Ightham Mote Garden

Head Gardener's Comment

For almost 700 years the gardens have provided the backdrop and setting for all the dramas of life played out at Ightham Mote.

The needs of food production, fashion, new pastimes, collector’s zeal and the changing financial fortunes of the owners have all left their mark. Like the house, the garden is a survivor, retaining many of its oldest features. Just as in the house we are left with a patchwork of different periods the significance of which are only now coming to light.

We are approaching the end of an extensive period of research into the designed landscape which will inform the way that the gardens are used and presented. This will allow us to better reflect the history of this wonderful garden.

History

Ightham Mote’s 14-acre garden nestles in a sunken valley & surrounds the beautiful medieval moated manor house.

The North Lake and Woodland Garden with ornamental pond & cascade was created in the early 19th century with interesting trees to walk and sit amongst with pleasurable views to the house showing off its romantic setting. The Orchard, Enclosed Garden, Memorial Garden and Vegetable & Cutting Garden all contribute to the garden’s sense of tranquility for which it is famed.

The garden has “sat quietly” as a backdrop during the 15 year conservation project on the house. Now emerging out of the shadows for its moment of real glory, it is an exciting time to visit as a Conservation Plan is underway for the garden to become an attraction in its own right. These changes will be interpreted for our visitors as they occur.