SCOTNEY CASTLE
SMALLHYTHE PLACE SISSINGHURST CASTLE GARDEN
Scotney Castle
The Quarry Garden re-opens this spring for the first time since 2020 , just in time for azalea season . Capture the iconic view from the Bastion over the newly-landscaped rhododendrons to the Old Castle , and of the azaleas in the Quarry before winding your way inside .
Clouds of cherry and amelanchier blossom guard the entrance to the Quarry Garden , while the Walled Garden fruit trees are also covered in delicate blooms .
Daffodils can be found across the site , including Narcissus ' Eystettensis ', an ancient variety of Narcissus dating back to the 1600s under the beech opposite the Queen Mother ' s Lawn .
Bluebells can be seen throughout the garden but are most dense under the two main beech trees and along the drive as well as throughout the woodlands on the estate .
Sissinghurst Castle Garden
The formal gardens spring to life as snowdrops make way for daffodils and anemones pop up across the flower beds . A walk through the nuttery and along the lime walk will showcase the flower beds in full bloom .
The orchard too is brimming with daffodils and crocuses , as well as blossom on the fruit trees .
Late April sees the bluebells come into their own , with splatters of colour on the ground creating a carpet of purple amongst the trees .
In May , irises light up the garden for one brief but spectacular moment . Heritage cultivars such as ‘ Black Douglas ’ from the Sass brothers in America , ‘ Beotie ’ from Cayeux in France and many from the brilliant British iris breeders of the 1930s and 40s bloom in rich , intense colours .
Knole , Sevenoaks
Lord Sackville ’ s private garden is open on selected dates this spring revealing sprawling lawns , a walled garden , an untamed wilderness area and a medieval orchard .
The garden at Knole has existed since the early fifteenth century and has been extended over the years . Highlights include rarely-seen views back to the beautiful south front of the house , the mossy meandering paths of ‘ the wilderness ’ and a glorious display of purple wisteria along the garden ’ s western wall .
Self-guided tours are available ( pick up a leaflet at the entrance to the garden ). As this is a private garden , tended by Lord Sackville ’ s gardeners , seating is limited and plants are not marked .
Open Mon 11 April , Wed 27 April & Thurs 12 May . Last entry at 3.30pm . Pre-booking essential .
Quebec House
Tulips planted outside the front door bloom a beautiful red every year . Daffodils line the path to the coach house and around the borders of the intimate garden . The alliums begin to emerge as well as the very beautiful aquilegia - otherwise known as Granny ' s Bonnet .
There ’ s a small patch of wisteria that winds up the front and side of the house , framing the windows with lilac and the smell of wild garlic fills the air .
Smallhythe Place , near Tenterden
The garden at Smallhythe Place is made up of a traditional rose garden , orchard , nuttery and ponds , all of which are home to an abundance of wildlife including the protected Great Crested Newt .
Come spring , see carpets of colour including primroses , bluebells and fritillaries stretching across the gardens .
Spring bulbs surface around the ponds , and pale pink and white apple blossom litters the grounds of the orchards .
Open Wednesday to Sunday . Closed Mondays & Tuesdays .
Bateman ’ s , Burwash
New for this year is a spring display around three sides of the walled Mulberry Garden . 4,000 wallflowers in shades of purple , red and bronze have been interplanted with 2,800 tulips in complementary colours .
Elsewhere the borders are a riot of colour , with Pulmonaria rubra , Brunnera macrophylla , primroses and hellebores mingling with the bright blue flowers of Scilla siberica . Look out for the unusual green and black flower of the widow iris , Hermodactylus tuberosus .
In the Wild Garden , spring blooms including white snowdrops , yellow narcissi , blue scilla and checkerboard fritillaries carpet the ground under flowering cherries and the white peaks of Snowy Mespilus .
Blossom can be found on the native varieties of pear , apple and crabapple trees at Bateman ’ s from mid- April to mid-May . The orchard has been recreated as it was in author Rudyard Kipling ’ s day .
On the Bateman ' s estate , look out for the bluebells in the woodland alongside the early purple orchids in May . Choose from three great woodland estate walks to take in the sights of spring .
Lamb House , Rye
The garden is in full bloom in this hidden gem in Rye . Pass through the beautiful period house that has inspired literary figures across centuries and delve into its extensive garden with hidden walkways . Blossoming roses and spring scents come to life from early spring .
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