The beautiful Hole Park Gardens in Rolvenden, Kent is open every day from 30 March 2019 until 8 June 2019 from 11am to 6pm, and Wednesday 12th June to Thursday 31st October (Wednesdays & Thursdays only) and autumn Sundays (6th, 13th, 20th & 27th October 2019). Depending on the time of year visitors can enjoy the bluebells, camellia, magnolia, wisteria and rhododendrons. In Spring the Hole Park bluebell barometer indicates when the bluebells are in flower.
In spring visitors can take the network of circular paths round the formal gardens and beautiful wild flower meadows into ‘Pine Walk’ with its impressive display of mature rhododendrons and azaleas. Also on ‘Pine Walk’ is a new wooden sculpture of 3 bears climbing an oak tree called the ‘Honey Pot’! Continue on and the path enters ‘Bluebell Wood’ and ‘Garlic Valley’. A circular walk through the bluebells also takes visitors past a renovated ice house and into the shimming haze of ‘Garlic Valley’.
The gardens at Hole Park are planted for year round colour and Head Gardener Quentin Stark gives an insight into what’s new in the gardens this year. “The long border, which was originally designed by Christopher Lloyd, will be replanted as a herbaceous border with varieties of Astrantia, campanula, delphiniums, kniphofia, lupins, salvia and roses. The border will be close to Christopher Lloyd's original colour scheme of pinks and blues. A new pathway and a number of benches will also be added here.
“Work is also well underway redesigning the egg pond which will feature a large patio, new hedges, a path completely around the pond and a jetty out across the pond.
“The pleached hedge across the front of the millennium garden and the border will be replanted with a cottage garden feel and last year’s Heather garden border will come into its own this year with Cornus 'Anny's Winter Orange', Leucothoë, Helleborus niger, Bergenia 'Dragonfly', Erica's, Carex comas and Hamamelis x intermedia 'Frederick'.”
A circular network of hard paths will enable visitors, including those in wheelchairs, to explore the gardens. Wheelchairs may be reserved free of charge and there are full disability WC facilities.
Light lunches and delicious homemade cakes are available in the coach house where apple juice, local beer and homemade jam and honey produced from the Hole Park Estate can be purchased. There is also a small plant stall next to the coach house. A dedicated tea room is available for groups. There is free parking for cars and coaches and conducted tours can also be arranged for groups by prior arrangement.
Admission: £7.50 for adults and £1 for children. The gardens are open 11am to 6pm.
WEDDINGS AND FUNCTIONS
Hole Park Gardens provide the most magnificent setting for private and corporate events, including weddings, and are available for exclusive private hire on a limited number of occasions each year.
Hole Park Gardens in Rolvenden, Kent, near Tenterden