Borde Hill, the Grade II listed Family Estate English Country Garden Has Reopened

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Borde Hill, the Grade II* listed Family Estate and English country garden in West Sussex, opened up on 15th February. Members are invited to enjoy all the activities with events running all summer and Autumn. Less than an hour from London, Borde Hill offers a host of exciting events in the  new year, welcoming both seasoned gardeners and visitors looking for a wonderful day spent in nature,  celebrating the beginning of another vibrant season of beauty and discovery.  

As Borde Hill reopened this month the Garden showcased early blooms like snowdrops, hellebores and  magnolias, inviting visitors to witness the start of a new season. By next month, visitors will have the  opportunity to experience the uplifting colour of thousands of newly planted narcissus bulbs, along with  daffodils, primroses, and camellias. While in April, tulips and rhododendrons bring the Garden into full  spring bloom.

Visitors can then relax  in Ginkgo Coffee shop where they are welcome to a sandwich and a warming soup as included in the ticket  price. (Advanced booking essential. £55 including tea and biscuits on arrival, as well as a soup and  sandwich following the masterclass. £44 for members.) 

MAGNOLIAS IN BLOOM (Mid March – Mid April, 10am-5pm) 

Visitors have the chance to explore Borde Hill’s magnificent magnolia collection through the self-guided  ‘Magnolia Trail’, where wonders such as the 60-foot Magnolia Campbellii, the Magnolia Dawsoniana and  other ‘champion’ trees are showcased. From majestic specimens planted in the early 1900s to the recent  addition of Gardiner Grove, home to 50 American and Asiatic hybrids planted in 2018, this trail is perfect  for magnolia enthusiasts and garden lovers alike who can witness these remarkable trees in full bloom.  (Ticket included in Gardens admission. Free for Members.) 

MACRAMÉ PLANT HANGER WORKSHOP (Thursday 13 March, 10:30am-1pm) 

Borde Hill welcomes visitors to unwind with a relaxing macramé plant hanger workshop, perfect for  beginners. Led by Paula from Cocoon&Me, participants can choose from a variety of recycled cotton yarns  in different colours to craft a bespoke plant hanger. Taking place in the Animal Room, this hands-on  session teaches three basic macramé knots and offers a wonderful opportunity for those with a green  thumb and an artistic interest to craft something unique. With all materials provided, plus refreshments  and garden entry included, it’s an ideal way to spend a creative and therapeutic day at Borde Hill. 

(Advanced booking essential. £60 including refreshments upon arrival, materials and entry to the garden  following the workshop.) 

KIDS TRAIL: BERTRAM BUNNY’S EASTER ADVENTURE (Saturday 29 March – Monday 21 April) Easter at Borde Hill is full of fun and mischief, as Bertram Bunny has been causing chaos around the  Garden. He’s upset the other bunnies by ruining Bella the Baker’s chocolate cake and splashing water all  over Allegra the Artist’s beautiful watercolour painting. We need your help to track down Bertram and  restore peace! Follow the daily story trail, crack the clues, and uncover Bertram’s secret password to  receive a delicious chocolate egg as a reward for your efforts. (£4.50 per trail, plus admission to include a  prize. Free for Members.) 

EASTER WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP (Saturday 5 April) 

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Embrace the arrival of spring by crafting a moss-based Easter wreath during a two hour workshop, using  sustainably-sourced foliage, pussy willow, catkins, and fresh spring flowers gathered from the picturesque  Borde Hill Estate – perfect for adorning your front door, gifting to a loved one, or enhancing your Easter  table setting. (Advanced booking essential. £49 including refreshments upon arrival, materials and entry  to the garden following the workshop.) 

‘SPRING BULBS’ – BOTANICAL ART CLASS WITH PENNY SANDERSON (Thursday 24 April, 2pm-4pm) Visitors can enjoy a peaceful two-hour watercolour workshop led by botanical artist Penny Sanderson (Dip  SBA), offering the opportunity to paint spring flowers inspired by the beautiful Borde Hill Garden.  Throughout the session, participants will learn key watercolour techniques, with a focus on painting a  tulip, guided by Penny’s expertise. Held in the Garden Marquee, the workshop includes access to the  Garden and a delightful cream tea. Suitable for both beginners and experienced artists alike, the workshop  provides a relaxing and creative experience for all. (Advanced booking essential. £45 per person, including  Garden admission and a cream tea. Places are limited.) 

DAWN CHORUS WALK (Friday 25 April, 5:30am-7:30am) 

Visitors are invited to join Sussex naturalist Michael Blencowe as he guides an early-morning walk through  Borde Hill’s heritage-listed South Park. Visitors can have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves  in the enchanting sounds of the Dawn Chorus, with Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, Robins, Wrens, and more  filling the morning air. Afterward, guests can enjoy tea, coffee, and croissants at the Gingko Coffee Shop,  where Michael will share insights and a short recap of the bird species observed on the walk. (Advanced  booking essential. £30 including refreshments after the walk. Please note that the walk will take place on  uneven terrain and is therefore not suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs, or those with limited mobility.  Dogs are not permitted.) 

SPECIALIST SPRING PLANT FAIR (Sunday 11 May, 10am-3pm) 

The Plant Fairs Roadshow, a collective of specialist nurseries, returns to Borde Hill’s Azalea Ring with their  much-anticipated Specialist Spring Plant Fair. Visitors can behold an impressive array of locally grown and  rare plants from the South East of England, with additions from several RHS contributors. As the garden 

bursts into life with vibrant displays of rhododendrons, bluebells, tulips, and other Spring blossoms,  gardening experts will be on hand to offer advice and answer questions. (Advanced booking  recommended. Ticket included in Garden admission. Free for Members.) 

NATIONAL GARDENS SCHEME OPEN DAY (Tuesday 13 May, 10am-5pm) 

Borde Hill’s flourishing and vivid horticultural array of azaleas, trees, rhododendrons and more has a  special opening in support of the National Gardens Scheme Charity. Visitors are invited to combine their  love of botany with their support for a worthy cause, enjoying the beauty of the gardens while  contributing through their attendance. (Ticket included in Garden admission. All net proceeds go towards  the NGS.) 

Borde Hill Garden, Borde Hill Lane, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 1XP 

Tel: 01444 450326, www.bordehill.co.uk 

BORDE HILL EVENT PROGRAMME 2025

11 May Specialist Spring Plant Fair. A wide range of garden worthy  and unusual plants as part of the Plant Fairs Roadshow.