Summer is fast drawing to a close and our garden numbers are starting to dwindle. That said, there are still some beautiful spaces opening up for visitors through September across the county.
Here is our regular monthly round up of the beautiful gardens opening for the National Garden Scheme, through the month across Sussex, as curated by their Publicity Officer in East & Mid Sussex, Geoff Stonebanks, with some input from his colleague in West Sussex, Kate Harrison. As always, full details on the the gardens listed can be found at www.ngs.org.uk and children are allowed free unless a charge is specified.
East Grinstead Gardens RH19 1JJ
Comprising 4 gardens on Sunday 6th from 1pm to 5pm with combined entry of £6.
Go along and enjoy a variety of gardens, each offering its own unique inspiration. See Imberhorne Allotments with 80 thriving plots, filled with grapevines, vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Perfect for anyone interested in growing their own. 35 Blount Avenue, a contemporary design with south facing borders alive with tropical plants, while vibrant dahlias and roses bring the front garden to life. 5 Nightingale Close (pictured) beautifully landscaped gardens spread across two levels, including lush planting, herbaceous beds, roses, and elegant topiary trees. 7 Nightingale Avenue, roses and flowering plants cascade down to a stream. This enchanting garden also includes a potager and a wonderful collection of bonsai. Plant sales at 35 Blount Avenue and 5 Nightingale Close.
New Rapkyns Nursery, Street End Lane, Broad Oak, Heathfield, TN21 8UB
Wednesday 9th from 11am to 4pm with entry £15 but pre-booking essential. Two hour timed slots at 11am & 2pm.
They have been growing plants in an idyllic country setting for over 30 years, and during that time have amassed an extensive range, including a large collection of salvias. Join them for a talk about the nursery and discover more about how they grow and propagate their beautiful plants, with a chance to learn some of their secrets. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions about all things gardening.
New Black Shed Studios Garden, Sunnyview, Nursery Lane, Fairwarp, Uckfield, TN22 3BD
Friday 11th, Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th from 10am to 6pm and entry £6. Pre-booking essential.
Set in the Ashdown Forest, this unique 3 acre garden blends formal structure with naturalistic planting. Designed by an artist, it features sculpture, painting, ceramics, and glass art throughout. Explore a wildlife pond, meadow, and a small wetland, all offering tranquillity and inspiration in a relaxed, welcoming setting. The artists’ studios will be open. Conservation zoologist Dr Mark Infield will give talks at 1pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Parsonage Farm, Kirdford, near Billingshurst, RH14 0NH
Sunday 6th from 2pm to 6pm with entry £10.
This is a major garden in beautiful setting developed over 30 years with fruit theme and many unusual plants. Formally laid out on grand scale with long vistas. C18 walled garden with borders in apricot, orange, scarlet and crimson. Topiary walk, pleached lime allée, tulip tree avenue, rose borders and vegetable garden with trained fruit. See the turf amphitheatre, autumn shrubbery, yew cloisters and jungle walk.
Rymans, Appledram Lane South, Apuldram, Chichester, PO20 7EG
Sunday 13th from 2pm to 5pm with entry £8.
See the walled and other gardens surrounding a C15 stone house. Featuring bulbs, flowering shrubs, roses, ponds, a potager, and many unusual and rare trees and shrubs. In late summer, the garden is filled with dahlias, sedums, late roses, sages, and Japanese anemones.
Judy’s Cottage Garden, 33 The Plantation, Worthing, BN13 2AE
Saturday 5th from 10.30 to 3pm with entry £5.
A beautiful medium sized cottage garden with something of interest all year-round. The garden has several mature trees creating a feeling of seclusion. The informal beds contain a mixture of shrubs, perennials and cottage garden plants. There are little hidden areas to enjoy, a small fish pond and other water features. There is also a raised, pretty log cabin overlooking the garden.
Kotimaki, Tottingworth Park, Broad Oak, Heathfield, TN21 8UH
Saturday 5th from 10am to midday with entry £12 (refreshments included) but pre booking essential.
There will be a talk about the garden at 10:30am. Large, creatively planted gardens featuring a long double border enclosed by yew hedging, along with a rockery, shade garden, exotic garden, pot garden, wildflower meadows, and a kitchen garden. Emphasis on continuity of interest through imaginative mixed plantings of shrubs, climbers, perennials, bulbs, annuals, and self-sowers. The garden also inc a varied collection of wisterias, trained as shrubs, on trellis work, and on a pergola.
Look out for our final update for 2026 with our October gardens. Full details at www.ngs.org.uk
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