Introduction
Emmetts Garden is a late-19th century to early-20th century 'wild garden' of 2 hectares (4.9 acres). It is set in a larger estate of wood and farmland of 40 hectares (98 acres). The garden consists mainly of trees and shrubs.
The 19th-century house overlooks a ‘plantsman'-type garden of unusual shrubs and trees, many of which date from the 19th century although regular additions are included.
The soils are an acidic loam and consequently many ericaceous shrubs, including numerous rhododendron and azalea species, thrive here. The siting of the gardens on top of a hill gives marvellous panoramic views, but unfortunately also meant that the grounds were devastated in the 1987 storm. The trees around the house were all blown down, with the exception of one large wellingtonia. However, most of the shrubs have survived, and still represent a marvellous collection. Included are species of magnolia, cornus, eucryphia, pieris, camellia and acers to name a few genera. Grass paths interweave between the specimens to allow close inspection.
Recent new additions are a formal rose garden, and a rockery with winding path leading down to a pool.
- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
Telephone
01732 868381Access contact details
The site is open between March and November, though opening days vary. Please see:
Directions
The site is 6 miles south-west of Sevenoaks, off the B2042 Sundridge-Ide Hill Road, and 1.5 miles south of A25. Please see:
Owners
The National Trust
Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon, SN2 2NAOther Websites
- Features & Designations
Designations
The National Heritage List for England: Register of Parks and Gardens
- Reference: GD412
- Grade: II
Plant Environment
- Plant Type
- Wild Garden
Features
- Pool
- Rockery
- Rose Garden
- Description: Formal design.
- Earliest Date:
- Latest Date:
- Villa (featured building)
- Earliest Date:
- Latest Date:
- Woodland
- Trees
- Shrub Feature
- Key Information
Type
Garden
Purpose
Ornamental
Plant Environment
Plant Type
Principal Building
Domestic / Residential
Survival
Part: standing remains
Hectares
42
Open to the public
Yes
Civil Parish
Brasted
- References
References
- Wright, Tom {The Gardens of Britain 4: Kent, East & West Sussex and Surrey}(London: Batsford, 1978) The Gardens of Britain 4: Kent, East & West Sussex and Surrey
- Kent County Council Planning Department {The Kent Gardens Compendium} (Canterbury: Kent County Council, 1996) 51 The Kent Gardens Compendium
- Wheeler, Richard {Emmetts: Conservation Statement} (2009) Emmetts: Conservation Statement
Contributors
Kent Gardens Trust