Summer gardens opening as part of the National Garden Scheme across Kent in June
An early summer garden is a joyous sight, and there are plenty to choose from in Kent as more than 60 gardens are opening in June.
The National Garden Scheme will be introducing several new gardens, as well as old favourites, for people to visit over the next month. Here are some of our top picks…
The Mount, Wainscott
To kick off the month, this two-acre country garden will be opening up on the first weekend of June. The garden was in a derelict state 12 years ago, but has now been transformed into a beautiful space with a wildlife pond, perennial vegetables, picking flowers and Victorian glasshouses. Highlights include the climbing roses and 25-metre flower border surrounding the walled kitchen garden.
Details: The Mount in Wainscott, near Rochester, is open on Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2. Adult entry costs £5, book online here.
Hospice in the Weald, Pembury
As the country’s largest funder of Hospice UK, the National Garden Scheme is opening the Hospice in the Weald in June. The garden has been completely refurbished, boasting lots of seating and new plants. There will also be plants for sale during the day.
Details: Hospice in the Weald in Pembury, near Tunbridge Wells, is open on Saturday, June 8. Adult entry costs £5, book online here.
Old Bladbean Stud, Bladbean
Old Bladbean Stud was voted winner of English Garden Magazine’s Nation’s Favourite Gardens for the South East in 2023, so is well worth a visit. The walled rose garden has more than 90 old fashioned rose varieties and is one of five interlinked gardens that include a yellow and white garden, a square garden with self-sowing perennials and a Victorian-style greenhouse.
Details: Old Bladbean Stud in Bladbean, near Canterbury, is open on Sunday, June 9 and Sunday, June 23. Adult entry costs £6, book online here.
Downs Court, Boughton Aluph
Downs Court, a three-acre downland garden, is a haven for rose lovers. There are many shrub roses to enjoy and a pretty rose arch pathway, not to mention glorious views of the surrounding countryside. The garden also has fine trees, mature yew, box hedges and unusual plants.
Details: Downs Court in Boughton Aluph, near Ashford, is open on Sunday, June 9, Sunday, June 16 and Sunday, June 23. Adult entry costs £5, book online here.
Norton Court, Teynham
This stunning English country garden is nestled within acres of parkland and features mature trees, topiary and yew hedges. There’s a walled garden, with mixed borders and climbing roses, along with a wildflower orchard and a quirky treehouse tucked away in the sequoia.
Details: Norton Court in Teynham, near Sittingbourne, is open Monday, June 10 and Tuesday, June 11. Adult entry costs £10, book online here.
95 and 99 High Street, Tenterden
These two private gardens have joined forces, with visitors being able to spend time in both with one ticket. While No. 95 has been open as part of the NGS previously, No. 99 is a new addition. The shady town garden has been lovingly maintained for more than 25 years and has plenty of seating areas.
Details: 95 and 99 High Street in Tenterden are open on Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16. Adult entry costs £6, book online here.
Court Lodge, Horton Kirby
Beautifully situated on the River Darenth, Court Lodge has been developed over four generations. The mature trees and elegant lawn lead down to the river, while old yew hedges hide a secluded white garden, kitchen garden and rose walk. There is also a walled Italian garden and wild bank to explore.
Details: Court Lodge in Horton Kirby, near Dartford, is open on Saturday, June 22. Adult entry costs £8, book online here.
The Garden Gate, Margate
This community garden is based in Northdown Park and grows a mixture of plants, flowers and vegetables using organic methods. The garden has been run and maintained as an independent charity to support adults with learning disabilities and mental health issues since 1998. There’s lots to see, including the wildlife pond, a shade house, coppiced woodland and a green roof. There’s even a wood-fired pizza oven in the heart of the space cooking up hot food for visitors using toppings from the garden.
Details: The Garden Gate in Margate is open on Saturday, June 8. Adult entry costs £5, book online here.
You can find the full list of NGS gardens and opening dates on the National Garden Scheme website.