Gardening Group Programs

 

CRAB & WINKLE GARDENING GROUP

Schedule of Events 2025

20 March

Mount Ephraim Gardens, Hernhill, Faversham, ME13 9TX.

Most of us have visited Mount Ephraim Gardens before so I won’t write a full description.  However those at the February meeting agreed a visit to the gardens as they are listed as a place to visit to see a display of snowdrops

 

17th April

Hole Park, Benenden Road, Rolvenden, Cranbrook, TN17 4JB. 

A private little known large garden – well maintained which is a skillful mix of formal design and more naturalised plantings.  There is colour throughout the seasons but spring is a particular delight with daffodils, camellias, magnolias and bluebells.  Entry is £12.00 and tickets can be pre-booked online - Hole Park accepts the 2 for 1 tickets but the 2024 tickets are only valid until 2 April so hopefully the 2025 Gardeners World Magazine will be in the shops by then!  Will book tickets once numbers are confirmed.

 

15th May

Kenfield Hall, Kenfield, Petham, Canterbury CT4 5RN. 

An evolving 8 acre organic garden designed and restored with historic reference to its 1730 origins.  Fantastic views.  Japanese, sunken & vegetable gardens, arboretum, wildflower meadow, glasshouses.  Open for private visits by arrangement – entry is £10 (payment by card only).

 

19th June

Pashley Manor, Ticehurst nr. Wadhurst, East Sussex, TN5 7HE. (COACH TRIP)

This is a privately owned 11 acre garden of beautiful vistas with sweeping herbaceous borders, a historic walled garden and much much more!  This would be our coach outing and coincides with Pashley’s special rose week running from 14th to 22nd June.  Currently we have 13 signed up to go at a cost of £44.50 (£30.50 + £14 – group rate - entry fee.  NOTE we need 15 to make a group).  Obviously the cost will also depend on filling the coach which I am confident we can do.

 

17th July

Belmont, Belmont Park, Throwley, Nr. Faversham ME13 0HH.  Again we have visted Belmont before but the group have expressed a wish to revisit.  Within the walls of the kitchen garden are found fruit trees, shrubs, as well as a wide range of vegetables and flowers and an impressive Victorian glasshouse.  There is a walled flower garden too with roses, wisteria and colourful borders, plus a pinetum with a shell grotto.  Belmont accepts the 2 for 1 tickets at a price of 2 for £7.00

 

21st August

Beech Court Gardens, Challock Nr. Ashford, TN25 4DJ. 

A 9 acre garden with many mature maple and acer trees, a wide and colourful collection of the hydrangeas and Rhododendrons, with numerous firs, oaks and pines home to many species of birds – described as a garden for all seasons. There are Tea Rooms located in the Oast House.  There is a message online saying the garden is permanently closed but in any event I’ve emailed them for confirmation so lets wait and see!

 

18th September

Godinton House & Gardens, Godinton Lane, Ashford TN23 3BP. 

The 12 acres of tranquil gardens with seasonal planting across the formal, walled and wild gardens surrounded by ancient parkland studded with stately oaks and chestnuts.  Tickets are booked in advance at a cost of £10.50 so will have to wait to confirm numbers before booking.

 

16th October

Nothing planned at the moment.

 

OPEN GARDEN DAYS 

Sunday  18 May         Whitstable Joy Lane Gardens

Enjoy a day visiting a dozen or so eclectic gardens along Joy Lane a neighbourhood by the sea.  From Arts & Crafts villas to mid century bungalows, some productive others wildlife friendly, large or compact. Combined admission £7 with children free.  Light refreshments are available.

 

Mondays  19th May & 16th June 

                                    Canterbury Cathedral Open Garden Tour

Two opportunities to explore the historic and beautiful private Cathedral gardens – this is a full day 10.15 am to 16.15 pm – hence the cost of £67 per person - see itinerary below

  • Light breakfast
  • Talk by the Head Gardener.
  • Two course lunch 
  • Tour of Cathedral Gardens
  • Tea and Coffee at The Lodge

 

Sunday 8th June          Herne & Broomfield Garden Safari            

Returns for 2025 - many private gardens will be open between 11.00 am and 17.00 pm. Including several new gardens for 2025.  Entry to all gardens is by programme map costing £5 - under 16s go free - from The Herne Centre, School Lane, Herne CT6 7AP - tickets are available from 2nd June and on the day. There will be plants for sale at various places.  Toilet facilities are available.

 

Sunday 8th June            Tankerton Open Gardens:

Five gardens open between 10.00 and 5.00 pm – entry £7/children free

 - open between 10.00 am and 17.00 pm:

61 Graystone Road

25 Oakwood Drive

16 Park Avenue

50 Summerfield Avenue

96 Queens Road

 

Sunday 15th June          Whitstable Town Gardens

Enjoy contemporary gardens, seaside gardens, rose gardens, gravel gardens, designers’ gardens and wildlife friendly plots both large and small.  Open between 10.00 am and 17.00 pm under the National Garden Scheme "gardens open for charity". A café offering light refreshments at Whitstable Umbrella Centre in aid of Stream Walk Community Gardens.  Tickets are £7 with children free.

 

Sunday 29th June          Faversham Gardens Open Gardens and Market

Over 25 small and larger town gardens accompanied by a Garden Market selling plants and other gardenalia.  Enjoy the contrasts between the gardens – open between 10.00 am and 5.00 pm with refreshments available from many of the gardens + cafes and pubs are open. The day is hosted by BBC Radio Kent Sunday Gardening.   Admission is by ticket/handbook = £7.00 for adults and free for children available to buy or collect in Market Place. 

                       

      

  No dates for 2025      Little Gardens of Sandwich:

                                      Doddington Village Open Gardens

                                      St Margaret's Garden Safari