How to spend a gardener’s weekend in… East Sussex & Kent borders
Beyond the big draws of Sissinghurst and Great Dixter, the High Weald has it all – think sweeping views, award-winning wines, niche nurseries and foodie destinations
The season of bonfires in East Sussex is a long one – lasting from late summer to early winter. The towns and villages of the coast and High Weald are high-spirited all year round (with further rituals in spring), and are rich in evocative scenery: clapboard houses, rolling hills, ancient woodland and wide skies, the latter indicating the proximity of the English Channel.
Plant hunting
Many specialist nurseries in the High Weald stay open for winter, and there are gardens at nurseries that help customers to ‘shop the look’. The charms of King John’s Nursery in Etchingham is set in historic grounds and has a gift shop and café to distract even the most determined plant shopper. The garden at nearby Merriments closes for winter but its nursery does not disappoint, with its “huge range of really well-grown plants”, according to one top local gardener. Further west, Lime Cross Nursery has been a trailblazer in the renaissance of conifer appreciation. Its range is phenomenal, and it is open for click and collect orders. It seems churlish not also to mention top nurseries Marchants Hardy Plants and Pelham Plants, both near Lewes. They do close in winter but will re-open in the spring.
Present buying
Sissinghurst Castle is now open all year round. Great Dixter House & Gardens, 12 miles away, is not, but tickets to its beautifully conceived Christmas Fair, held every year at the end of November, include garden entry and a cheery atmosphere, fuelled by mulled wine and huge fireplaces. The nursery stays open over the winter – the perfect time to browse and plan your planting for the year ahead. The former Walled Nursery at Hawkhurst has been revamped and renamed Water Lane; it is now a place to eat, buy cut flowers and take a floristry course, which of course can make an excellent gift. Curious House workshops, operating out of Wisketts Barn at Wadhurst or The Bell, Ticehurst, come with a special room rate for guests at
The Bell, which is itself known for wonderful food, ingeniously served outdoors in heated sheds, in gardens designed by Jo Thompson.
Feeding and watering
Gifts can also be had in wellappointed farm shops such as Taywell, near Cranbrook, or at the many vineyards that flourish in the milder climate of the South East. A package that includes a tour and tasting could be a present for yourself. Gusbourne, Winchelsea, is a serious producer of sought-after wine. For good food, scenery and an inspiring sparkling rosé, Balfour Winery, Staplehurst, offers the whole package. Tillingham, yet another vineyard in the vicinity, is a place to stay, eat and drink, and also hosts a range of courses. In Hastings, be sure to visit
A G Hendy & Co for housewares and Old Hastings Pottery for bowls and platters that are just the right
Bracing walks
Rye is wonderful to explore for its antique shops and curated emporia, such as McCully & Crane, and is well sited for walks around the nature reserve at Rye Harbour. It is also a pleasant drive from the primely vintage town of Winchelsea. Camber Sands and Jury’s Gap provide opportunities for invigorating walks along the coast towards Dungeness. Derek Jarman’s Prospect Cottage is another destination for garden pilgrims, with the Snack Shack,a fish hut, well located nearby. Inland, the High Weald does not close for winter, with walks around Bewl Water, Bodiam Castle and Scotney Castle. Hemsted Wood near Sissinghurst is happily under-populated, and could be followed by a visit to The Three Chimneys at Biddenden, for a warm atmosphere and locally sourced food.