A fabulous 2021 line-up for groups at Borde Hill Garden

The team at Borde Hill Garden, near Haywards Heath in West Sussex, have been busy planting thousands of bulbs, including 4,000 Muscari armeniacum 'Peppermint' along Paradise Walk, and masses of Fritillaria imperialis 'Red Rubra' and Allium 'Globemaster' in the newly redesigned Italian Garden. They'll form a great backdrop to the fabulous programme of events lined up for when the Garden reopens for groups and individuals on 13th February 2021.

There's plenty of unmissable events for garden-lovers, kicking off with a week of guided Camellia Heritage Tours to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Camellia x williamsii 'Donation' being raised at Borde Hill by Colonel Stephenson R Clarke. The Specialist Plant Fairs are always a big draw and will this year take place on 18th April and 12th September, while Rose Celebration Weeks will run from 14th-27th June, offering groups the chance to soak up the fragrant beauty of 750 David Austin roses in bloom. On 18th June, the Garden is delighted to be welcoming Michael Marriott, Chief Rosarian at David Austin Roses for a talk on 'Growing the Most Beautiful Roses'.

After COVID-19 struck the UK last year, so many people rediscovered the huge benefits of being outdoors, and a series of wellbeing events throughout 2021 will make the most of the Garden's glorious countryside setting. On 12 May, 16 June and 14 July, groups can pre-book to enjoy the Garden's seasonal highlights using touch and smell as well as sight, on a Nature for Wellbeing guided sensory walk. Or for a horticultural treat at any time during the season, groups can join our Head Gardener or an expert guide for a pre-booked Garden Tour to find out about the history and what it takes to maintain this oasis of beauty and tranquillity.

Music is always a big part of the Borde Hill events programme and 2021 will be no exception. Groups can relax with a picnic to enjoy live Music in the Garden between 1 and 3pm on 4th and 18th July, and again on 15th and 29th August. There will be Open Air Opera performances too - Tosca on 23rd July and The Marriage of Figaro on 24th July - as well as an opportunity to enjoy exclusive access to the Garden with live music and cinema under the stars for Music and Movie Nights on 20th and 21st August.

Art lovers won't want to miss spectacular Form In Nature, a sculpture exhibition running from 7th May to 30th September, while the Sussex Guild Contemporary Craft Show returns with a wonderful variety of well-designed and beautifully made arts and crafts for sale on 19th and 20th June.

In 2021, Borde Hill also continues its joint ticket offer with The Bluebell Railway - an iconic neighbouring Sussex attraction recently named one of the best steam railways in Britain and located just 20 minutes from the Garden. Groups can enjoy a relaxing journey in timeless comfort on board one of its famous steam locomotives followed by a leisurely afternoon stroll around Borde Hill Garden. Combined Group Rate: £20.00 (15+)

Groups can also book a joint ticket with Sussex Prairie Garden, offering two contrasting West Sussex destinations in one memorable day. Located just 20 minutes from Borde Hill, Sussex Prairie Garden is Britain's largest 'naturalistic' garden where visitors are encouraged to explore the 8-acre garden using a network of small paths which snake through the huge borders. The joint offer gives groups exclusive morning access to Sussex Prairie Garden, including a welcome introduction by the owners, before making the short journey across to the historic Borde Hill Garden. Combined Group Rate: £16.95/person (15+)

Whichever month you plan to bring a group, Borde Hill Garden offers colour and interest throughout the season, from early springtime displays of magnolias, camellias and rhododendrons, to fragrant summer roses and exotic herbaceous borders, followed by a blaze of rich autumnal colour.

The Gardener's Retreat Café offers groups the chance to relax and refuel with freshly prepared light lunches, afternoon teas, home-cooked cakes and refreshments. Pre-booked groups can also enjoy bespoke catering options from a cream tea to a cold buffet lunch tailored to the requirement of each group. Please enquire for details.

2021 Group Benefits:

1. Discounted Group Rate of £7.95/person (a £2/person saving off Adult day entry)
2. Pre-booked guided Garden Tour for up to 25 people (Head Gardener £120 / Expert Guide £95)
3. Bespoke Catering including: Cream Tea, Buffet Lunch, Afternoon Tea
4. FREE admission for coach driver and group organiser
5. £5 meal voucher for the coach driver
6. Accessible paths for less abled visitors, numerous benches throughout the Garden in scenic locations.
7. FREE wheelchairs on request
8. Well stocked gift shop and Plant Nursery
9. FREE Coach Park
To make an enquiry, please email or telephone us on 01444 450326

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