Kent’s National Gardens Scheme Launches The 2012 New Season!
The very first garden openings for the National Gardens Scheme 2012 begin in February. Visiting Kent gardens in early spring is a great way to get outdoors and to support a range of charities as well. The NGS, and you the visitor, support Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Help the Hospices and Crossroads Care, The Queen’s Nursing Institute, The Royal Fund for Gardeners’ Children, the National Trust and Perennial. So wrap up warm, pack your wellies and plan a great day out.
Spring Platt, Boyton Court Road, Sutton Valence, Kent, ME17 3BY. Saturday and Sunday 4 and 5 February, Friday 17 Feb 2012 12-4 pm, admission £3.50, child free.
Come and see the promise of spring at the very first Kent NGS garden opening for 2012. Spring Platt, a one-acre garden, has over 300 varieties of snowdrops grown in tiered displays. Stroll in the garden and admire the panoramic views out over the Weald of Kent. Hot soup and homemade teas too!
Broadview Gardens, Hadlow College, Hadlow, TN11 OAL. Guided tours 11 am and 2 pm, £3 Thurs 16 Feb 2012
A visit to Broadview Gardens is a wonderful way to start off the garden visiting season. See 10 acres of planting, including spring bulbs and the National Collection of hellebores. Ask questions of the experts on the guided tours and get a close-up look at the many varieties of hellebores.
Southover, Grove Lane, Hunton, Maidstone, ME15 0SE admission £2 Friday, 17 Feb, 11-4pm
This half-acre garden, in a tucked-away lane, is well known locally for extensive planting of early spring bulbs, particularly snowdrops. See the recently re-planted snowdrop collection and learn about rare varieties.
Mere House, Mereworth, ME18 5NB Sundays 19 and 26 Feb 2-5pm, admission £3.50, child free.
A garden which is perfect for a winter walk: Mere House has 6 acres of gardens with woodland and lakeside walks, wonderful views and spring bulbs, including its famous snowdrops. Home-made teas!
Yew Tree Cottage, Penshurst, TN11 8AD Sat/Sun 25 and 26 Feb 12-5pm, admission £2, child free
Yew Tree Cottage has a small, romantic hillside garden with a steep entrance. Early spring plants include hellebores and snowdrops. Lots of seats and secret corners. Light refreshments.