Join us for the first garden visit of the year to explore The Plant Library of over 2,000 species of perennials and bulbs as well as Tom and Sue Stuart-Smith’s Barn Garden as they burst into bloom for Spring.
The Plant Library is a living catalogue of perennials and bulbs and this early Spring opening gives you the first glance at many of its 500 bulbs surrounded by emerging foliage. Expect to see a range of species Tulips, Daffodils, Scilla, Fritillaria, Anemone, Pulsatilla and more.
The Barn Garden includes an enclosed courtyard with corten water tanks, the west garden with large areas of herbaceous planting in a formal frame of yew and hornbeam hedges, the vegetable garden, meadow, wildlife pond and prairie. In Spring, the wildflower meadow is carpeted with narcissus and cowslips. In April there are Magnolias and white narcissus throughout the west garden and lots of tulips. Later in April there are a variety of species Malus which make a beautiful show.
The Plant Library and The Barn Garden will be open to visit between 10.00am–1.00pm, with refreshments and seasonal site baked cakes available to enjoy within The Apple House (available by pre-order only).
Pop-up plant sales will be hosted by The Plant Library team and Sunnyside Rural Trust’s Orchard nursery, providing the opportunity to take home distinctive and unusual plants grown from The Plant Library stock.
All profits from ticket and refreshment sales goes directly to support the work of our not-for-profit, The Serge Hill Project for Gardening Creativity and Health, which provides therapeutic and educational programmes to local schools, charities and community groups most in need.
Tickets are limited to only 50 per garden visit, meaning you can enjoy the tranquility of the gardens with only a small number of other visitors.
Photo Credit: Marianne Majerus
Visitor Information
The gardens are open from 10am–1pm, and it usually takes around two hours to walk around The Barn Garden and The Plant Library. Please note that it is possible to pre-book tea, coffee and cake to enjoy during your visit.
Parking onsite is limited so please car-share or come by public transport wherever possible.
Please note this is a no smoking and no vaping site.
Accessibility
Accessible parking for those who require it is available directly outside The Apple House. There is step-free access to the building and all areas. However, there are many potential trip hazards and uneven surfaces that may be encountered whilst visiting the gardens, along with gravel paths that aren’t suitable for walking frames with wheels.
The gardens are extensive so there’s a lot of ground to cover. Please be aware that due to the ongoing building works around the Orchard, there may be additional hazards to look out for.
We have a mobility scooter available for use. If you would like to reserve it, please contact info@sergehillproject.co.uk