The New Year Flower Count 2025

Despite New Year's Day being rather windy and stormy, this year's flower count - carried out by Head Gardener Andrew Lawson on the 31st Dec - saw 267 species in bloom. When I visited this morning, the sun decided to shine and the top terrace was alive with colour causing the dramatic winter weather of the previous few days to fade into obscurity. It is these peaceful winter moments that really make our gardens feel special.

Whilst Andrew guided me through the garden pointing out that which is in flower and highlighting some of his plans for the year, he stated that the annual count was first started by Augustus Smith. It sounds like it was a means of competing with other gardens as Smith would carry out his count and then ask Kew what was growing there but under glass. More often than not, Tresco had the same blooms as the famous botanic garden but out in the open as opposed to in a greenhouse - a fact that we are proud of to this day.

Andrew even goes on to say that we have a plant species from every Mediterranean climate zone in flower at New Year - a poignant reflection of our mild island climate.

Aside from counting the blooms, the gardens are looking rather splendid and the local residents were out in full fervour. The Red Squirrel population is thriving and they were feasting on hazelnuts all morning. Moreover, the Lady Amhurst Pheasants are very curious creatures and are not afraid of coming to say hello!

No matter the time of year, a walk in Tresco Abbey Gardens provides so much entertainment. Today, it was the perfect winter oasis.