Borde Hill Garden

RHS Event: Champion Tree Walk, Thursday 20 October 10.30am-12.30pm

2011-10-09T21:15:00.008+01:00

We're re-opening to enjoy the RHS event Champion Tree Walk on Thursday 20 October.

Explore exotic trees flourishing at Borde Hill over the last 100 years and get top tips by Head Gardener Andy Stevens.

We have 82 Champion trees located in the garden and woodland area. Trees are classified ‘Champion’ when they are either the tallest or have the widest girth amongst all the trees in the British Isles. Many of these trees were planted in the early 1900’s by Colonel Stephenson R. Clarke and they were collected from many parts of the world by the Great Plant Collectors.

RHS Members £12, non-members £14.40
For further details and to book click here.

End of the summer season

2011-09-12T14:00:00.000+01:00

It's been a busy and successful season, with lots of exciting events and news:

the flowering of our rare Chinese trees (Emmenopterys henryi) - a first in Britain
the spectacular Queen concert in August
establishing the Gold Standard Rose Border
filming of Monster Munchies with Matt Dawson
Anvil Ironworks exhibition
Horse trials
family days, jazz concerts, summer fun
and much more....

Thank you for your support.

We look forward to seeing you again when we re-open at Halloween 22 - 30 October.

It's our last week of opening for the summer

2011-08-31T11:30:00.006+01:00

It's the last week to see our garden flowering, including the two rare Chinese trees, before we open again for Halloween. Come and see us soon! We are open every day until Sunday 11 September, 10am to 6pm.

Family Day Sunday 28th August

2011-08-24T09:46:00.000+01:00

Come and enjoy day our Family Day on Sunday 28th August - Modern Jazz Band, Picnic and Model Boat Club.

A fun day of music for all the family to enjoy white admiring the boating skills on display at the lake.

Blooming marvellous!

2011-08-21T21:21:00.000+01:00

For the first time in Britain, two specimens of a rare Chinese tree have flowered at the same time on the same site; The deciduous tree (Emmenopterys henryi) is native to central and south-west China and was introduced to Britain in 1907 by the great plant hunter Ernest Wilson.

We planted a specimen in the Azalea Ringin 1928, which has flowered for the first time this year, along with its younger companion. The larger of the two, about 40 feet high, is collected from Forrest’s seed and has broader leaves. The smaller one is believed to be from Wilson’s collection bearing smaller leaves.

Described by Wilson as "one of the most strikingly beautiful trees of Chinese forests", the Emmenopterys is notoriously shy to flower in the West. It has reddish-purple young shoots and striking red leaves in spring, which mature to a glossy green, producing a shock of small white flowers.

The first to flower in the West was at Villa Taranto by Lake Maggiore, Italy, in 1971, while the first in the UK was at Kew Gardens’ sister site Wakehurst Place, West Sussex, in 1987.

Weather extremes are thought to trigger flowering. The cold, snowy winter and hot summer that year were mimicked in 2010 when Borde Hill’s younger specimen flowered, as did Wakehurst’s counterpart.
Severe cold and snow this year, followed in the summer by intense heat could have created the conditions ideal for both Borde Hill specimens to bloom.

‘This is a rare and amazing chance to witness the flowering of both plants in such abundance’ said Andy Stevens, Head Gardener.

The 1928 tree at Borde Hill, grown from seed collected by plant hunter George Forrest, on an expedition in Southern China, was one of many such expeditions sponsored by Colonel Stephenson Clarke over nearly 40 years that helped create the notable collection of trees and shrubs at the Grade II* listed Garden. Today we hold the largest collection of ‘champion’ trees to be found in private collection in the British Isles.

Music of Queen - a spectacular evening

2011-08-16T20:34:00.000+01:00

We enjoyed a spectacular evening when the spirit of Queen pulsed through a 5,000-strong audience on Saturday, celebrating the music of iconic British band, Queen. The Music of Queen played a number of classic hits - Bohemian Rhapsody, We Are The Champions, Don’t Stop Me Now, Fat Bottom Girls and many more.

The concert fused music from a full rock band and 50 piece English National Orchestra providing a truly special performance. Stars from the West End smash hit musical ‘We Will Rock You’ played on stage, alongside over sixty performers making last week's performance one of the biggest rock shows on earth.

