Visit more than 20 beautiful private gardens not normally open to the public this summer across East Sussex and Kent in aid of Hospice in the Weald.
The Hospice’s Open Gardens scheme offers a great day out for the whole family, whether you’re looking for a laid-back stroll or some top gardening tips. Take the opportunity to learn from the experts who will be on hand to help, or simply wander at your leisure, relax and enjoy the sights with a traditional cream tea.
Discover Smugglers in Crowborough on 13-14th May, a hidden gem tucked away on Hoadley’s Lane with wonderful views over Ashdown Forest, followed by Stroods in Uckfield on 18th May. Stroods is an ancient woodland in the beautiful Sussex hills where an orchard grows alongside olive groves and wildflower meadows, all attracting bees, butterflies and birds. Ever evolving, this garden features roses, salvias and peonies. Its walled kitchen garden provides traditional vegetables and is embroidered with flowers and shrubs, plus the occasional wandering chicken.
Meanwhile, there is an abundance of garden visits to choose from over the weekend of 20th-21st May. Visitors are invited to enjoy the beautiful gardens at Hospice in the Weald in Pembury from 10am-2pm on both 20th and 21st May. The gardens, which include large herbaceous borders and a labyrinth, have undergone a few updates including two new beautiful water features, seating and new planting. A Victorian style greenhouse has been built, and there are new raised beds made from oak sleepers on the patio, for use by patients and families. Visitors have the chance to make their own hanging baskets (pre-book via website) and listen to live music while enjoying a cream tea.
On 21st May, Moorlands in Crowborough will open its grounds, offering four acres of lush garden set in a valley on the edge of Ashdown Forest. Allow yourself to enjoy the swathes of bluebells lining the stream banks, as well as appreciating the stunning water features and the bog loving plants and trees.
And on the same day, Pogles Place in Knockholt, Kent, will be opened by owners, Clwyd and Jackie, who hold Hospice in the Weald dear to their hearts. Jackie’s mother Pat, who died in 2021, was an avid gardener and shared her own garden in previous years for Hospice fundraising. Pat benefitted from the help of the nurses from the Hospice’s Outreach team, which provided additional support to the whole family.
Jackie will welcome members of the public to join them on Sunday 21st May at Pogles Place for a garden party. There will be musical entertainment, along with tea, homemade cakes and a plant sale. The garden includes a wildflower meadow, evergreen walk, vegetable patch, cottage garden area and an adjacent bluebell wood.
Speaking about Open Gardens, Jenny Connolly, Hospice Relationship Manager, said: “We are so grateful for everyone’s dedication and hard work to make this year’s Open Gardens season possible and encourage local residents to come and enjoy these beautiful gardens. Every penny raised will help our nurses, doctors, paramedics and the rest of the team at Hospice in the Weald to continue to help people facing terminal illness and their loved ones during some of the most difficult times in their lives.”
Small admission charges apply. At many of the gardens, you can just turn up on the day, but some will require pre-booking. Please check the events section at www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk or call 01892 820533.
Hospice in the Weald, based in Pembury and Five Ashes, provides free care and support to those facing terminal illness and their loved ones in East Sussex and west Kent. Independent of the NHS, the Hospice needs to raise £8 million a year to continue to offer its vital services.