Mother’s Day is the traditional time of year to give mums a day off from doing the multitude of daily jobs they’re usually tasked with. And what better way to say thank you than to treat her to a wonderful garden visit with a delicious cup of tea and a slice of cake! It makes a change from the traditional flowers and chocolates and gives you all a chance to create a special memory. Click on the garden name for more details.
Peelers Retreat, Arundel
Open Mothering Sunday 30th March plus Saturday 5th, Tuesday 15th, Saturday 19th, Tuesday 29th April (2pm-4pm)
Admission £5, children free. Home-made teas. Book in advance on the NGS website or pay on the day. See website for more open days.
For country wide NGS gardens opening during the mother’s Day weekend visit ngs.org.uk/a-garden-treat-perfect-for-mothers-day/.
If you can’t make 30th March, there are nine other lovely gardens you can visit in West Sussex in March and April. For Surrey and Hampshire gardens, please visit ngs.org.uk.
Manor of Dean, Tillington
Sunday 9th March (2pm-5pm) and Sunday 27th April (2pm-5pm)
Admission £5, children free. Book in advance on the NGS website or pay on the day. Teas.
Crosslands Flower Nursery, Walberton
Tuesday 4th and Tuesday 11th March (10-12)
A two hour all access tour. Admission £10, children free. Book in advance on the NGS website (essential)
Denmans Garden, Fontwell
Sunday 16th March and Sunday 27th April (11am-4pm)
Admission £10, children £8. Pre-booking essential, please phone 01243 278950, email office@denmans.org or visit www.denmans.org for information & booking. Light refreshments. Also, open Sunday 26th October (11am-4pm).
Down Place, South Harting
Saturday 22nd, Sunday 23rd March (1.30pm-5.30pm)
Admission £5, children free. Home-made teas & cream teas. Book in advance on the NGS website or pay on the day. Also, open Sunday 15th, Monday 16th June (1.30-5.30).
The Old Vicarage, Washington
Monday 1st Apr (10am-5pm) and every Thursday to 2nd October (10am-4pm)
Thursdays – Admission £8, children free. Pre-booking essential, please visit the NGS website for information & booking. Self-service light refreshments (cash only) & picnics welcome. Monday 21st Apr, Monday 26th May, Sunday 27th July, Monday 25th Aug (10-5). Admission £8, children free. Book in advance on the NGS website or pay on the day. Home-made teas.
Rymans, Apuldram
Sat 12th, Sun 13th April
Admission £6, children free. Tea, coffee & cake at St Mary’s Church, Apuldram. Book in advance on the NGS website or pay on the day. Also, open Sun 22 June, Sun 14 Sept (2-5).
Sandhill Farm House, Rogate
Sat 12th, Sun 13th Apr (1pm-4pm)
Admission £8, children free. Home-made teas. Pay on the day.
Newtimber Place, Newtimber
Sunday 13th Apr (2pm-5.30pm)
Admission £7, children free. Home-made teas. Book in advance on the NGS website or pay on the day
Judy’s Cottage Garden, Worthing
Friday 18th April (10.30am-3.30pm)
Admission £5, children free. Tea, coffee & cake. Book in advance on the NGS website or pay on the day. Also, open Sat 21 June (10.30am-3.30pm).
Why support the National Garden Scheme
With record donations in 2024 the power of gardens and garden visits for good causes is evident. 2024 was another landmark year for the National Garden Scheme with the charity donating a record £3,501,227 from the 2024 garden opening season. The impact of these donations to our major nursing and health beneficiaries means that thousands of people who live with health conditions such as cancer or Parkinson’s, who have poor mental health, or who struggle financially as unpaid carers, have been supported by our funding of the nurses, health professionals and case workers who support them. Our funding has also provided support to those in the Gardens and Health sector along with Community Gardens and supported gardeners through traineeships.
To learn more about the National Garden Scheme, discover your perfect garden or find out how to open your own garden, visit ngs.org.uk. For gardens opening in Sussex, pick up a copy of The National Garden Scheme Sussex Booklet, available free from many local stores, garden centres and libraries from the end of February and as an online Flip Book here.
Image: Rymans by Leigh Clapp
