Hanna’s Report on Garden Tour to North Kent 2023

Our annual garden tour in June took us to the N. Kent area. The weather was on our side for the duration of our stay.

First stop was Hever Castle and what an amazing place it is. The castle, built in 1270, was once the family home of Anne Boleyn, Henry V111’second wife. It later became the possession of Anne of Cleaves Henry’s fourth wife. Approach to the castle was via a long avenue of topiaries, depicting chess pieces. Most of the rooms were open to the public. Avenues of rhododendrons were still in full bloom, also the rose garden with over 5,000 bushes. Other attractions were the Italian garden and a 38 acre lake.

We then made our way to Bridgewood Manor Hotel, for a 2 night stay.

On day two, we ventured to the east coast, to a small town of Deal. Overlooking the sea was Walmer castle, built by Henry V111 between 1539-40, to protect against invasion by the French. Duke of Wellington died at the castle in 1852, and the chair he died in, was on display in the bedroom. The grounds cover about 8 acres of gardens and woodland, of which the colours and planting scheme was inspired by Gertrude Jekyll.

In the afternoon there was free time in Canterbury, visiting the cathedral, museums, strolling along the city walls, shopping or just chilling out in cafes.

After checking out of our hotel on the last day, we headed out to Sissinghurst estate. The creators of the gardens were author Harold Nicolson and his wife Vita Sackville – West in the 1930’s. The colour schemes, intimacy of different garden “rooms”, and rich herbaceous borders, are the epitome of English gardens. Those who had he energy climbed the 78 steps to the tower, to observe the amazing views over the whole estate.

Our final destination was Great Comp Gardens. The Manor House is surrounded by 7 acres of beautiful, rare and exotic plants. It’s home to an Italian garden, romantic follies, a bambooserie and enchanting walks. The garden has one of the largest collections of salvias in the UK.

We boarded the coach for the last time, happy to be going home for a rest, after having a very enjoyable 3 days.

 

Hanna Roberts

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