Garden visiting - WWYD?

[MyNameIsInigoMontoya]

Just wondering... I have been meaning for ages to arrange a weekend away on my own, and one thing I wanted to do was visit one of the RHS gardens (bit far to travel to for the day, so I was going to stay nearby and combine it with some sightseeing/shopping on the other day).

Obviously I was hoping to do this over the Summer... but with one thing and another, it's going to be at least September before I get the chance to go now. I've never been there before and once I've been I probably wouldn't get there again for a while.

So the question is... should I go anyway in September/October, and will there still be lots to see (flowers especially)? Or will I end up feeling like I've missed the "best" time and regretting not going in the Summer? The alternative would be to arrange a different weekend trip for this Autumn (maybe a city trip), but try to go there another time instead. What would you do?

RHS Wisley is interesting all year round so I'd go there. Check their site to see what would be in flower. Maybe combine it with one of their guided walks or events? Check out their website to see what's on. I know throughout September they have a sculpture trail - as my friend's portraits are included.

Thanks Freelance! It was Harlow Carr I was looking at, I was thinking of combining it with a day in York and maybe the outlet village on the 2nd day. Wisley's a bit far from us.

Just had a look at HC website and there are some events on 9th Sept (advice and a plant fair).. have to admit I'm a bit tempted by that, although I was probably going to avoid that weekend as DS is starting school next week and I wanted to keep things as "normal" as possible for him (we're already away somewhere this weekend as a family)! Hmmmmmm.... I wonder... will have to think about it!

Lovely as it is, Harlow Carr can get very busy during the summer.

The RHS website is updated each month with the plants currently flowering in each of the RHS gardens and I think they do aim for year round interest.

The alpine house at HC is really interesting (and there's a lovely Betty's, too!).

Oooh lovely, I feel a break next weekend coming on! Will ask DH what he thinks and whether it would be too disruptive for DS - he is fairly used to comings and goings though, we do have quite a lot of weekends away and visitors etc, and he would still be at home with Daddy and DD so it shouldn't really be too strange for him I hope. I am probably more worried about starting school than he is!

There should still be plenty to see in September. The RHS always seems to be mindful of planting for late summer colour. HC is fabulous. Enjoy!

Getting all excited now and looking forward to lots of , thank you! Off to look for a nice hotel/B&B in a mo...