The National Garden Scheme: The garden at The Old Vicarage Washington open every Thursday

The Old Vicarage Washington is a great place to see a stunning display of Spring colour. Each year thousands of spring bulbs, including 2000 tulips, are planted in the 3½ acre garden, which is set around an 1832 Regency house (not open) in the pretty village of Washington, West Sussex. In addition to this dazzling treat, the garden has many wonderful features to see including mature and specimen trees, a Japanese garden, an Italianate gazebo, water gardens and numerous creatively planted herbaceous borders. The working kitchen garden has glasshouses, fruit cages, orchard and vegetables. Throughout the garden, there are well placed seating areas to take in the stunning West Sussex scenery. The treehouse is much loved by young and old alike, from here the nature viewing platform opens on to the woodland copse area which incorporates a stream and architectural stumpery. Everyone loves the topiary of characters who watch over the tennis court. Whatever the weather, there is a haven in the conservatory where refreshments are available.

The Old Vicarage, The Street, Washington, Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 4AS opens for the National Garden Scheme every Thursday from 9th February until 12th October (10.30-4.30). Pre-booking is essential, please visit ngs.org.uk.

The garden is also open on Sunday 12th March, Monday 10th April and Monday 28th August (10.30am-4.30pm). For these days you can pre-book or pay at the gate on the day. Admission is £7.

Visits also by arrangement 20 Feb to 29 Sept for groups of 10 to 30.

The National Garden Scheme. gives visitors unique access to over 3,500 exceptional private gardens in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, and raises impressive amounts of money for nursing and health charities through admissions, teas and cake. Thanks to the generosity of garden owners, volunteers and visitors the National Garden Scheme have donated over £67 million to nursing and health charities since they were founded in 1927. In 2022, they donated £3.11 million. Beneficiaries include Marie Curie, Macmillan Cancer Support, Parkinson’s UK, Carers Trust and The Queen’s Nursing Institute.

For more information on the work of the National Garden Scheme, to find other gardens open in the area or to enquire about opening your own garden visit https://ngs.org.uk