2023 sees Borde Hill celebrate 130 Years of Planting Excellence. From the 12th-18th June, the Grade II listed Mansion House at the heart of the Garden will exclusively open for tours to celebrate 130 years since visionary plantsman and owner Colonel Stephenson Robert Clarke first created the magnificent collection of rare trees and flowering shrubs across the Estate.
Visitors can pre-book access to the Elizabethan Mansion House and view the significant horticultural archive which unlocks the exciting history of the notable rare and unusual plants at Borde Hill. Gathered from explorations around the world from 1893 onwards, the nationally important collection of exotic plants and champion trees continue to represent the very best in British gardening.
Register to join either the morning or afternoon session, to hear first-hand from the Borde Hill Archive team how Col. Stephenson R Clarke was a visionary Sussex horticulturalist who influenced the way we garden today.
Each group will then take a guided walk led by Head of Horticulture Harry Baldwin to discover trees and shrubs which celebrate the past, present and future of horticultural planting excellence at Borde Hill.
Itinerary
Morning Sessions (Monday 12th to Sunday 18th June)
10.15 – Assemble at Visitor Reception to be escorted to the House
10.30 – Welcome at the front of House followed by a tour of the Entrance Hall, Drawing Room and Dining Room
10.45 – Talk and viewing of archival material
11.15 – Garden Tour with Head of Horticulture, Harry Baldwin
12.15 – Time to explore Garden at leisure
Afternoon Sessions (Thursday 15th, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th June)
13.15 – Assemble at Visitor Reception to be escorted to the House
13.30 – Welcome at the front of House followed by a tour of the Entrance Hall, Drawing Room and Dining Room
13.45 – Talk and viewing of archival material
14.15 – Garden Tour with Head of Horticulture, Harry Baldwin
15.15 – Time to explore Garden at leisure
Find out more about our history here
