A delightful country house garden

   Hole Park through the seasons Click Here   Just Bluebells Click Here  Exotic Border Click Here

   For garden map Click Here

   The gardens at Hole Park cover a total of some 15 acres and were laid out and planted by Colonel
   Barham, the great grandfather of the present owner, in the years between the two World Wars.
   Much of their beauty is owed to the great variety which they offer throughout the year from the
   first flowers in January to the last autumn colours in October, and also a contrast between classic
   form on the one hand and flowering shrubs in a woodland setting on the other.

    The bluebells at Hole Park are renowned for their spectacular display: a woodland walk takes visitors through the
    heart of a dedicated bluebell wood where spring blossom and catkins crown the native tree species which seem

    to float on a haze of violet blue.  The birdsong at this time of year also adds to the magic of these beautiful

    gardens.

    Immaculately trimmed yew hedges, many with geometric topiary shapes, surround much of the formal gardens,
    creating a strong backdrop to Italianate and walled gardens where soft golden gravel paths are lined by

    overflowing herbaceous borders, and statues and elaborate planted urns create a visual standpoint. Mellow brick

    walls with elegant wrought iron gates lead from lawns to rose gardens, while water plays a part throughout, from

    the formal Italian pond visible at the front of the house, through to the discreetly hedged swimming pool and on

    to the natural ponds.

    Colour is important, too: a blue border coolly lines a long straight gravel path, while hot yellows and oranges in
    the tropical border complement the brick walls behind. The vineyard, a semi-circular garden, offers a pleasing
    palette where the rich mauves of the unusual and impressive standard wisterias are offset by lush pink
    hydrangeas and profusely flowering white clematis running along the inner colonnade.

    Step out of the formal areas down a gentle slope into a different world, where grass or bark paths meander
    through woodland dells or alongside a bog garden fed by a little stream. Shady ambles lend tranquility to the
    scenery and visitors can admire the banks of stunningly colourful massed azaleas and rhododendrons as they
    continue to put on a vibrant showing after their early summer peak.

    A sense of calm and unhurried pleasure pervades Hole Park and makes an afternoon out truly enjoyable. While
    the crowds enter on their timed tickets and press on each others’ heels at some of Kent’s gardens, garden lovers
    here have time to stop and admire the many delightful features and aspects and finish with tea and homemade
    cakes, and perhaps a browse at the plant stall.

   Hole Park through the seasons Click Here  Exotic Border Click Here

    Please note: Only guide dogs are allowed in gardens