Boughton in Bloom

1st August, 2014

Around 100 varieties of orchids will be on display at the UK’s answer to the Palace of Versailles this summer.

Boughton House gardens host a vibrant array of orchids, which horticulture enthusiasts visiting the Northamptonshire Estate can enjoy during a month long open season in August.

The vast collection at the home of the Duke of Buccleuch houses rare forms of the flower, including many grown for conservation purposes.

Bernard Opara, Boughton House gardener and Orchid Society of Great Britain member, said: “I’ve been nurturing Boughton’s orchid collection within the House’s walled garden, and have enjoyed watching it blossom into the wonderful collection it is today. Their gorgeous scents and colours are a feast for the senses.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to the estate in August, and we hope they take the time to soak up the beauty inside the house and within the gardens, not least these stunning flowers.”

Also on display in the 500 acre park and gardens are Kim Wilkie’s inverted pyramid Orpheus and Angela O’Connor’s sculpture Lifeflow.

Inside the 16^th century house, which was a primary filming location for the Oscar-winning film Les Miserables, visitors can view a portion of the renowned Buccleuch collection; including paintings by Gainsborough and Van Dyck, objets d’art and armoury.

From August 1-31, Boughton’s gardens, gift shop and café will open between 12-5pm, with last entry at 4pm.  Tours of the House will operate from 1pm-4pm, with comprehensive grand tours running between 2pm-3.30pm, express ground floor tours operating between 2-4pm and the eclectic Bed, Books and Beyond tour of the backrooms taking place at 1pm daily (excluding August 19).

Also on the Estate during August, open-air film screenings of Les Miserable and Grease are scheduled for August 2-3, an art, craft and design fair will be hosted on August 9-10 and Greenbelt Festival (August 23-25) will also take place.