insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 05 - July 2015 | Page 55

5. West Dean Gardens
A huge amount of work over the last two decades has gone
into making the 90 acres of gardens and arboretum at West
Dean a showcase of horticultural variety and quality that can
inspire any gardener throughout the seasons. The awardwinning gardens include many interesting architectural delights
and unique features. Highlights include a 300-foot Edwardian
Pergola designed by Harold Peto, 16 restored Victorian
glasshouses, a walled garden, a kitchen garden, orchards,
ornamental gardens, spring, wild and woodland gardens and
sunken gardens. Enjoy a homemade lunch or afternoon tea,
or browse an imaginative range of gifts and plants for sale in
the shop.
www.westdean.org.uk/garden/home.aspx

6. Nymans Estate
It’s easy to lose yourself in the intimate and surprising corners
of Nymans Gardens. You’ll discover intriguing ruins, statues,
vast views and planting with year-round beauty. In summer,
enjoy stunning floral displays in the herbaceous and summer
borders and exotics in the Mediterranean and South African
beds. The café offers some great dishes made in-house using
fresh, seasonal produce including cakes and other treats.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nymans

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7. Gravetye Manor Gardens
The gardens at Gravetye Manor are a very special place
and can be considered amongst the most influential in
English gardening history. The manor became the home
of the creative, innovative and revolutionary gardener,
William Robinson in 1884. Robinson spent his remarkable
life as a professional gardener and botanist, but made his
fortune through writing about his experiences and ideas on
horticulture. Today, the tree line and the masses of naturalised
bulbs show Robinsons’ genius in a way that only he could
have imagined over 100 years ago.
www.gravetyemanor.co.uk/manor/garden

8. High Beeches Garden
A hidden gem in the High Weald of Sussex, High Beeches
has an outstanding