The summer holidays are in full swing, and we’ve already had so many wonderful families visit us! Plenty is going on here at The Walled Garden this August, so sit back, relax and get yourself up to date on what’s coming up!

In the gardens…

Yes, it’s hot, and it’s dry – but while we do our best to maintain things during the drought, there’s still plenty of beautiful spots to visit in the gardens!

Gardener Andrew said: “Obviously the dry weather does take its toll on the gardens, but we do what we can to mitigate any big problems. We’re being very responsible with our watering, only focusing on the recently planted and key areas – the lawns will remain a little brown until the rain finally comes. Despite the dry weather, there is still plenty of the gardens which are in bloom and looking brilliant. If you haven’t seen the new bed with cosmos yet, it’s a great photo spot.”

“I would also point visitors to the Long Border too, which is now showing results from our work last year as we continue to improve it – this is a good example of an area which has more long-term work going into it. We’ve been deadheading in the Rose Garden and the new White Border, which both still have plenty of interest. Visitors may notice the Hydrangea in the Woodland area are looking a little brown, but we’re mindful not to cut these right back just yet as they will return next year.”

Assistant Head Gardener Ivan also added: “We’ve replaced the sweet peas in the Square Garden with Ipomoea lobata, also known as Spanish Flags, which will be visible very soon. The Dahlias continue to look brilliant and I highly recommend if you’re visiting, to stop by and take your time in this new area. It’s been a huge hit so far, they’re really rocking it over there.

“Sunflowers are also in many places around the gardens and family area, with some of the tallest you might ever see. All the sunflowers were planted by the EMA students too, so these are a bright reminder of them, even though they’re all off enjoying a summer break right now. I have to say, the pumpkins they’ve planted are also incredible. Easily the biggest we’ve ever had. The kitchen garden has seen a lot of development in the last couple of years and it has never looked better. The students have made such an impact in this area – as well as the rest of the site. One last thing – hibiscus are coming in nicely by the Haydock Bridge too.”

If you’re visiting us this summer,  and you spot one of our gardeners, they’d be happy to chat and answer any questions you might have! The new beds and borders have really stood out this year despite the heatwaves, and we promise there’s plenty to take in as you explore. Don’t forget to tag us on social media in any photos you take.

Animal Acre

While the EMA students are off enjoying their summer break, Animal Acre still remains as busy as ever!

Our resident Animal Technician Daisy said: “Our male Guinea pig Rolo has settled into his new space with the females and they’re getting on brilliantly. No babies though, as those days are beyond Rolo! We’re glad they’re all enjoying being together though. Visitors can stop by and spot them squeaking away!

“Visitors may remember that the family area had a giant sandpit installed a little while back. Well we decided to do the same for our family of ferrets which they have been loving! We also provided their own little splash pool too.  Looking ahead, early in September we are attending Dorset County Show, and this year we’re bringing a couple of the goats with us, along with our usual selection of exotic bugs. If you don’t get a chance to visit us here in Moreton over the summer, hopefully we’ll see you there where we can share everything we do at The Walled Garden and with our EMA students. Make sure you stop by our stand for an up close look at our animals, and maybe a voucher or two!”

The goats have also been enjoying their new enrichment feature – a barrel with hazel, bamboo and willow inside. This encourages browsing, and them to stand-up and use their muscles to reach the leaves! You might see them interacting with it on their next visit.

Coming up

While  there’s so much to do here to keep the whole family entertained, we have a few special events taking place over the holidays!

First up on Thursday 6^th August, we are welcoming Viola da Gamba player Sarah Small, back to the gardens. Sarah first paid us a visit in June, where, despite the rain, she filled the air with beautiful music. We are so pleased to have her back so that more of our visitors can enjoy her. There are no extra charges to listen to Sarah play; it’s all included in your usual £4 entry fee (or free for under-18s and Season Ticket holders).

Then on Friday 14^th August, we are welcoming our friends at Get up and Bounce to our Event Field. They will be hosting one of their Bouncy Fun Play events, bringing a few of their favourite bouncy castles for our younger guests aged 11 months to 11 years to enjoy. Ticket holders can spend two hours bouncing to their hearts’ content, and adult tickets include entry for the whole family into the gardens before and after your chosen time slot.

This is a ticketed event; tickets are available at the gate, but we strongly recommend booking in advance as there is a set number of spaces for each time slot.

Spaces currently available for:

• 10:00 -11:55am
• 12:00pm – 1:55pm
• 2:00pm – 3:55pm

Prices

• Ages – 11 months – 2 years:£6
• Ages – 3 – 11 years:£8
• (Online booking for kids is subject to a booking fee online. Ticket link below)
• Parents/Carers must accompany children at all times.
  Adults:£4 (this INCLUDES your all-day access to the gardens, play park etc. No further cost to Under 18s for these areas)
  Adult Season Ticket Holders: Free
• Babies under 11 months are FREE with a paying adult.
• Parking on site is also FREE.

If you’re booking in advance, this can be done so via the event organiser here:
https://eventenergiser.tix.chobble.net/ticket/agf09

Then finally, the space-faring Jurassic Coast dinos are back for our signature garden trail, the perfect cosmic adventure for your little explorers this summer holiday in Dorset. The trail is open now and on every day!

Running every day until back to school, explorers can:

• Find the space-dino characters and tick them off your map!
  Answer 12 intergalactic quiz questions for curious minds.
• Read some fascinating space facts around the trail – expand your knowledge of the universe!
• Seek out the planets hidden around the gardens; can you spot them all and solve the anagram along the way?
• Spot the photo stand with the astronaut dino gang (perfect for a summer snap!)
  PLUS… the cheeky compies have escaped AGAIN (we think we’re going to need to invest in a new enclosure…) – track them down if you can!
• Guaranteed trail prize + colouring competition with every map!

Perfect for little explorers, families, and dino fans of all ages. No booking needed — just turn up and start your mission!

Maps available from the entry hut for just £3 (or from the café when the hut is closed). Prize with every map. You do not need to complete the whole trail and quiz to claim your prize, but we encourage you to explore as much as you can.

Season Tickets!

There’s still time to buy a season ticket and lock in for the next 12 months. Any season ticket bought today is valid into next season!

What have our visitors been saying?

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  “A beautiful place to visit and lovely staff. I love seeing the animals! And the admission price is very reasonable. I highly recommend going, look out for their events too” via Google

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  “Great food in the cafe, very friendly staff, tidy well maintained gardens & plenty of parking” via Google

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I would give more than five points on service if possible. The most attentive and sweet welcome for the five of us with two dogs in tow. Beautiful garden setting a few nice plants and pots for sale. Highly recommended the sausage rolls!” – via Google

Last but not least – we are currently running a GUESS THE GOAT NAME competition in the café in aid of our charity of the year – People First Dorset! If you’re visiting, it’s £1 a guess, and the prize is an afternoon tea for two! Speak to staff at the till in the café. All funds raised from the competition go to this incredible local charity, led and run by people with learning disabilities.