Historic Gardens

Penshurst Place, Penshurst

Picture of Penshurst Place Penshurst Place gardens are amongst the oldest in England with records dating from 1346. There are 48 acres of grounds with 11 acres of formal walled gardens. Originally laid out in 1580, it has kept remarkably true to its original design. One mile of yew hedging divides the garden into a series of rooms, each with its own seasonal colour. Some have a contemporary design such as a union-flag design planted with red and white roses and lavender. Other gardens include an Italianate garden with a formal parterre, a rose garden and a nuttery. The historic gardens continue to evolve, illustrated by the recent Jubilee Walk project, a 72 metre double herbaceous border planted to a design by RHS gold medal winner, George Carter. The project has been described as a renaissance of the double herbaceous border with a 21st century look. The design includes a traditional feature at Penshurst, the planting of apple trees, which were supplied by the national fruit collection at Brogdale.

www.penshurstplace.com

Port Lympne, near Hythe

Picture of Port Lympne An early 20th century formal terraced garden laid out for Sir Philip Sassoon by the architect Philip Tilden, with planting by Norah Lindsay and later Russell Page. The Grade II* registered site comprises around 14 acres of formal gardens set within 42 acres of woodland. Elaborate terracing and an impressive Italian Renaissance-style stairway overlook Romney Marsh and the sea. Surrounded by 600 acres of wild animal park.

www.aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne

Restoration House, Rochester

Picture of Restoration House Restoration House in Rochester, which is an amalgamation of two medieval buildings, was named after the stay of King Charles II on the eve of the Restoration. Its long-walled garden has recently been restored and extended by the present owners. It incorporates mature trees and archaeological features, with a formal pond connecting two parts of the garden through a central brick wall which divides the garden. A boxwood parterre, sunken greenhouse, vegetable and cutting gardens are some of the features which can be discovered. Research report: https://www.kentgardenstrust.org.uk/research-projects/Medway/Restoration House.pdf

www.restorationhouse.co.uk