National Garden Scheme - Sussex - 2026 booklet

26 SUSSEX 37 DOWN PLACE A3 HillLane, South Harting, Petersfield, GU31 5PN. Mrs David Thistleton-Smith, 01730 825374, selina@downplace.co.uk. 1m SE of South Harting. From B2141 to Chichester, turn L down unmarked lane below the top of the hill. From Chichester on B2141, take the R turn just after the South Downs Way crosses the road. Sat 28, Sun 29 Mar, Sun 21, Mon 22 June (1.30-5.30). Adm £6, chd free. Tea, coffee, home-made cakes & cream teas. Refreshments in aid of The Friends of Harting Church. Visits also by arrangement 1 Mar to 26 July for groups of 15 to 45. Talk on the house & garden, followed by a guided tour. Set high in the South Downs with sweeping views of rolling woodland, this garden blends beautifully into its natural surroundings. Rose and herbaceous borders contour the slopes, while a productive vegetable garden and shaded beech walks lead to a vibrant wildflower meadow. In spring, it bursts with wild daffodils and cowslips, followed by six native orchid varieties and other wildflowers from late May to early July. Seeds from the meadow help restore damaged areas across the South Downs National Park, making this garden a haven for both beauty and biodiversity. gbc Introduced by Monty Don on BBC Gardeners’ World in 2016 and again in 2024. In 2024, The Sunday Times said ‘visit this rejigged award-winning plot’. Featured on Channel 4’s George Clarke’s Beautiful Builds in 2025, where research led them to Driftwood as the perfect inspiration for a seaside garden design. A perfect paradise made up of different gardens, each with individuality and creativity. Check out the 260 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor, with three successive Certificates of Excellence and five consecutive Travellers’ Choice Awards. Enjoy a selection of Geoff’s home-made cakes, all served on vintage china, on trays, in the garden. No WC. In 2025, a film was made for The Garden Show at the Crypt Gallery in Seaford (July). It was also mentioned in a half-page seaside garden feature in the Daily Mail. fCbc Down Place Duckyls © Paul H ooper 38 DRIFTWOOD D3 4 Marine Drive, Bishopstone, Seaford, BN25 2RS. Geoff Stonebanks & Mark Glassman, 01323 899296, visitdriftwood@gmail.com, www.driftwoodbysea.co.uk. A259 between Seaford & Newhaven. From Seaford, turn R into Bishopstone Rd, immed L into Marine Dr, then take 2nd on R. Please park on the same side as the house only, not on the bend beyond the drive. Visits by arrangement 1 June to 2 Aug for groups of up to 25. Singles & groups welcome. Optional £3 for garden talk. Adm £7, chd free. Tea, coffee & cake. 39 DUCKYLS C2 Selsfield Road, East Grinstead, RH19 4LP. Gia & Richard Thompson. Mid-way between Turner’s Hill & West Hoathly. Duckyls entrance on Selsfield Rd (L from Turners Hill), set back from road, follow yellow NGS signs. What3words app: facelift.available.firms. A one-way system in place, exit via Vowels Ln only. Sat 25, Sun 26 Apr (11- 4). Adm £8, chd free. Pre-booking essential, please visit www.ngs.org.uk for information & booking. Tea, coffee & cake. Two hour timed slots at 11am & 2pm. A recently renovated 15 acre garden with wonderful views across Sussex. Consisting of a rhododendron woodland, a newly planted orchard, ponds and a more formal secret garden. Mostly laid out in the 1920s and 30s by a dedicated plant collector and orchid breeder. Delight in the blazes of spring colour to be seen. Please note this garden inc steep slopes and many climbs. Suitable footwear is required. Regret, no dogs allowed. gbpc