Pashley Manor
| Published: 16th January 2008 16:07 |
One of the finest Gardens in England
Pashley Manor photograph taken by David Dixon
Pashley Manor Gardens, a privately owned, award winning 11 acre garden, offers a sumptuous blend of romantic landscaping, imaginative plantings and fine old trees, fountains, springs and large ponds. This is a quintessential English Garden of a very individual character, with exceptional views to the surrounding valleyed fields. Many eras of English history are reflected here, typifying the tradition of the English Country House and its garden.
Mr & Mrs James Sellick, who first opened the gardens to the public in 1992, brought them to their present splendour with the assistance of the eminent landscape architect and author, Anthony du Gard Pasley. The transformation of the gardens was recognised by the Historic Houses Association and Christies in 1999 when it was voted Garden of the Year.
Throughout the open season (3rd April - 30th September 2008) an exciting programme of events is devised for the discerning garden-lover: the spectacular Tulip Festival, Sculpture Fortnight, Special Rose Weekend, Lily Time and The Sussex Guild Craft Show.
The Gardens
The siting of Pashley, amidst the hilly wooded county of East Sussex, bordering on Kent, provides a setting that has been described as a gardener's dream come true.
The earliest record of cultivation at Pashley is a garden wall built during the 15th century, and there are great oaks dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. However, much of the structure of the garden was formed in the mid-19th century, with the planting of fine specimen conifers. From this era also dates a beautiful period greenhouse, containing many interesting plants. The extensive Kitchen Garden is Edwardian in character and a source of inspiration to gardeners who like to eat what they grow! Naturally, the garden provides an abundance of fresh produce including, when in season, salads, vegetables, fruit and herbs for the Garden Room Café.
Under the sensitive direction and keen eye of the Sellicks, and their Head Gardener, Keith Boylett, the visual aspect of Pashley Manor Gardens has been greatly enhanced in keeping with its historical character. A rose garden now flourishes within the old walled garden. Fine beds sweep across the South Front and enclose the wide lawn sloping down to the moat, where an ornamental bridge leads to the Island, with its classical temple. Verdant walks, glades and a chain of large ponds provide many ravishing views of the house, fountains and sculptures, Brightling Beacon and the surrounding countryside. Pashley is very proud of its late summer herbaceous borders with a rich tapestry of golds, oranges and reds continuing well into October, which creates a marvellous finale to the season.
Pashley Manor
The manor house was built by a successful Iron Master, Sir Thomas May, around 1550 and is unusual in having both a Tudor and an early Georgian façade. The May family owned the house for nearly 400 years and were one of the major Sussex families. Thereafter, Pashley was unoccupied from 1922-1945 (except for brief periods by troops and evacuees) and has only in the last 20 years been restored to its former glory. It is Grade I listed of Particular Architectural Interest, and its splendid oak-panelled Great Hall is open to the public throughout the season and houses the gift shop and, during the Tulip Festival, magnificent floral arrangements are also displayed.
Garden Room Café and Gift Shop
Pashley Manor Gardens prides itself on its delicious food, homemade soups,
fresh salads, from the garden whenever possible, with local cheese, ham or pâté,
homemade scones and cakes. Refreshments and food are served from the Garden Room Café which has seating for 80. Alternatively they can be enjoyed alfresco sitting on the garden terrace overlooking sweeping lawns down to the ponds. The gift shop caters for every taste - from postcards and local honey to traditional hand-painted ceramics and tapestry cushions. A selection of plants and shrubs, many of which grow at Pashley are also available for purchase.
Sculpture by Philip Jackson
Sculpture plays a very important part in the gardens with the design, views and settings ideal for placing sculpture. Each year the works of many eminent artists are displayed and can be purchased.
Botanical Art
Every year, an exhibition of botanical and flower drawings and paintings with leading artists, many of whom have been awarded Gold or Silver Gilt medals by the RHS, are on view in the Great Hall and Garden Room Café.
Hospitality
Pashley is a stunning location for marquee wedding receptions, it provides an idyllic romantic backdrop for those treasured wedding photographs and a beautiful setting for the bride and groom and their guests to relax and enjoy the day. The Garden Room Café is a great place to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries, or, can be used as a tranquil venue to entertain clients, hold a training course or launch a new product.
• Pashley Manor Gardens is situated on the B2099, between the A21 and Ticehurst village.
