A very green year

The Waterlily House at Kew Gardens, an architectural statement on the grounds, encloses a treasure trove of plants from the equator. [Photo/Courtesy of Visit Britain]

Some of the finest gardens in the world cater to group visits, from dramatic historic landscapes designed by "Capability" Brown to fragrant English rose gardens. You can experience exclusive tours with dedicated guides, meet the head gardener and enjoy great food together in a private dining room. Advance reservations are required; most offer discounts for advance payment and deals for coach drivers. In addition to Kew, several are with easy reach of London:

Anglesey Abbey Gardens, Cambridgeshire: Originally created by Lord Fairhaven in the 1930s to inspire and surprise his visitors, the gardens are full of spectacular color and fragrance throughout the year. The gardens are set in the grounds of the Jacobean style abbey and working Lode Mill, now looked after by the National Trust. You can stroll through the avenues of trees, discover the many statues and enjoy the endless lawns and wildflower meadows. While Lode Mill has been in operation for a couple of centuries, there has been a mill on the site for over 1,000 years. There are two garden group tours available, one "through the eyes of the gardeners" and the other focused on the collection of sculptures there. (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/anglesey-abbey)

Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire: Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with "Capability" Brown landscaped parkland and award-winning formal gardens. Highlights include a stunning secret garden, majestic water terraces, a fragrant rose garden and the grand cascade and lake. Themed tours with a dedicated guide are available for up to 30 people. (www.blenheimpalace.com/education/groups/group-visits.html)

Burghley House, Lincolnshire: With an immense deer park set in the grounds of Burghley House, the gardens landscaped by 'Capability' Brown include his signature lake and avenues of mature trees. The Historical Garden of Surprises, hidden from the outside, features obelisks, statues, flowing water and fountains where visitors are encouraged to take a paddle on a warm day. The Contemporary Sculpture Garden opened in 1994. (www.burghley.co.uk/visiting/group-visits/group-garden-tours-and-talks/)

RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey: Wisley is one of the most-visited gardens in England, with a calendar of events including the annual butterfly display. Originally created by George Fergusson Wilson, businessman, inventor and keen gardener, this 60-acre estate has been maintained by the Royal Horticultural Society since 1903. Must-sees include the national heather collection and the Bicentenary Glasshouse, which covers three-quarters of an acre, divided into three main planting areas; desert, tropical and temperate climates. (rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/plan-your-visit/group-visits-to-wisley)