Summer in Sussex Gardens
With the arrival of summer, it seems the perfect time to celebrate some of the gorgeous gardens Sussex has to offer. With vibrant displays of flowers, and incredible landscape designing, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The Grain Store
Although not an open garden, we are incredibly proud of the hard work our team put into curating our garden all months of the year. Our gardener in residence Sam Porter-Hardy and his team work tirelessly (recently in the heat - but most usually in very wet and blowy conditions over the last few months!) developing and energising the gardens.
Image Credit: Porter Hardy Garden Design
Image Credit: Porter Hardy Garden Design
Our borders have filled out really well and are now bursting with hues of blues, whites and shades of green accented by the many visiting song-birds, that we are so lucky to watch from the “hide”, more commonly known as the The Grain Store dining table.
We have to remind ourselves that our gardens are still very young (only four years old) but look well established already with our woven willow and distinguished grass mixes.
The most recent planting has been our wildflower meadow. Sam and his team used a combination of mixed native plants and after a quiet start, we are now celebrating an explosion of colour.
The team work very much in tune with nature, planting bee friendly flowers, not using harmful chemicals, and only hedge cutting when seasonally appropriate - to name just a few examples.
Image Credit: Porter Hardy Garden Design
Wildlife at The Grain Store is abundant - our bees, butterflies and birds have never been so active and visible, they truly are settling and making habitats here.
Not only is the garden designed for wildlife, but it is curated with guests in mind. Gently planned and created for optimum relaxation and re-charging.
Image Credit: Life Moves Photography
Southover Grange Gardens
Built by William Newton in 1542, these private gardens are a little piece of heaven right in the centre of Lewes.
More information on Southover Grange Gardens.
Image credit: Visit Lewes
Charleston
Designed by renowned art critic Roger Fry (close friend to Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant), the gardens at Charleston House have been made to almost be a “living painting”. Used as a play space for Bell’s children and an outdoor exhibition space, the gardens are now open for everyone to enjoy.
More information on Charleston House Gardens.
Image credit: Alicia Waite
Hamsey Belle
This secret garden offer events and workshops in a serene space at the foot of the South Downs. If you love country garden flowers and vegetable patches, then you will be very happy spending time here.
More information on Hamsey Belle.
Image Credit: Hamsey Belle
Monks House
Nestled in the Sussex village of Rodmell, this 17th-century country retreat was once home to Leonard and Virginia Woolf. This beautiful English country garden is full of ornamental beds, a charming orchard and enviable vegetable patch.
More information on Monks House.
Image Credit: Simone Thorn
Parham
Laid out in the 18th century, the seven acres of pleasure gardens includes a maze, lake, walled garden, and abundant trees. There is also a splendid 1920’s greenhouse flourishing with flowers of all colours.
More information on Parham.
Image Credit: John Glover
Wakehurst
With over 30 attractions to visit, there is something for everyone at the Royal Botanic Gardens. 500 acres of diverse landscapes and plants from across the globe await - let’s get exploring!
More information on Wakehurst.
Image Credit: Visit Brighton
Nyemans
In 1890, Ludwig Messel together with his wife Annie bought the 600-acre Nyemans estate, and cultivated the space to share with their friends and family. Here you can discover ruins, statues, and heritage plant collections, such as the South African meadow.
More information on Nyemans.
Image credit: National Trust
If you are a gardener, garden observer, nature lover or just want to enjoy the peace of walking around beautiful gardens at this time of year, then you are truly spoilt for choice.
Discover our lovely gardens at The Grain Store by booking a Sussex staycation with us
With the South Downs National Park on our doorstep, there is plenty to explore for those who love the outdoors.
Click here for our latest prices and availability
Email: stay@thegrainstorelewes.com
Phone: 07538 132142