A garden in Sussex closed its gates to visitors on August 2, concluding the 2026 open season.
The summer presented considerable challenges, with prolonged heatwaves and conditions approaching drought throughout the region.
Despite the difficult weather patterns, the garden managed to maintain its appearance for guests.
Drought-tolerant species, including mangave specimens positioned on the upper patio near the gravel bed, proved particularly resilient during the extreme temperatures.
The 2026 season marked the seventeenth year of the garden’s existence, having first opened to the public in 2009.
The growing period from June 1 through early August proved to be among the most demanding in the garden’s history, yet attracted 401 advance bookings.
Cancellations prior to visits occurred as prospective guests reconsidered travel plans due to the prevailing high temperatures.
Visitor feedback proved overwhelmingly positive, with more than 40 individuals leaving five-star reviews on TripAdvisor following their experience.
This marked the highest volume of such reviews since the garden was registered on the platform seven years previously.
A substantial proportion of guests, approaching half of the total visitors, participated in guided talks explaining the garden’s conception and development, providing context for the space’s evolution.
As the closing date approached, visitor numbers increased notably, with many attempting to secure a final viewing before August 2.
A total of 323 portions of homemade cakes were prepared and served throughout the nine-week period.
Only one day during the entire season saw rain threatening to disrupt proceedings.
On July 26, a group of 26 members from the Grafty Green Garden group in Kent had arranged a visit.
Preparations were made to relocate all refreshments to the garage, where tables and chairs were positioned as a contingency measure.
The threatened precipitation ultimately failed to arrive.
The garden welcomed visitors travelling from considerable distances, including a party from California and guests from Dortmund in Germany.
An individual originally from Spain but residing in London specifically sought out the garden having read about it previously.
A notable encounter occurred when a former school companion, not seen since 1970, arrived with his spouse from Bedfordshire.
The reunion, representing 56 years since their last meeting, prompted extensive conversation over refreshments within the garden setting.
Following the season’s conclusion, total income from admission charges, talk fees, donations, BBC Gardeners’ World two-for-one entries, and cake sales was tallied.
The sum of £4,502.50 was raised for the National Garden Scheme.
This brings the cumulative total contributed to charitable causes since 2009 to £186,548.
The garden is scheduled to reopen in 2027, with the National Garden Scheme marking its centenary that year.
Opening dates will run from June 7 through August 1.