Borde Hill Garden, the Grade II* listed garden set within 383 acres of heritage parkland and renowned as a Plant Hunter’s Paradise, will reopen for a new season on the 11th February. Members are invited to visit a day early, on 10th February, to enjoy an invigorating walk through the tranquil Garden and Parkland before it officially opens the following day. The award-winning destination Garden has an abundance of horticultural interests as well as rich calendar of curated events to inspire plant lovers and entertain families throughout the season.
Throughout February and March, the Garden’s renowned collection of magnolias and camellias will be at their peak, and visitors can enjoy their colour on a self-guided walk. Other vibrant, emerging signs of spring include snowdrops, hellebores, crocuses, daffodils, and some early-flowering rhododendrons.
From the 11th to 26th February, step inside the Victorian Glasshouse to view a selection of beautiful Cymbidium orchids at the height of their flowering. The Borde Hill Heritage Orchid Collection is in collaboration with McBean’s, the oldest Orchid Nursery in the UK, with many varieties linked to the Garden’s historic collection. In addition to the wonderful specimens, visitors will be able to learn why orchids became so popular in Victorian England by viewing documents from both the Borde Hill and McBeans’ historic archives. The display is included in Garden admission.
As ever, there are plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy at Borde Hill. From 11th February to 26th March and during February Half Term, The Enchanted Garden kid’s trail will be open. Children can followthe story of Piccolo, the smallest pixie in the Fairy Garden who needs to earn his wings by passing a series of challenges. During the trail, children will stop to make a wish on the Wishing Chair and take a photo in front of giant fairy wings. The trail is suitable for children aged 3 to 8 years old and costs £4.00 per child, plus Garden entry, and is free to Members. Book in advance to save on admission. Families can also visit the Adventure Playground which is located within the Garden and included in the admission price.
2023 sees Borde Hill celebrate 130 years since visionary plantsman and owner Colonel Stephenson Robert Clarke first created the magnificent collection of rare trees and flowering shrubs across the Estate. Collected from explorations around the world, the nationally important collection of exotic plants and champion trees continue to represent the very best in British gardening.
To celebrate, ‘130 Years of Planting Excellence’ will be held in June, when visitors can pre- book access to the Elizabethan Mansion House and view the significant horticultural archive which unlocks the exciting history of the notable rare and unusual plants at Borde Hill. Each group will hear first-hand from the Borde Hill Archive team how Col. Stephenson R Clarke was a visionary Sussex gardener who influenced the way we garden today. Groups will then take a guided walk led by Head of Horticulture Harry Baldwin to discover trees and shrubs which have been carefully planted to celebrate the past, present and future of horticultural planting excellence.
Director Jay Goddard (née Stephenson Clarke), 5th generation Family custodian of the Estate, says, “2023 heralds the start of an exciting new chapter at Borde Hill. We are delighted to unveil a bold new rebrand for visitors, both digitally via our new website, and when they next visit the Garden. Our new brand identity celebrates a new season and new plantings in the Garden, inviting all our visitors to experience ‘joyous balance’ through the beauty and tranquillity of all that Borde Hill has to offer.”
Admission: Adults: £11.50, Concession: £11, Child (aged 3-16): £8, Group (15+): £8.95 pre-paid, Garden Tours: £95 (for up to 25 people), Specialist Tours (The World in One Garden – 130 Years of Planting Excellence): £180 (for up to 25 people), Sussex Prairie Garden Joint Offer: £18.95 per person (15+), Bluebell Railway Joint Offer: £26.00 per person (15+)
