Gardens > England > Kent > Godinton House and Gardens

Godinton House and Gardens

A Jacobean house with an Arts and Crafts garden set in a park with ancient trees. The garden was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield in 1902. It has a Rose Garden, an Italian and Walled Garden, Delphinium borders, a Wild Garden and Ponds.

Head Gardener's Comment

Much of the garden is now restored but still one of the best kept secrets of Kent, without the crowds who besiege other gardens. You are encouraged to walk on the grass, dabble your fingers in a pond or spend the afternoon reading in the Italian garden. The Rose Garden and Delphiniums are magnificent in late June.

Photograph © Godinton House

Photograph © Godinton House

Photograph © Godinton House

Photograph © C.E. Bourke/The Art of English Gardens

History

Reginald Blomfield's strongly architectural 1900s design provides the backbone of the garden. Views out to the 18th century parkland with its ancient trees and the varying brickwork around the gardens give clues to the development of the gardens over four centuries.

Plants of note

A stunning Japanese Wisteria (Wisteria floribunda 'Multijuga') over the entrance to the Italian Garden.
A fine specimen Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) in the wild garden.
A collection of Delphiniums provided by the local branch of the Delphinium Society in the walled garden.