The Romans were the first to introduce gardening to this part of the country and at Fishbourne Roman Palace, near Chichester; you can see how a typical Roman garden would have looked.
Kent has been known as the Garden of England since the days of Henry VIII. England’s first fruit trees were planted here and thrived in the fertile soil and gentle climate. The county is also famous for hops, used in the brewing of beer. Also in Kent is Sissinghurst Castle Garden, a National Trust property. The garden was created by Vita Sackville-West and her husband Sir Harold Nicolson, both important figures in the world of garden design.
‘Capability’ Brown is one of the best-known figures in English gardening. He played a large part in the creation of the gardens of magnificent stately homes such as Petworth Park, Sheffield Park and also at Blenheim Palace (www.blenheimpalace.com/) in Oxfordshire. The work of Gertrude Jekyll, another well known horticulturist, can be seen at Parham Park (www.parhaminsussex.co.uk/) in Sussex and at Hatchlands Park in Surrey. For a wonderful day out, visit Exbury Gardens in Hampshire. There’s something to see every season of the year. Autumn is special but it’s in spring that most people visit to see the collections and displays of rhododendrons and azaleas. The colours are so varied and vivid; it’s hard to believe they are real.
More on gardens in the South East
RHS Garden Wisley
Flagship of the RHS - demonstrating English gardening at its best
Whatever the season and with 97ha (240 acres) of glorious gardens to explore, RHS Garden Wisley, situated in Woking, Surrey, is a wonderful day out. For more than 100 years the garden has been a centre of gardening excellence, with members and visitors benefiting from the knowledge and experience of RHS experts. Whether it is the stunning displays in the new Glasshouse, or the glories of the Mixed Borders at the height of summer, there is always something to delight and inspire whenever you visit.