Come take a wander through our redeveloped exotic border…

This year’s redesign was all about changing how you interact with the garden. Instead of just viewing the border from a single main path, we’ve created a network of smaller wood chip pathways. Now, you can step right into the beds, get up close to the foliage, and appreciate the planting from entirely new angles.
Keep an eye out for our new bench—the perfect spot to pause and spot the first of this season’s dahlias! 😍

We’d love to know what you think of the new layout and planting scheme!
#exoticborder #dahlia #gardensofinstagram #kentgardens #dogfriendly

Think pink! 🌸✨ Our gorgeous Persian Silk Tree (Albizia julibrissin) is officially back in bloom, and it is putting on quite the summer show!
If you’ve never seen one up close, these unique blossoms look just like delicate, fluffy pink pom-poms made of fine silk threads. Here are a few fun facts about this stunning garden favorite:
The “Sleep” Tree: In its native regions, it’s often called the “Shy Tree” or “Night Sleeper” because its fern-like leaves slowly fold up together at night or during a heavy rainstorm.
Pollinator Paradise: Bees and butterflies absolutely adore these fragrant, nectar-rich flowers.
A Summer Highlight: It loves the sunshine and saves its spectacular display for the height of the summer heat.

Want to see this beauty (and smell its sweet fragrance) in person? Come wander through our 16 acres of colourful summer gardens on Wednesdays or Thursdays! And yes—we are completely dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your four-legged friends along for the stroll!

🗓 Open every Wednesday and Thursday throughout the summer
⏰ Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Bring a camera, take a stroll, soak in the summer colours from one of our many benches. Why not treat yourself to a tasty, locally produced treat from our Coach House tearoom while you’re with us?
#silktree #albiziajubrissin #gardensofinstagram #kentgardens #dogfriendly

The heat is on – again – this week and in more ways than one! As you can see, the garden borders are bursting with vibrant hot colour and there is even a second flowering of the wisteria in the vineyard! Need to cool down? Pause by one of our pools or on one of the many shaded seats throughout garden. We’re open on Wednesday & Thursday this week, 11am to 6pm and the Coach House Tearoom team will also be ready to serve you delicious, cooling refreshments.

#summer #garden #relaxation #daysout #kent

This #ThrowbackThursday, we’re taking a moment to bridge the past and the present. Last Friday’s Beating Retreat for the Army Benevolent Fund was an unforgettable evening of honour and remembrance.

We were incredibly proud to host The Lord Lieutenant Lady Colgrain AND the present High Sheriff of Kent, Martin Lukehurst for the ocassion. Looking at the High Sheriff in his uniform (Photo 2) makes us smile and think of a very important part of our own history. The late David Barham, Edward’s father, also served as High Sheriff of Kent (Photo 1) and here is is in his splendour, at the front door of the house.
#highsheriff #beatingretreat #kenthistory #armybenevolentfund @highsheriffofkent @mytenterden @visitashfordtenterden

Hole Park’s Summer meadows are calling – and ITV Meridian couldn’t resist answering! Reporter Abi Bracken & her cameraman Lewis spent yesterday morning with Head Gardener Quentin Stark talking about how our species-rich meadows – some established in the gardens 40 years ago – and annual wildflower areas are cared for and their importance for nature. Abi also spoke to James Duncan from the Sussex Wildlife Trust about the wealth of biodiversity that they support. The list of ‘spots’ from yesterday included: ten species of butterfly and moth including Painted Lady, Peacock, Gatekeeper and Hummingbird Hawkmoth; seven different dragonflies and damselflies plus many bumble bees and other insects. Tune in to find out more tonight on ITV Meridian’s early evening bulletin from 6pm. If you miss it, the programme should also be available on ITVX until the following evening.

#nationalmeadowsday #biodiversity #supportnature #historichouse #weald

The conditions were perfect for this morning’s butterfly safari at @holeparkgarden . A big ‘Thank you’ to James Duncan of @sussexwildlifetrust for leading this fascinating tour as part of our Meadows Week.
ℹ️ DYK butterfly fact: the spots in the centre of the wings of many varieties of butterfly are there to trick birds into thinking they are eyes and give them time to escape an attack.
If you’re visiting this week (Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday) look out for the many butterflies, bees and dragonflies that are now enjoying the meadows & borders across the gardens.

🗓️ Remember: this is our last week of daily opening as we move to Wednesdays and Thursday only in July until October.

#savebutterflies #garden #butterflies #explorekent #placestovisit

What a wonderful evening for this year’s Beating Retreat with performances by the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas and @qracorpsofdrums and music from @cranbrooktownband beforehand during the reception. Thank you to everyone who came along in support of @armybenevolentfund
#summer #music #armedforcesday #historic

Just over a week to go until Beating Retreat at Hole Park and the forecast is wonderful ☀️
Last year’s evening gave us glorious weather, a beautiful atmosphere and a memorable display of music and military precision in the parkland – and we’re delighted to welcome back @qracorpsofdrums and the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas in aid of @armybenevolentfund
Guests will once again be welcomed with a sparkling reception in the vineyard garden, accompanied by the @cranbrooktownband ahead of the pageantry and ceremony in the presence of Lady Colgrain, the Lord Lieutenant of Kent.
Tickets remain available on our website, for those who would like to join us. #beatingretreat #summerevening #militaryband #ceremonialtradition #lordlieutenant @mytenterden @visitkent @visitashfordtenterden

The genus Nymphaea, the waterlilies come in a wide range of sizes, colours and can be grown in many different styles of ponds.

Pictures 1 & 2 is the new miniature varieties that have flowers only 2“ across which replaces a large vigorous cultivar in the reflective pool in the Millennium Garden.

Picture 3 is another miniature variety in an iron pot

Pictures 4 & 5 is the formal pond on the Fountain Lawn .

Pictures 6, 7 & 8 are a a relative of waterlilies it`s Called Nupar lutea, as it smells like the dregs of wine one of it`s common name is Brandy Bottle lily.
It is a native plant growing in deep water and is vigorous, ideal for large ponds as we have it in the Egg Pond.

#water #reflections #waterlilies #wildlife #holeparkgardens