Family Day 14th August - come and join us

2011-08-12T23:19:00.000+01:00

This Sunday we will be enjoying the sounds of traditional jazz from the Lord Snooty band. Bring a picnic, sit back and relax. You can also see Model Boat Club demonstrations on the lakes.

Matt Dawson is presenting Monster Munchies at Borde Hill next Wednesday!

2011-08-04T15:18:00.005+01:00

In the second series of Monster Munchies, Matt Dawson is visiting towns and cities across the UK to engage with vibrant communities that make Britain’s best food.

Join him at Borde Hill, next Wednesday 10 August from 12:30pm, as he unveils two giant Lemon Meringue Pies.

Two local businesses will be challenged to make their awe-inspiring portions in just 24 hours. Five local judges will then choose the winning team based on taste, size and presentation.

Bring your friends and family along to watch the filming and eat some Monster pie!

Silver Band and Picnic Day Sunday 7th August

2011-07-27T09:15:00.000+01:00

Looking for a lazy Sunday afternoon where you can chill out and listen to some music, and enjoy a picnic with family and friends? Then put the date in your diary - 7th August Borde Hill for our silver band and picnic. You can relax in the gardens, listening to a programme of popular music by this local band.

Summer Fun in August

2011-07-20T10:45:00.001+01:00

School holidays are nearly here and we have activities for all the family to enjoy during the summer break:

Splodge Arts and Crafts (making butterflies, insects and fish)
Robbie the Magician - magic & tricks
Fun with faces - face painting
Animazing - Lizards, Spiders and Snakes - get hands on experience!
Go Kart Party

Children and parents can trek through the magical woodlands and panoramic parkland that make Borde Hill a must-visit destination for all the family.

Into an area renowned for its iron-making arrives a host of giant animal sculptures, crafted by creative blacksmiths Anvil Ironworks. Watch out for the wolf spider, crocodile and dragonfly and other animals, as well as flowers, all beautifully wrought and textured, that will create wonder and surprise around the garden.

Then, after all the activity, simply chill out and picnic by the water or relax in the Elvira café and enjoy a mouth watering selection of home produced foods.

Visit the website to see the events diary and obtain further details

Visit Borde Hill this summer - there's lots going on!

2011-07-13T20:33:00.027+01:00

It's a busy time at Borde Hill. We have a jam-packed programme lined up this summer:

A big concert on 13 August - Music of Queen, featuring star performers from the smash hit musical 'We will rock you' together with rock band and the English National Orchestra. See a clip of the band recorded at a previous concert.

There's also a big Family Fun Programme with activities such as go karting, magic and face painting, and many more. Plus live bands and picnics throughout August. Click here for further details and how to book.

Why not become a Friend of Borde Hill?

2011-07-06T10:54:00.002+01:00

To gain the most from this Great Garden of Sussex, why not become a Friend? Our annual season ticket is such good value for money, you can visit as many times as you like when the Garden is open.

Tickets cost just £25 per adult and £15 per child, providing free access to the garden, playground and selected events (Jaguar Sussex Day, Family Day, Concert and picnic day). We are open from 21 March to 11 September, and from 22 to 30 October for Halloween Week, daily from 10am to 6pm.

For further details, click here.

Anvil Ironworks 1 July to 11 September 2011 Contemporary & Traditional Artist Blacksmiths

2011-06-29T10:28:00.000+01:00

If you go down to the woods today . . .
You’re sure of a big surprise at Borde Hill this summer as a horde of giant animals takes up residence at the scenic park and woodland destination.
Part of our Kids Summer Fun programme, which runs from 1st to 26th August, the steel and copper sculptures, some up to eight feet high, will take up residence around the grounds in unexpected places, to brings thrills and excitement while families walk round the panoramic parkland, ancient woods and formal gardens. Watch out for the 2m diameter wolf spider ready to pounce on its prey, the large chameleon, perhaps a peacock or two, a dragonfly, and the crocodile lurking in one of the lakes ready to snap up an unwary wildebeest grazing by the water’s edge.
There’s a host of oversize plantlife coming in too – colourful red hot pokers, pom-pom alliums and other border varieties that will add vibrancy to any planting. “We like to challenge people,” says Paul Wells of Anvil Ironworks, which has fashioned the steel and copper animals and plants at its Brighton works from recycled parts such as old tanks, rivets and pipes. “Children love scary things and our animals always prove a big hit with them,” he adds.

