KENTSTAYCATION
A GARDEN FOR ALL SEASONS CONT .
SUMMER
Sissinghurst Castle Garden is also celebrated for its roses , which come into bloom in early summer . Bursting with colour fragrance and romance , witness a ' tumble of roses and honeysuckle , figs and vines '. You ' ll also see evidence of Harold ' s keenness for strict geometry in the circular-shaped hedge , or rondel , at the west end of the garden . Another Kentish gem with a glorious rose garden is Godinton House near Ashford , which sees a stunning mix of shrub roses and herbaceous planting . Godinton is also home to an Italian garden with statuary , Mediterranean planting and gentle fountain make a perfect place to sit on a warm day . The large walled garden encloses a mesmerising display of delphiniums and fruit trees have been planted along the walls with beds of cutting flowers and vegetables laid out in front of a new Victorian-style greenhouse .
Roses are a heralded addition to Walmer Castle Gardens , and of particular importance are the Queen Mother patio roses that make a bright show in the Queen Mother ' s Garden , who was once Lord Warden of the castle . In the meadow , wild flowers including pyramid orchids , common spotted orchids and blue scabiosa can be seen nestled in the long grass . During summer , the kitchen garden is in full production with a spectacular offering of soft fruit , vegetables and flowers . Some produce is grown in the glasshouse including tomatoes , peppers and aubergines . A permanent display of houseplants , cacti and succulents can also be admired here .
Another famed lady gardener that planted roses in Kent was Victorian actress Ellen Terry , who resided at Smallhythe Place in Tenterden . A result of her love of the plant , Smallhythe has over 50 varieties of rose including the Ellen Terry . The rose garden puts on a colourful show throughout late spring and summer , with many varieties still in bloom into early autumn . This area sits next to the old wildflower bed , which was sown to capture Ellen ' s humble yet wild nature .
SMALLHYTHE PLACE
HEVER CASTLE
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