream. Lovely food too.”  – via Feedback Slips from Café

“Beautifully kept gardens, great food, helpful pleasant staff.” – via Feedback Slips from Café

Whatever your plans as we go into the bank holiday weekend, we hope to see you in May here in our little corner of Dorset. <3

Open 7 days a week. Free parking. Dog Friendly.