the NT is that you can visit more than once and get the benefit of seasonal changes. I have already blogged the gardens when I paid a visit to them in the fall and was excited (daft old ---) when the thought of seeing the Rhododendrons in bloom. So, my intrepid sister and self set off sharpish in the morning to have a look. Below is a selection of pictures from the day. The idea of going to Sheffield Park Gardens was almost shelved when the weather before the weekend looked as if was going to be more suitable for the Canard than the average Nationa
l Trust punter, but we were wrong and the sun came out to bless us with its light on the beautiful gardens.
The features of the gardens are the lakes and bridges and the fantastic water views that in all seasons add to the beauty and as my Sister pointed out the ability of 'Capability' Brown to design a garden that is good in all seasons and adds layers of interest to the created landscape. It is like reading a good book: first you read the story and enjoy the tale and then you start to read the sub-text and finally you reach the deeper, philosophical and spiritual layers that you alone create from what is presented to you. The gardens yake on a life of their own and you can imagine the work of laying down the design, creating the basic
reality and then watching the garden develop knowing that you as a gardener, the owner or even the many time visitor see it as a snap shot - a brief moment in the life of the organism that is on display.
l Trust punter, but we were wrong and the sun came out to bless us with its light on the beautiful gardens.The features of the gardens are the lakes and bridges and the fantastic water views that in all seasons add to the beauty and as my Sister pointed out the ability of 'Capability' Brown to design a garden that is good in all seasons and adds layers of interest to the created landscape. It is like reading a good book: first you read the story and enjoy the tale and then you start to read the sub-text and finally you reach the deeper, philosophical and spiritual layers that you alone create from what is presented to you. The gardens yake on a life of their own and you can imagine the work of laying down the design, creating the basic
reality and then watching the garden develop knowing that you as a gardener, the owner or even the many time visitor see it as a snap shot - a brief moment in the life of the organism that is on display. Water views from the gardens are always appealing.
The attraction of Sheffield Park is that no matter when you visit you will always be delighted by what is around the next corner and be surprised by the different views offered by the changing seasons.
These modest looking shrubs blend in wonderfully with the new spring growth and captivate the watcher.
In Spring we are bound to be looking at Rhododendrons; those exotic shrubs so beloved of the Victorians (and earlier collectors) that dominate the south east of England at this
time of the year. We have many varieties but none so many as those that grow in the hills above India and the lower heights of Nepal yet we are delighted by the many we have. Note that the area around Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and Tonbridge abound with Rhodos and on the way to Sheffield Gardens were offered the sight of many gardens on the way with magnificent specimens.The pink blooms are rich in color and reflect the sunlight with a singular pride.
Sheffield Park is Old Folk user friendly and accessible by wheelchairs and indeed there are buggies and wheelchairs that can be used on site. Not only are the gardens a delight for the old but they are also a wonderland for children whose eyes seem to widen even further than it is possible for children's eyes to widen as they do as we do - stand and stare at the wonderful seasonal blossom.
As they say
in the jargon the upside is that the gardens are accesssible for all and are also close to the Bluebell Railway and would therefore make a wonderful weekend combination. There are seats and wide spaces for picnics and some interesting trees with lots of little nooks for children to hide in. The downside is that it is difficult to do both in one day.
in the jargon the upside is that the gardens are accesssible for all and are also close to the Bluebell Railway and would therefore make a wonderful weekend combination. There are seats and wide spaces for picnics and some interesting trees with lots of little nooks for children to hide in. The downside is that it is difficult to do both in one day.
We found people friendly and willing to share their experiences and to take part in the fun of taking photos. A camera is a necessary item here and adds to the pleasure of being able to share your experience with others. We can recommend the park as a must see destination.
How to get there?
Look it up on the RAC route map but we found from Sittingbourne it was a matter of turning the right way along the M20 and wandering along the M26 to the M25 and turning off at the A22 via East Grinstead - do not go to Uckfield but take the A275 and follow the signs. You also pass through Pooh Country and the wonderful Ashdown Forest. we returned via Heathfield and Hawkhurst along the A272 passing through some lovely Sussex countryside.
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