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Secret Garden, Sandwich, Kent

BRIEF HISTORY
Sir Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll devised the ornamental gardens at The Secret Gardens of Sandwich, and after lying neglected for 25 years, were officially opened again in 2007 by Gardener's World host Monty Don. The gardens were once overgrown and shapeless, but have now been completely transformed and restored to their former glory by Head gardener Steve Edney and his team.
 
HORTICULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS
Set in three-and-a-half acres, the gardens offer a number of areas, each holding a variation of plants. Lake Patricia, added to the gardens in the 1970's, has an island that can be reached by a small bridge, and offers remarkable tranquility. Several more modern features also exist in the garden, such as the Tropical Border and the Long Border. Within the Tropical Border you can find the Wollemi Pine - an incredibly rare plant dating back to the Jurassic period. The Long Border is a 200ft long replica of Gertrude Jekyll's own garden at Munstead Wood, and uses her original planting plan including some old-fashioned favourites rarely seen in today's gardens.

OTHER THINGS TO SEE & DO
Wander along the Holm Oak Walk and enjoy a more leisurely pace of life as you gaze at the magnificent oaks lining the path. You can also indulge in an audio tour around the gardens, where Head gardener Steve Edney explains in detail about their history and the restoration process. The audio tour also provides you with information on elaborate planting of each area.
 
LOCAL AREA
The Secret Gardens are located in the historic town of Sandwich, one of the best preserved medieval towns in the UK. Surrounded by its fortified stone walls, this quaint Kentish town was once a harbour for ships travelling between the continent and London. It was also a major British port in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries.

PLACES TO STAY
Sandwich offers a number of hotels, self catering accommodation and bed and breakfasts - including The Salutation house accommodation situated within the Secret Gardens themselves. Other places to stay can be found at http://www.discoversandwich.co.uk/accommodation.htm

HOW TO FIND US
Take the M2 towards Dover and exit at junction 7 on to the A2. From here head onto the B2046 towards Wingham and continue onto the A257 towards Sandwich. Turn left at The Bell Hotel and then immediately right onto the Quay where the entrance gate to the gardens is situated in the far right hand corner.

OPENING TIMES
4th January - 31st March 2010, 10am to 4pm
1st April - 30th September, 10am to 5pm
1st October - 24th December, 10am to 4pm

ENTRY
Adults £6.00
Children (under 16) £3.00
Child under 6 FREE
Senior Citizens £5.50
Family ticket (two adults & three children) £16.00
Season ticket £25.00
Golden Season ticket (holder & friend) £38.00
Family Season ticket (two adults & three children) £69.00
Groups of 20+ POA

FOOD & DRINK
The salutation tea room in the Old Gatehouse has crockery, cake stands and silverware sourced from The Savoy Hotel, the Tea Rooms evoke the elegant Edwardian pastime of taking tea. (Check website for opening times)

POSTCODE FOR CAR SAT NAVs
CT13 9EW

FRIENDS/VOLUNTEERS
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WEBSITE
www.the-secretgardens.co.uk