Gravetye Manor

In 1884, William Robinson, the garden writer, bought Gravetye Manor. After years of neglect, restoration work began in 1958, but has gathered pace in the last few years. The garden, under the direction of Great Dixter-trained Tom Coward, has taken on a new lease of life, with magnificently replanted borders, restoration of the flower meadow and orchards and the spectacular oval kitchen garden, which provides much of the fruit and vegetables consumed in the house. 

Grove Farm House

There was no garden at Grove Farm before 1987. Now around the house tender plants thrive on this south-facing site. The sloping ground is terraced with a border replanted by Libby Russell (see Tour 8). Steps lead to a long hornbeam and lime walk, below this a perennial border is punctuated with clipped Berberis, offset by a magnificent Acer. The spectacular yew hedges, which form a sinuous maze and surround the swimming pool and fruit garden, give strong structure to the garden.