Take in the glorious colours of autumn as you wander around one of these gardens this month
ENCHANTED ILLUMINATIONS
See Abbotsbury's subtropical paradise in a different light when, after dusk, a large section of the gardens is illuminated with a wonderful array of colour.
Open: 19 October to 3 November
Where: Abbotsbury, book online at abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk and save 20% or call 01305 871130 or 871387.
EDMONDSHAM HOUSE
Explore six acres of mature gardens surrounding a 16th and 18th century house and adjacent 12th century church. Large Victorian walled garden managed organically using 'no dig' vegetable beds, herbaceous borders packed with seasonal colour, and traditional potting shed.
Open: 2, 9, 16, 23 October, 2-5pm
Where: Edmondsham, Wimborne BH21 5RE
FRANKHAM FARM
Enjoy the intense autumn colours in this 3½ acre garden set on a working livestock and arable farm. Created for year-round interest, it is filled with a wide variety of well-grown plants, roses, unusual labelled shrubs and trees from around the world, as well as a productive vegetable garden. No dogs as working farm.
Open: 13 October, 11.30-5pm.
Where: Ryme Intrinseca, Sherborne DT9 6JT
LAWSBROOK
Admire the intense autumn hues in this 6 acre garden of over 130 different tree species including many unusual specimens, including Dawn Redwood, Damyio Oak and Wollemi Pine. Large borders, flower garden, wildlife, stream, meadow and a vegetable area of soft fruit, seasonal vegetables, herbs and small nursery. Children's activities of secret paths and games.
Open: 3 & 10 November, 10am-5pm
Where: Brodham Way, Shillingstone DT11 0TE
For more details visit ngs.org,uk.
SOME OTHER GARDENING EVENTS
8 OCTOBER
MAINTAINING A WILDFLOWER MEADOW
Wildflower meadows give a myriad of insects, including bees, moths and butterflies, a place to breed and forage, as well as offering a stunning display of flowers. Thomas Stone looks at the different ways of maintenance to ensure a long¬lasting wildflower meadow, including when and how to cut and the different methods of introducing new species. Runs 10.30am - 4.30pm. Cost £75.
Booking 07720 637808/ sculpturebythelakes.co.uk.
16 OCTOBER
PARKLAND TOUR
Join a Kingston Lacy ranger for an exclusive walking tour of the estate, exploring historic trees, seasonal highlights and meet the Ruby Red cattle followed by lunch. Runs 11am - 1pm.
Booking 0344 249 1895. nationaltrust.org.uk
20 OCTOBER
UPTON WOOD VOLUNTEER DAY
Help manage this Poole woodland by tidying up one of the entrances, widening paths, removing brambles and planting English bluebells.
Runs 10am - 1pm.