Gold Standard Roses - see them at Borde Hill

2011-06-22T12:18:00.000+01:00

In her recent article Liz Dobbs, Daily Telegraph columnist and judge at the Gold Standard Rose Trials, looks at the option of choosing rose varieties that have been trialled and tested.

Borde Hill is one of three locations where a selection of these Gold Standard Award holders can be viewed.

Read the article in full 'How to pick the right rose' published in the Daily Telegraph, 18 June 2011.

New plants

2011-06-15T11:13:00.006+01:00

More plants have arrived this week for planting the Gold Standard rose border and Italian Garden. Looking good!

Beautiful roses!

2011-06-08T12:27:00.003+01:00

Beautiful roses! Our rose garden is in full bloom, including our new Gold Standard Rose Border, recently planted and also featured in the June issue of English Garden magazine.

See the article for further details.

Photography courtesy of English Garden and Derek St Romaine.

Rolls Royce and Bentley Day Sunday 12 June

2011-06-01T10:06:00.003+01:00

We're looking forward to an exciting day with a cavalcade of classic cars to complement Borde Hill's magnificent gardens. This event is free to season ticket holders and to those paying for admission to the garden on the day.

Half term is nearly here - time for some fun for everyone

2011-05-25T10:28:00.007+01:00

Half term is just around corner - why not let the kids have some fun in our adventure playground and the mums enjoy the rose garden? This year we have a new Gold Standard Rose and Herbaceous Border designed by Dr. Tony Lord - acclaimed rosarian and gifted plantsman. Come and have a look!

British Eventing Horse Trials are coming soon - Sunday 29th and Monday 30th May

2011-05-18T12:33:00.001+01:00

Two days of affiliated Horse Trials run in conjunction with British Eventing. The three phases: Dressage; Show Jumping and Cross-Country will take place in the Park with top international riders expected to compete.

The competition starts with BE90 Level on Sunday. BE100 runs on both days, culminating in the Novice BE Level, with jumps at 1.10 metre, on Bank Holiday Monday. We think it will be a great day’s entertainment. Come and enjoy it.

Further events will take place during July and August. Click here for details.

Chinese Tulip Tree in bloom

2011-05-14T08:07:00.001+01:00

Our Chinese tulip tree which is 70 feet tall and 108 years old is flowering! This is unusual and a must see.

Rose Masterclass with Michael Marriott 8 June 2011

2011-05-10T21:32:00.000+01:00

We are really excited about our forthcoming Rose Masterclass with world-renowned rose expert Michael Marriott on 8 June. He is David Austin’s technical manager and Rosarian.

Start the day with coffee in the Mansion House at Borde Hill. This will be followed by the rose presentation and then lunch in our historic Grade II* Tudor Mansion.

After lunch head gardener, Andy Stevens, will give a guided tour of the Jay Robin’s Rose Garden and highlight some of the most popular roses as well as showing other important ‘garden rooms’.

RHS Recommended Event: RHS members £46, non members £56

To book call 0845 6121253. For further details click here.

Amazing Azaleas

2011-05-04T11:47:00.000+01:00

Our azaleas are in full bloom - come and see for yourselves!

A host of golden daffodils!

2011-02-18T10:25:00.000Z

I'm not sure how many daffodils constitute a host but I spotted a small group in flower in the garden this morning!

Spring is springing!

2011-02-16T17:27:00.000Z

The head blogger has awoken from his winter slumber to find that spring has arrived at Borde Hill Garden! Winter aconites and snowdrops are doing their stuff and a number of early flowering rhododendrons (Rh. lanigerum, rirei, hylaeum) are providing a vibrant splash of colour. A few camellias are starting to show some colour - a few more days of warmth should speed things along, and hopefully when the gardens re-open on March 21st there should be a good display awaiting visitors (frosts permitting!!). Hellebores are again putting on a good show as are some of the newly planted hamamelis. Many magnolias have plenty of fat flower buds so fingers crossed for another spectacular display (again frost permitting!!).

Harry's New Playground

2010-07-01T09:49:00.000+01:00

The NEW playground has also been a hit, especially with our younger visitors. Providing plenty of exciting climbing frames and other equipment which keeps them entertained for hours on end...giving a well deserved break for Mum and Dad!The zip-wire has proved exceedingly popular…with both the children and the adults eager to get their turn!