Bates Green Garden

About

The naturalistic garden is spread over a 7-acre site, comprising of 1.5 acres of ornamental garden and 5.5 acres of managed Wildflower Meadow.

The garden is divided into 3 areas, which offer a sensory experience with bulbs, grasses, herbaceous and woody plants providing colour, texture and scent in all seasons.

The Front Garden is dominated by a majestic Pinus Sylvestris and contains the Winter Borders, the Wildlife Pond, Hazel Walk and fine examples of woody shrubs and trees including Parrotia persica, Liquidamber and Malus transitoria.

Yorkstone flags and container planting surround the early C19 former gamekeepers cottage, every wall is clothed with climbers.

Colour is the theme of the Middle Garden, 4 distinct borders surround the lawn; there are pergolas with seating- hornbeam and beech hedging provides an enclosed feeling. 

A commanding specimen of Quercus robur was the original inspiration for the Woodland Garden.  This area is for all seasons, many bulbs including narcissus provide early colour, and then the lush tapestry of foliage gives cool shade during the heat of the summer. A fine display of Cyclamen hederifolium is admired in the autumn after which the leaves fall to show the true beauty of the oak tree form. 

The Wildflower Meadow is in the Higher Level Country Stewardship Scheme. The number of species present is increasing and is monitored by the Sussex Botanical Recording Society. Mown paths and seating allows visitors to relax and observe.

The McCutchan family has owned the site for 100 years; Carolyn started planting the garden in 1968.  The garden was on the circuit for horticultural tours and featured in many publications including The English Garden (2007) and Homes and Antiques (2008).  

The garden has undergone a period of sensitive restoration since Carolyn’s death in late 2019.  It continues to evolve, featuring colourful and imaginative planting.