• The gardens are open to the public 3rd April to 30th September 2008 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Bank Holiday Mondays, 11am - 5pm.
• During October the gardens only are open (café and shop closed) Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm
• Admission: Adults £7.00, Groups (15+) £6.50, Children under 16 £5.00, Children under 6 free, Tulip Festival £7.50 for all.
For further information, please contact Pashley Manor Gardens
Tel: 01580 200888 ▪ Fax: 01580 200102
E-mail: info@pashleymanorgardens.com
www.pashleymanorgardens.com
PASHLEY MANOR GARDENS
A winner of the HHA/Christie's Garden of the Year Award
Special Events for 2008
Tulip Festival
Friday 25th April every day until Bank Holiday Monday 5th May (inclusive) 11.00 am to 5.00 pm Admission £7.50 for all, no concessions
The Tulip Festival was initiated to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the tulip's arrival in Europe from Persia. It has become an extremely popular annual event held in association with Bloms Bulbs, winners of 57 Chelsea Gold Medals.
Approximately 17,500 bulbs in 90 varieties are planted throughout the gardens in carefully themed colours to create a stunning effect. There will also be 2,000 cut tulips on display in the oak panelled Great Hall and Study and on the Elizabethan terrace of the Manor house. Bulb orders for Bloms Bulbs may be taken at this time for delivery in the autumn.
Sculpture Fortnight including Maquettes
Saturday 17th May every day until Thursday 29th May (inclusive) 11.00 am - 5.00 pm Normal prices apply
Continuing from the success of the first Sculpture Fortnight in 2007, Pashley is holding this event again in 2008. The gardens provide the perfect setting for sculpture. Each year Pashley features the work of many eminent sculptors - including Philip Jackson, Ann Hogben, Guy Portelli, John Brown, Mary Cox, Kate Denton, Jenny Wynne-Jones, Neal French, Peter Clarke, Bob Allen, Helen Sinclair, James Milborrow, Silvia MacRae Brown and Ev Meynell, as well as works by local sculptors. Throughout the season there is a display and sale of sculpture in the gardens. In addition, for this fortnight at the end of May, part of the Manor will be opened to the public for a display and sale of maquettes and small sculpture.
Special Rose Weekend
Friday 13th to Sunday 15th June, 11.00 am - 5.00 pm Normal prices apply
The gardens are spectacular all summer and it is in June that the fragrant, colour themed plantings of roses are at their best. A representative from Peter Beales Roses, winners of 16 Chelsea Gold Medals, will be leading walks around the garden on all three days. There is also the opportunity to purchase, or order, a selection of Peter Beales Roses.
Lily Time mid July - mid August (normal days) Lily Weekend
Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd August, 11.00 am - 5.00 pm Normal prices apply
This event was new for 2007 when over 40 fascinating varieties of lilies, some highly perfumed, were planted in the gardens and in the woodland area. This season will provide an even better show as the lilies become more established and more have been planted. Orders for lilies from Bloms Bulbs may be taken at Pashley.
Sussex Guild Craft Show
Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st August 10.00 am - 5.00 pm Special price of £5.50 to include entrance to the Gardens
The Sussex Guild will again be showing exciting new crafts this year, their eighth Craft Show at Pashley. Each applicant to The Sussex Guild has to undergo a rigorous selection procedure so his/her work is of the highest standard.
Our licensed Garden Room Café with Terrace is open throughout the season serving light lunches, afternoon tea, coffee and cakes
For further information please telephone: 01580 200888
Days Gardens open: From 3rd April to 30th September Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Bank Holiday Mondays.
Times Gardens open: From 11.00 am - 5.00 pm including Special Event days unless otherwise stated
October opening: Gardens only open (Gift shop and Garden Room Café closed)
Monday to Friday, 10.00 am - 4.00 pm.
Admission: Adults: £7.00
Groups of 15+ : £6.50 per person
Children 6 to 16 years: £5.00
Children under 6 years: Free
Tulip Festival £7.50 (for all, no group discounts).
Location: Pashley Manor Gardens, Ticehurst, East Sussex, TN5 7HE is situated on the B2099, between the A21 and Ticehurst village.
Website: www.pashleymanorgardens.com
Email: info@pashleymanorgardens.com
Special thanks to Pashley Manor for supplying the articles and photographs
