Kent
in the south east of England is lovingly referred to by many as the garden of
England, on account of the lush and abundant greenery especially during spring
and summertime.
On a recent trip back home I visited Emmetts Garden for the
first time since my childhood and saw that few places are as obviously well-cared-for
and thriving as Emmetts Garden, a National Trust property in Ide Hill, near
Sevenoaks.
The
property consists of a house and about six acres of botanical gardens and
arboretum. The house was built and the gardens established by Frederic Lubbock,
the original owner, in 1860. The property was then acquired by Charles Boise in
1927 and later bequeathed to the National Trust.
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| Rhododendrons at Emmetts Garden, Kent |
The
house is not open to the public but the gardens provide a perfect Kentish
garden experience and are well worth a visit on their own. The grounds offer
plenty of space to meander about and enjoy the different native and exotic
plants, amongst them daffodils, azaleas, bluebells, roses and rhododendrons.
The position of Emmetts Garden, high up on a sandstone ridge, provides
wonderful views over the Weald and North Downs.
There
is a calendar of various tours as well as workshops for children throughout the
year. The property has a tearoom but also encourages people to bring a picnic
and just enjoy the surroundings. It is hard to imagine a better backdrop for a
summer afternoon picnic.
Have you visited an especially impressive garden recently?
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