Spring is finally in evidence as daffodils and flowering trees start to bloom. That said, I’m sure we can expect the inevitable April showers this month, hopefully with a few sunny days too, when we can turn your attention to garden visiting. Geoff Stonebanks, the National Garden Scheme’s Publicity Officer in East & Mid Sussex informs us there are 36 scheduled garden open days across the county this month for the scheme, with a further 13 gardens open by arrangement only.
Geoff, in consultation with his counterpart in West Sussex, Kate Harrison, gives us the low down on some of the plots you can visit. Full details on all the garden openings can be found at www.ngs.org.uk
5 Coastguard Cottages, Cuckmere Haven, Seaford, East Sussex, BN25 4AR
Open Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th from 10 am to 5 pm with entry £5
Opening for the scheme for the very first time, this iconic garden at Coastguard Cottages overlooking the Seven Sisters will be known to many from a distance, but this garden is rarely seen. The plot is nestled on the cliff top in the South Downs National Park with fabulous sea views. It is planted with native plants and spring bulbs and is a perfect setting for the owner’s sculpture and pottery display. An embryonic vegetable plot and beehives contribute to attracting wildlife to the garden. Please note there is a steep cliff drop and children must be supervised at all times. A wide deck provides the perfect spot to take in the view and have homemade refreshments.
Butlers Farmhouse, Butlers Lane, Herstmonceux, East Sussex, BN27 1QH
Open Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th from 2 pm to 5 pm with entry £5
Visit this lovely rural setting with a 1-acre garden surrounding the 16th century farmhouse providing views of the South Downs. It is pretty in spring with daffodils, hellebores and primroses. Quite a fun, quirky garden with many surprises around every corner including a rainbow border, small pond, Cornish-inspired beach corners, a poison garden and a secret jungle garden.
Banks Farm, Boast Lane, Barcombe, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 5DY
Open Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th from 11 am to 4 pm with entry £5
This pretty 9-acre garden is set in rural countryside with extensive lawns and shrub beds which merge with the more naturalistic woodland garden, set around the lake. An orchard, vegetable garden, ponds and a wide variety of plant species add to an interesting and very tranquil garden. The garden began in the 1950s, when the Warren family built the existing house and started to develop the garden. A lawn and shrub beds were created leading down to a small lake surrounded by trees and shrubs. Over the years the garden matured and expanded as adjoining pieces of land were incorporated. The garden boasted a large collection of trees and shrubs around the lake and the two other ponds, with lawns and more formal plantings nearer the house and was regularly open for the NGS. After a while the garden began to decline a little and ceased to be open to the public but new owners, the Addyman family, have breathed new life into the garden and it was with great delight that they were able to open again for the NGS in 2016 after an eleven-year absence. Hopefully, cherries, crab apples, bulbs and early flowering shrubs will be flowering.
Winchelsea’s Secret Gardens, Winchelsea, East Sussex, TN36 4EN
Open Saturday 20th from Midday to 4 pm with entry £5
With several properties changing hands, Winchelsea’s offering is temporarily less extensive than usual, but we have two fascinating new gardens joining the trail this year. Among the gardens on offer are secret walled gardens, spring bulbs, roses, herbaceous borders and more, in the beautiful setting of the Cinque Port of Winchelsea. Home-made teas at Winchelsea New Hall. Refreshments in aid of NGS & local charities.
Bignor Park, Pulborough, Sussex, RH20 1HG
Open Tuesday 9th April from 2 pm to 5 pm with entry £5
Explore 11-acres of peaceful garden with magnificent views of the South Downs. Wander through the interesting trees, shrubs and wildflower areas. Swathes of daffodils will be on show too. The walled flower garden has been replanted with herbaceous borders. Don’t miss the Temple, Greek loggia, Zen pond and unusual sculptures. This is the former home of the romantic poet Charlotte Smith, whose sonnets were inspired by Bignor Park. Check out the spectacular cedar of Lebanon and rare Lucombe oak.
Rymans, Appledram Lane South, Apuldram, Chichester, Sussex, PO20 7EG
Open Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th from 2 pm to 5 pm with entry £6
Walled and other gardens surrounding C15 stone house (not open); bulbs, flowering shrubs, roses, ponds, and potager. Many unusual and rare trees and shrubs. In late spring the wisterias are spectacular. Hybrid musk roses fill the walled garden in June and in late summer the garden is filled with dahlias, sedums, late roses, sages and Japanese anemones.
Newtimber, Newtimber Place, Newtimber, West Sussex, BN6 9BU
Open Sunday 21st from 2 pm to 5.30 pm with entry £7
Visit this beautiful 17th century moated house (not open) with gardens and woods full of bulbs and wild spring flowers. Wander through the herbaceous border and across the lawns. The moat is flanked by water plants and there are mature trees a wild garden, ducks, and fish to see too.
BY ARRANGEMENT
These gardens will open by arrangement this month across the county too: Black Barn in West Grinstead, Broad Street House in Icklesham, Champs Hill in Coldwaltham, 54 Elmleigh in Midhurst, Fittleworth House near Pulborough, Hollymount in High Hurstwood, Malthouse Farm near Hassocks, Mill Hill Farm in Cuckfield, Oaklands Farm in Shipley, Ocklynge Manor in Eastbourne, Peelers Retreat in Arundel, Rymans in Apuldram and Winterfield in Balcombe. Details online at www.ngs.org.uk or in the Sussex Booklet readily available across the county.
Finally, look out for Geoff’s own garden Driftwood by Sea on BBC Gardeners’ World on 22nd March. Filming has just taken place.
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