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March is just around the corner, and that means that Kent’s beautiful gardens will soon be blooming with spring plants and blossoms.
The National Garden Scheme has a number of spectacular gardens that are opening in March for visitors to admire colourful flowers, towering trees and luscious lawns.
We’ve rounded up all of the Kent gardens opening near you throughout the month, so green-fingered fans can start filling their calendars.
To find a full list of National Garden Scheme gardens and their opening dates, click here.
NORTH KENT
Copton Ash, Faversham
The collection of wild and rare species at Copton Ash is born from the owner’s love of plants. Many of the new species in the garden have been raised from seeds, with a particular focus on snowdrops and hellebores. While the snowdrop season is coming to an end, there is still a wide variety of woodland flowers and Mediterranean plants.
When: Sunday, March 19 and Sunday, March 26 from 12pm to 5pm. Entry costs £5.
Where: 105 Ashford Road, Faversham ME13 8XW
Mount Ephraim, Hernhill
This private family home is rarely open to the public but, this March, the stunning countryside gardens will be available to visit. Explore the Japanese rock garden, topiary, spring bulbs and grass maze as you wander through the Edwardian gardens. The estate boasts more than 800 acres of woodland, pasture and farmland, with the elegant gardens taking up 10 acres of space including the lake, roses and incredible orchard views.
When: Sunday, March 26 from 11am to 4pm. Entry costs £8 per adult, £3 per child.
Where: Mount Ephraim, Hernhill, Faversham ME13 9TX
EAST KENT
Haven, Minster
This homegrown Glade-style garden has been taken to the next level with its use exotic and unusual trees and plants. While walking through the 300 ft grounds, visitors can spot the cactus garden, Japanese garden, fernery and bamboo that make this space quite so unique. Wildlife is also encouraged here, with two ponds and dense plants to make a natural habitat for any animals that might be passing by.
When: Sunday, March 5 and Wednesday, March 15 from 10am to 4pm. Entry costs £5.
Where: 22 Station Road, Minster, Ramsgate CT12 4BZ
Godmersham Park, Ashford
While the glorious mansion at this Ashford estate is currently closed, the sprawling 24 acres of restored wilderness and formal gardens will be welcoming guests this March. Admire the luxury of the park’s rose garden, walled kitchen garden and Italian garden and soak up the history of the estate, which used to belong to the brother of novelist Jane Austen, who would visit often. Also, given the time of year, you can also enjoy the rows of spring daffodils.
When: Sunday, March 19 from 1pm to 5pm. Entry costs £7.50.
Where: Godmersham Park, Godmersham, Ashford CT4 7DT
Godinton House and Gardens, Ashford
Now is the perfect time to pay a visit to the gardens at Godinton. The three-acre wild garden will soon be covered with spring flowers, including daffodils, fritillaries and primroses, bringing with them a carpet of bright, colourful blooms. The large lily pond and fountain are also great spots to take a break and relax, while the Victorian greenhouse and large kitchen garden are beautiful additions to the space.
When: Sunday, March 19 from 1pm to 5pm. Entry costs £8.
Where: Godinton House and Gardens, Godinton Lane, Ashford TN23 3BP
WEST KENT
Stonewall Park, Edenbridge
There have been a few gardens so far that have mentioned daffodils and, if you love looking at these colourful spring flowers, then you might want to add this one to your list. Stonewall Park welcomes visitors with a vast display of daffodils from the moment you reach the driveway, and these plants will be in full bloom during the March open day. The yellow bulbs lead down to the woodland garden where you can also see magnolias, azaleas and bluebells.
When: Sunday, March 19 from 2pm to 5pm. Entry costs £7.
Where: Chiddingstone Hoath, Edenbridge TN8 7DG
Great Comp Garden, Sevenoaks
Great Comp is known for its spectacular garden displays throughout the year, and spring is no exception. Every inch of the seven-acre garden has been used to show off the impressive collection of trees, shrubs, lawns and herbaceous plants. In the spring you can find winter flowering heathers, magnolias and hellebores, while the Italian gardens, romantic ruins and welcoming tearoom are highlights at any time of year.
When: Sunday, March 26 from 10am to 5pm. Entry costs £8.50 per adult, £3 per child.
Where: Comp Lane, Platt, Borough Green, Sevenoaks TN15 8QS
Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks
This historic National Trust property is usually open all year round, but if you haven’t paid it a visit in a while then this is your reminder to stop by and check out the delightful gardens. Tucked away in a hidden valley in Sevenoaks, the Ightham Mote gardens boast spectacular water features, formal lawns, daffodil displays and, of course, a picturesque moat. The 700-year-old manor house towers over the gardens and is also worth visiting while you’re there.
When: Thursday, March 30 from 10am to 4pm. Entry costs £17 per adult, £8.50 per child.
Where: Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks TN15 0NT
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