Summer is moving on at a pace and there are many gardens opening for the National Garden Scheme to get out and see. Hot on the heels of the busy month of June, with the highest number of open gardens, July is not far behind with the choice on offer. As usual, Geoff Stonebanks, Publicity Officer for the scheme in East & Mid Sussex has joined forces with his counterpart, Kate Harrison in West Sussex with some suggestions of stunning Sussex summer gardens to visit.
This month there are quite a few new gardens which are opening across the county as well.
50 Wannock Lane, Willingdon, Eastbourne, BN20 9SD
Sunday 2nd July, 1 pm to 5 pm, combined entry with 255 Kings Drive, £5.
Brand new for 2023. At the front, a fully packed garden with a central large rogue Christmas tree. In the rear west-facing plot, 200ft x 55ft, find a wide selection of shrubs, herbaceous and perennials plus trees. There are two small ponds with fish, a vegetable plot and greenhouses. Enjoy the little nooks and seating areas which provide interest, along with the sunny patio. Light refreshments at 255 Kings Drive nearby.
255 Kings Drive, Willingdon, Eastbourne, BN21 2UR
Sunday 2nd July, 1 pm to 5 pm, combined entry with 50 Wannock Lane, £5.
Also new for 2023, see this ½ acre tropical paradise. Enjoy the lush jungle planting along with some unusual vibrant plants. Visitors can walk through dense planting with lots of secret nooks and crannies. Take in the formal koi pond surrounded by giant cannas and gunnera. Two colourful borders lead you into the garden.
Pitfield Barn and Cut Flower Studio, Chalkers Lane, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks, BN6 9LR
Friday 28th and Saturday 29th July, Midday to 4 pm, entry £5.
Visit this working flower farm, which is tidy but not manicured. They sow, grow and harvest seasonal, British cut flowers across approximately 2 acres, without use of chemicals or pesticides. All seedlings are grown in peat-free compost and they hand-cut their flowers to order. The team are very passionate about promoting British flowers. Enjoy a tour, explaining the British flower market, how the garden works and the philosophy. Visit the converted barn and studio where various flower, art and craft workshops take place and the café. There will be freshly cut bunches of seasonal flowers, local produce and gifts for sale. Wheelchair access over the path from the barn to the second field and cut grass to other areas.
South Grange, Quickbourne Lane, Northiam, Rye, TN31 6QY
Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd July, 11 am to 5 pm, entry £6.
This is a Hardy Plant Society members’ garden with a wide variety of trees, shrubs, perennials, grasses and pots, arranged into a complex garden display for year-round colour and interest. See raised vegetable beds, a wildlife pond, water features, an orchard, rose arbour, soft fruit cage and living gazebo. There is a house roof runoff, diverted to storage and pond. Enjoy the small area of wild wood. There is an emphasis on planting for insects and they try to maintain nectar and pollen supplies and varied habitats for most of the creatures that they share the garden with, hoping that this variety will keep the garden in good heart. Home propagated plants for sale.
Wiston House, Steyning Road, Wiston, BN44 3DD
Saturday 1st July, 10.30 am to 5.30 pm, entry £10.
Brand new for 2023. Wiston House is nestled at the foot of the South Downs within a landscaped park. Enjoy the Victorian garden which is under restoration. Features include a conservatory, terraced lawns with herbaceous borders, a cascade, woodland garden, Italian parterre, wildflower garden, walled vegetable garden and Victorian greenhouses. Wiston House will be open for guests to walk through the ground floor and St Mary’s Church, adjacent, will be open.
64 Cuckfield Crescent, Worthing, BN13 2EB
Friday 14th and Sunday 16th July, 10.30 am to 4 pm, entry £5.
Relax and unwind in this tranquil, wildlife-friendly town garden. Take a seat under the pergola, surrounded by a vast range of ferns and hostas. Walk along the short winding path, enjoying the colour from the borders and, listen to the gentle sound of the water from the koi pond, as you wander through the rose-covered arch into a grassed area with a wildlife pond and herbaceous border. Home-made teas inc vegan, gluten-free, almond and soya milk options.
Findon Place, Findon, Worthing, BN14 0RF
Sunday 2nd July, 3 pm to 7 pm, entry £7. Pre-booking essential.
Visit the stunning grounds and gardens, surrounding a Grade II listed Georgian country house (not open), nestled at the foot of the South Downs. The most glorious setting for a tapestry of perennial borders set off by Sussex flint walls. The many charms inc a yew allee, cloud pruned trees, espaliered fruit trees, a productive ornamental kitchen garden, rose arbours and arches, and a cutting garden.
With plenty to see in the gardens listed, there are many more wonderful plots opening the garden gate across the month of July. Do take a look on the scheme’s website at www.ngs.org.uk In addition to the public open day gardens, there are many plots which only open by arrangement, these too can be found on the website and you just need to contact the owner and arrange your bespoke visit.
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