For May’s selection of National Garden Scheme gardens, Geoff Stonebanks, the scheme’s Publicity Officer in East Sussex, talks us through some of those NGS gardens in Sussex open this month for the charity. Do remember that all the monies received are donated to nursing and caring charities like Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, Carers Trust, The Queen’s Nursing Institute, and Parkinson’s UK.
Here are Geoff’s selections.
New for 2022. Hollymount
Burnt Oak Road, High Hurstwood, Uckfield TN22 4AE. https://ngs.org.uk/view-garden/43784
This new, 7-acre garden set on a sloping hillside contains four large ponds, a stream, waterfalls, terraced beds, interesting planting, some tropical plants, and large rhododendrons. Don’t miss the range of wildlife, namely alpacas, chickens, ducks and fish. See a great variety of trees throughout the plot, as you pass by two greenhouses, a shepherds’ hut, summerhouse, traverse gravel paths and many decks. To the rear see wonderful wildflower terracing, a very peaceful setting, with great views.
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 from 11 am to 5 pm, with entry £7 at the gate.
New for 2022. Telscombe Manor
Telscombe, Lewes, BN7 3HY. https://ngs.org.uk/view-garden/43409
The manor is a Grade II listed building plus a separately listed 18th century barn, both are within a 2-acre garden set in the South Downs National Park. Visitors will stroll through a series of different garden rooms, see herbaceous borders structured by hedges and flint walls. There is a wildflower meadow, roses, water feature and Tudor sundial to name but a few. Stunning views, framed by garden features, can be captured of the Downs landscape.
Friday 6 and Saturday 7 between 2 pm and 5 pm with entry £7.
The Warren (3 gardens)
Rannoch Road, Crowborough, TN6 1RA. https://ngs.org.uk/view-garden/43533
Garden 1, Redriff, is a Japanese-influenced, richly planted spring garden with bridge and seating areas with views overlooking the fish pond. Garden 2, Silver Springs, also a spring garden, has been developed by a keen plantswoman over the past 25 years from a bare site. Wonderful shrubs, perennials, a rock garden and many bulbs surround the house. The third, Weavers, has rhododendrons, azaleas, a stumpery and hidden wooded areas with natural and ornamental stone features. A lovely mix across the 3 gardens.
Saturday 7 from 2 pm to 5 pm with joint entry £6
Kemp Town Enclosures: South Garden
Lewes Crescent, Brighton BN1 1FH. https://ngs.org.uk/view-garden/36356
This is a unique historic Grade II listed Regency private town garden in a spectacular seaside location in Brighton. The exposed spot endures strong, salty winds and is set on thin chalk soil. The garden balances naturalistic planting along with a more ordered look, relaxed not manicured. With several distinctive areas, this wonderful 5-acre garden combines open lawns, winding paths, trees, herbaceous and shrub borders and a shaded woodland garden. Not to be missed, but don’t forget to book.
Wednesday 25. Midday to 5 pm BUT pre booking essential with entry £7.50.
New for 2022. Foxwood Barn
Little Heath Road, Fontwell, Arundel, BN18 0SR. https://ngs.org.uk/view-garden/43318
From a greenfield site 3 years ago, this 1-acre garden has been developed into different areas, including a wildlife pond, rose and gravel garden, patio areas and a dry riverbed. There are herbaceous borders, wildflower areas and a small orchard and allotment. Visitors can enjoy the picnic area, adjacent to a paddock with donkeys and ponies.
Sunday 15 May from 11 am to 4 pm with entry £5.
Stanley Farm
Highfield Lane, Liphook, GU30 7LW. https://ngs.org.uk/view-garden/34760
Stanley Farm is a 1-acre garden, created over the last 15 years, around an old West Sussex farmhouse. It sits in the midst of its own fields and woods. The formal garden includes a kitchen garden with heated glasshouse, orchard, espaliered wall trained fruit, lawn with ha-ha and a cutting garden. A motley assortment of animals including sheep, donkeys, chickens, ducks and geese can be enjoyed too. Bluebells flourish in the woods, so visitors may bring dogs and a picnic, and take a walk after visiting the gardens.
Sunday 1 from Midday to 5 pm with entry £5.
Champs Hill
Waltham Park Road, Coldwaltham, Pulborough, RH201LY. https://ngs.org.uk/view-garden/6291
This is a natural landscape, the garden has been developed around three disused sand quarries with far-reaching views across the Amberley Wildbrooks to the South Downs. A woodland walk, in spring, leads past beautiful sculptures, set against a backdrop of colourful rhododendrons and azaleas.
Sunday 15 from 2 pm to 5 pm with entry £5.
Cookscroft
Bookers Lane, Earnley, Chichester, PO20 7JG. https://ngs.org.uk/view-garden/13112
Cookscroft is a garden for all seasons that will delight the visitor. It was begun in 1988, and features cottage, woodland and Japanese style gardens. Water features and borders of perennials, with a particular emphasis on southern hemisphere plants can be found. There are certainly an unusual mix of plants for the plantsman to enjoy, many which have been grown from seed.
Saturday 7 and Wednesday 11 from 11 am to 4 pm with entry £5.
Gardens by arrangement
Don’t forget to check the website for other gardens that are only open by arrangement in Sussex to enjoy a private visit with family and friends. I hope you enjoy your visits in May and look forward to advising you of the unique gardens we have for you in June, our busiest garden visiting month.
You should check all the details on our website at www.ngs.org.uk or you can call 01483 211535 during office hours for information, alternatively, contact us by emailing hello@ngs.org.uk
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