Gardens to visit this month (See NGS Yellow Book for more details):
Chidmere Gardens : (Chidham Lane, Chidham, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 8TD)
Wisteria clad C15 house (not open) surrounded by yew and hornbeam hedges situated next to Chidmere pond; a natural wildlife preserve approx 5 acres. Garden includes formal rose garden, well stocked herbaceous borders and 8 acres of orchards with wide selection of heritage and modern varieties of apples, pears and plums incl 200 yr old varieties of Blenheim Orange and Bramley Seedling.
Open: Thursday 7 September (2 – 5pm). Admission £5.00, children free. Home-made teas.
6 Elm Avenue (East Preston, Littlehampton, Sussex, BN16 1HJ)
S-facing garden 154ft x 49ft, in its second yr. A stunning Purbeck stone wall with moon gate bisects the garden, creating two distinct halves. Within these, there are several sections incl contemporary fish pond with stainless steel waterfall, circular lawns surrounded by herbaceous borders with a variety of grasses and trees for yr-round interest. Japanese area, vegetables, fruit cages and much more. Our terrace overlooks the garden, and refreshments will be served from here, including our special coffee, for that extra little treat.
Open: Saturday 16 September, Sunday 17 September (11am – 5pm). Admission £4.50, children free. Light refreshments.
Knepp Castle (West Grinstead, Horsham, Sussex, RH13 8LJ)
Recently designed and replanted garden surrounding Knepp Castle (not open). Main garden dominated by three old Cedar of Lebanon, clipped yew, box and a ha-ha overlooking the spectacular lake and Repton Park, with free roaming deer, cattle and Exmoor ponies. Sympathetic planting to reflect the landscape, 2 acre walled garden containing vegetables, fruit, flowers, herbs and a pool.
Open: Sunday 17 September (11am – 5pm). Admission £5.00, children free. Home-made teas.
