High Beeches woodland and water gardens events 2008
24th January 2008
HIGH BEECHES WOODLAND AND WATER GARDENS
EVENTS 2008
Tranquil, High Beeches Woodland and Water Gardens in the heart of mid-Sussex, just off the A23, is within easy access of London, the South and South East. The 27 acres are in the naturalistic, William Robinson style. Begun some 100 years ago, they are full of rare, historic and interesting plants and trees.
The Bray/Boscawen gardening dynasty has cared for the gardens for some fifty years. Their great passion is the 'species' forms of plants ie the original, wild forms. The gardens are fully catalogued and contain thousands of specimens. English Heritage lists the gardens as 'Outstanding historically'.
High Beeches is home to the best, natural, acid wild-flower meadow in the South East, has a number of champion trees and is the only UK site where the magnificent blue Willow Gentian has naturalised, it also has the National Stewartia Collection.
Visitors may particularly enjoy the spring and early summer season for colour and fragrance. In June the wildflower meadow is at its peak. The Willow Gentians are a spectacular blue in August and finally High Beeches is noted as one of the most spectacular gardens for autumnal colour.
GOOD FRIDAY, 21 March, Gardens reopen for the 2008 season.
EASTER MONDAY, 24 March, Spring Flowers - the gardens open from 11 am (usually 1pm).
Enjoy lovely daffodils, Camellias and the early Magnolias. Visit the Daffodil Field of Hope. Everyone is welcome to commemorate their loved ones by signing the Memorial Book. There will be a collecting box at the gate for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY, 5 May, SPRING FAIR - in aid of the National Children's Homes - local branch. Gardens open from 11 am (usually 1pm). Fragrant bluebells bloom throughout the open glades, with sweet scented Rhododendrons and other spring flowers. We welcome you to the gardens at a particularly beautiful time of year.
May- JUNE, CHINESE PLANT TRAIL AND EXHIBITION.
In the year of the Chinese Olympics; a celebration of some of the most fascinating plants in our gardens, including original and historic specimens collected by famous Victorian plant hunters such as Earnest Wilson, Frank Kingdom Ward and Pere David. Special exhibition, plant trail and leaflets; guided tours by appointment. Chinese plants probably contribute more to British Gardens than plants from any other country.
BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND, 24/25/26 MAY, BONSAI WEEKEND, includes Chelsea exhibits. Gardens open form 11am (usually 1pm)
An amazing collection from one of the top Bonsai groups in the country including Gold Medal Chelsea exhibits. Learn how to make your own Bonsai from a small, native sapling. Expert advice and demonstrations. Bonsai materials for sale. Also some crafts for sale.
SUNDAY, 25 May, High Beeches Gardens opens in support of the National Gardens Scheme.
JUNE - WILDFLOWER SPECTACULAR, see the best, natural, acid, wildflower meadow in the South East, in flower and at it's best.
The meadow has not been ploughed in living memory and has an outstanding variety of wild plants. More than 200 species of wildflowers are recorded throughout the gardens. A wildflower leaflet is available at the gatehouse.
The National Collection of Stewartia Trees flower at the end of June.
SUNDAY 17 August, HEAVY HORSES from the WORKING HORSES TRUST, harrow the WILDFLOWER MEADOW. Gardens open form 11am (usually 1pm) Plants and crafts for sale and craft demonstrations. A fun day for all the family - one of our most popular events. Get close to the gentle giants and see how much they enjoy working the land.
Sunday, 28 SEPTEMBER, High Beeches Gardens opens in support of the National Gardens Scheme.
SUNDAY19 October, AUTUMN GIFT FAIR in aid of the PARKINSON'S DISEASE SOCIETY - Horsham branch.
The gardens open from 11am, (usually 1pm). A really popular and enjoyable occasion for those who appreciate the opportunity to puchase special things and who wish to wander through the gardens. Stalls will be selling plants, pewter and pashminas as well as cakes, jams, cards and small gifts. Money raised will be used to support local people. For example the Horsham branch funds physiotherapy sessions at the local hospital and a community worker.
AUTUMN COLOUR
High Beeches has the most glorious autumn colour in Sussex, with sumptuous displays of crimson, gold, orange, lime and dark green.