£38.50 (Non JG member)
Overview
We begin at Timbers, a quintessential English country garden built on what remains of a Kentish Cobnut plat. The 100 year-old trees enclose the 5 acre garden, providing a good habitat for wildlife and still produce a good crop of nuts. The constant application of home-made compost during the past 10 years to the poor thin top soil over ragstone is beginning to pay dividends and many plants are starting to thrive. The island beds are stocked with unusual hardy plants, many grown from seed, and shrubs together with mature specimen trees such as Koelreutaria paniculata, Juglans nigra and Morus alba. The thin topsoil has proved beneficial to the wild flowers in our meadows, they love the poor conditions. Sculptures and statuary are important to us and are used to good effect as focal points within the garden. A longstanding interest in flower arranging has given me a good insight into colour combinations and garden design. I try to place plants where they are happy but am always conscious of form and colour. My gardening experience has come very much from trial and error and after many years tending this plot, I’m still learning. We are always happy to welcome fellow gardeners so please come and visit us. After our visit we make the short journey to Maidstone where you will have time for lunch before we make our way to Boughton Monchelsea. The walled gardens at Boughton Monchelsea Place have been almost totally replanted over the last few years, following wholesale clearance to eradicate ground elder. The May/June colour palette is composed mainly of soft blues, purples, pinks and white, the whole area retaining a romantic cottage garden feel. Further areas have been developed at the front of the house, in particular the Yorkstone terrace from which there are spectacular far-reaching views over the unspoilt Weald of Kent. There are box hedges, herbaceous borders, a traditional greenhouse, kitchen garden, wisteria tunnel, orchard and pretty courtyard garden. In June the roses are stunning and two mature Cornus Kousa put on a spectacular show. Regrettably, steep steps and narrow paths render the garden difficult for disabled visitors. Visit St. Peter’s Church next door to see the huge stained-glass Millennium Window designed by renowned local artist Graham Clark & the tranquil rose garden overlooking the deer park of Boughton Place.