Visiting a National Garden Scheme garden isn’t just for adults – there’s plenty of fun (and homemade cake) to be had during the school and summer holidays at our gardens for children too. And, with children going free at the majority of our gardens, a day out at a National Garden Scheme garden is great way to have a budget-friendly break from digital devices, reconnect with nature and support great causes!
The Old Vicarage, Washington
Opens every Thursday in August and Monday 25th August, pre-booking essential. Also open Monday 25th August. For this day you can book online or pay on the day
Gardens of 3½ acres set around 1832 Regency house (not open). The front is formally laid out with topiary, wide lawn, mixed border and contemporary water sculpture. The rear features new and mature trees from C19, herbaceous borders, water garden and stunning uninterrupted views of the North Downs. The Japanese garden with waterfall and pond leads to a large copse, stream, treehouse and stumpery.
Chalk Farm Flowers, Findon
Opens Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th August
Tours and talks of sustainable working flower farm, run by two young horticulturalists with a passion for the environment. We are on a mission to spread the word about British grown flowers. A wide range of flowers grown across a 1 acre site. Fresh, chemical free bunches of flowers available. Enjoy refreshments with a view of the flower field.
Champs Hill, Pulborough
Opens Sunday 10th August
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 you past beautiful sculptures, against a backdrop of colourful rhododendrons and azaleas. In summer the garden is a colourful tapestry of heathers, well-known for their abundance and variety.
4 Hillside Cottages, West Stoke
Opens Sunday 17th August
In a rural setting this stunning garden is densely planted with mixed borders and shrubs. Large collection of roses, clematis, fuchsias and dahlias, a profusion of colour and scent in a well maintained garden.
Findon Place, Worthing
Opens Sunday 17th August, pre-booking essential
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 allée, cloud pruned trees, espaliered fruit trees, a productive ornamental kitchen garden, rose arbours and arches, and a cutting garden.
Shalford House, Kingsley Green
Opens Sunday 24th August with The Beeches
A garden designer and plantsman’s garden, set in 40 acres, with 10 acres of well maintained gardens created over 30 years. Featuring various herbaceous borders, ponds, a waterfall lake, and a 120 metre rill. Walled garden with large Alitex greenhouse. Interesting plants including acers, hostas, Cornus kousa and hydrangeas, all within a beautiful setting.
The Beeches, Haslemere
Opens Sunday 24th August with Shalford House
3 acre informal garden linked to an attached 5 acre wood. With curving flower borders adjoining the lawns to the front of the house with meandering gravel paths. Mediterranean planting, low circular hedging and stone fountain to the rear. The hard landscaping at the back of the house melds into woodland softened with ferns, hostas and tree ferns.
The Folly, Chichester
Opens Sunday 24th August.
Colourful cottage garden surrounding a C16 period house (not open), set in pretty downland village of Charlton, close to Levin Down Nature Reserve. Herbaceous borders well-stocked with a wide range of plants. Variety of perennials, grasses, annuals and shrubs to provide long season of colour and interest. Old well. Busy bees.
Durrance Manor, Shipley
Opens Monday 25th August.
This 2 acre garden surrounding a medieval hall house (not open) with Horsham stone roof, enjoys uninterrupted views over a ha-ha of the South Downs and Chanctonbury Ring. There are many different gardens here, Japanese inspired gardens, a large pond, wildflower meadow and orchard, colourful long borders and vegetable garden. There is also a Monet style bridge over a pond with water lilies.
For more details of the gardens including times and admission fees visit the National Garden Scheme website ngs.org.uk
NB Occasionally Garden openings need to be cancelled. Always check on the NGS website beforehand.
Clcik here for the West Sussex Guidebook.
