Gardens to visit
Historic gardens with stories to tell
RIVERHILL Himalayan Gardens in Sevenoaks is a perfect place for both keen gardeners and young explorers. They have been owned and operated by the same family
since John Rogers, a friend of Charles Darwin, bought the land in 1840. Two years later the gardens began to be planted, and the
historic hillside location has become a place to admire and enjoy. Riverhill is renowned for its rare rhododendrons and azaleas, extensive views across the Weald of Kent, carpets of primroses and drifts of bluebells, as well as fine trees. Picnics are welcomed and you will find plenty of benches if
you want some time to sit and enjoy the special gardens. The wood garden is a paradise for hide and seek players.
With tiny twisting paths to discover, rhododendrons to hide under and absolutely no ‘Keep off the Grass’ signs, this is a fantastic place for families who want to spend time together exploring and having fun.
History The John Rogers who bought Riverhill in 1840 was an only child, with a modest fortune, and a fine intellect. He became a classics scholar, a scientist and a friend of Charles Darwin. He chose Riverhill because its sheltered situation offered an
ideal lime-free hillside where he could hope to establish newly introduced trees and shrubs. Planting started in 1842, continued by subsequent
generations and, in 1910, Colonel John Middleton Rogers created the modern day wood garden, a fine collection of Japanese maples, rhododendrons and azaleas. His wife, the infamous Muriel, created many additions including the now hidden rock gardens. Until the beginning of the WWII, eight full time gardeners
kept Riverhill looking immaculate. Since the war years, however, a shortage of manpower and a lack of money meant
that the garden was allowed to deteriorate, with many parts of the original planting lost to everyday use and visitors. Today, four generations of the
Rogers family live at Riverhill. The estate is managed by Edward Rogers (great-great-great- grandson of the John Rogers who bought Riverhill in 1840) and his wife, Sarah.
Restoration and maintenance projects
In its glory days Riverhill was fully staffed both inside and outside, but after WWII it entered a period of decline. Over the following decades, the Rogers family faced significant restoration projects in the house and gardens. In 2009, the family were
approached by Ruth Watson and the Channel 4 'Country House Rescue' team and their subsequent involvement has been invaluable. A team of volunteers now assist, visitor numbers have vastly increased and the resulting income has meant that significant steps have been made on the restoration ladder. Work is currently well underway on a new and exciting project – the restoration of the walled garden, which will open to visitors this summer.
Fun for the family The gardens are a wonderful place for the whole family to
explore, from young adventurers to garden enthusiasts. There are secret pathways and incredible views of the Kent countryside. Families will delight at losing themselves in the Himalayan hedge maze, building dens together in the woodland and they may even spot the elusive yeti. Children will love the challenge of climbing up to the plant hunters hideout in the specially designed adventure playground; re-living the adventures of the daring explorers who journeyed through the Himalayas in search of rare plants and seeds. Riverhill offers a full
calendar of events throughout the season for families, all of which are free after entry to the gardens.
20 Mid Kent Living
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