BLOOMIN’ marvellous
Set yourself a seasonal challenge and visit the county’s top gardens.
There’s never been a better time to explore the glorious gardens that open to the public in Kent — a county that has just been named the best place on the planet for green-fingered fans to visit. As international Garden Tourism
Destination of the Year, Kent joins other horticultural heavyweights like Australia’s Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne; China’s Chrysanthemum Festival and South Korea’s Suncheon Bay National Garden, to earn an award from the International Garden Tourism Network. The accolade coincides with the Year
of the English Garden, a VisitEngland initiative celebrating, among other things, the 300th anniversary of ‘Capability’ Brown. Add this to Kent’s unconventional
landscapes, including Riverhill Himalayan Gardens and Lullingstone World Garden; literary links to the likes of Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, and the county really can boast something
Godinton House and Gardens
for everyone. Visit Kent’s Sandra Matthews-Marsh said: “Kent truly is The Garden of England, and we are extremely proud to have won this award. Not only do we have some of the most famous and beautiful gardens in the world — such as Sissinghurst and Hever Castle — but we also have those producing wine, cider, beer, and fruit for visitors wanting a tour with a twist, as well as alternative coastal gardens, such as our desert at Dungeness.” So, with the whole of the season
stretching before us, how about setting yourself the challenge of seeing as many of the best open gardens in Kent? Dawn Kingsford has a few suggestions, offering the pick of the bunch, to get you started:
SISSINGHURST CASTLE GARDEN, CRANBROOK
There’s plenty to keep your eye on as the National Trust uses its latest research to develop the garden to recapture the vision shared by its former, famous owners Vita Sackville- West and husband Harold Nicolson. His architectural planning of the garden rooms and the exuberant, abundant planting by Vita reflect the romance and intimacy of her poems and writings. Famous for its roses, the old-fashioned climbers and shrub varieties were among Vita’s favourite flowers and, 80 years on, you will still find the first planted by the couple — a rose on the wall of the south cottage. There’s also the world-renowned white garden, which peaks in late June, and is home to rosa mulliganii, cascading thousands of single, white, scented blooms over the central arbour. Don’t miss the changes promised this year or the panoramic views from the top of the tower across the 450-acre estate. A garden shop with plant sales from the castle nursery is available.
Sissinghurst Castle Gardens
For details call 01580 710700 or visit
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst
20 Mid Kent Living ©National Trust Images/Amhel de Serra GODINTON HOUSE AND
GARDENS, ASHFORD Twenty years after the death of Alan Wyndham Green, the plans he made to restore Godinton House and Gardens are coming to fruition. In spring, the wild flower garden is
crammed with daffodils and narcissi, anemones, crocuses, snake-head fritillaries and orchids. While in the main garden, mature
shrubs and herbaceous planting, and the revitalised walled garden — home to the famous delphinium collection – jostle amiably alongside flowers for cutting, vegetables and fruit. Its millennium-built greenhouse is
also a hive of activity, with a backdrop of peaches, exotic perfumes and semi- tropical climbers. The great formal yew hedge, lawns,
topiary, statues and gravel paths give a formal contrast to borders, the rose garden and climbers. The estate also showcases open air theatre, exhibitions, music nights and family events and, new this year, is a series of walks led by estate manager Nick Sandford. Plants and refreshments are available.
For details visit
www.godintonhouse.co.uk or call 01233 643854.
Godinton House and Gardens
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64