Bates Green Garden

Bates Green Garden is 1.5 acre "English Garden" first created by Plantswoman Carolyn McCutchan in 1968. Following a period of neglect after Carolyn fell ill, the garden has been restored by one of her former students, Emma Reece.

Head Gardener's Comment

• The garden surrounds the farmhouse, which was originally a small gamekeeper’s cottage.
• The soil is neutral pH heavy Weald clay much improved with homemade compost.
• The garden has very distinct areas, which enable plants from different ecological conditions to thrive including a small pond to encourage wildlife.
• In the Woodland Garden spring bulbs abound followed by herbaceous woodlanders and hardy cyclamen.
• In the more formal shaped Middle Garden colour is the main theme, starting with tulips and alliums, and then herbaceous and woody plants take over until the autumn, when the garden displays exciting colour.
• Other beds flow with a good mixture of grasses and all manner of exciting plants to give colour, texture and movement.
• Bates Green is in a tranquil setting, surrounded by pastures grazed by sheep with views to the South Downs.
• The 6-acre wild flower meadow adjoining the garden contains a wealth of flora and fauna. It is traditionally managed with mown paths round it.
• The Winter Garden is positioned so that the low rays of sun make the most of the coloured leaves and stems of the many cornus, with bulbs and plants grown for interest from autumn through to spring.
• The garden is managed with wildlife in mind and is naturalistic with a relaxed feel
• The Millennium Avenue leading up to an ancient 24 acre ancient oak wood is a mass of early wild daffodils in February/March
• Beatons Wood opens every April/May for the Arlington Bluebell Walk www.bluebellwalk.co.uk
• Garden visitors can pay an extra charge to view Beatons Wood outside the Bluebell Walk period