Emmetts Garden, Kent

Kent in the south east of England is lovingly referred to by many as the garden of England, on account of the lush and abundant greenery especially during spring and summertime. On a recent trip back home I visited Emmetts Garden for the first time since my childhood and saw that few places are as obviously well-cared-for and thriving as Emmetts Garden, a National Trust property in Ide Hill, near Sevenoaks. The property consists of a house and about six acres of botanical gardens and arboretum. The house was built and the gardens established by Frederic Lubbock, the original owner, in 1860. The property was then acquired by Charles Boise in 1927 and later bequeathed to the National Trust.

The house is not open to the public but the gardens provide a perfect Kentish garden experience and are well worth a visit on their own. The grounds offer plenty of space to meander about and enjoy the different native and exotic plants, amongst them daffodils, azaleas, bluebells, roses and rhododendrons. The position of Emmetts Garden, high up on a sandstone ridge, provides wonderful views over the Weald and North Downs.

There is a calendar of various tours as well as workshops for children throughout the year. The property has a tearoom but also encourages people to bring a picnic and just enjoy the surroundings. It is hard to imagine a better backdrop for a summer afternoon picnic.

Have you visited an especially impressive garden recently?