King John’s Lodge and Gardens
The Gardens
The Secret Garden
The entrance to the Secret Garden in King John's Lodge
This area is a special surprise in spring, its pond surrounded by pink primulas. The woodland walk leads down from the secret garden to the Peacock House, which in turn leads through a buttercup meadow to the Granary Barn smothered in roses and white solanum.
Barn Garden
The main garden of King John's Lodge
Around the Granary Barn, now skilfully converted to self-catering accommodation, the barn garden provides a pleasant sitting area from where to contemplate the roses and fruit trees.
Wild Garden
The pond near the Wild Garden
Signs of life stir in spring here as bulbs start into flower and the garden reaches its peak in June when the meadow flowers and roses take over. The wild garden, with its ancient apple trees and gazebo, leads via the rose walk to the ivy garden and wild pond, where spectacular, architectural gunnera provide shelter for all types of wildlife.
Formal Garden
Another rare flower in the formal gardens to the rear of the Lodge
Here main borders include softly-coloured old roses and herbaceous planting and beyond the fountain and lily pond visitors can walk in the parkland surrounding the garden, taking in the splendid views towards Burwash and the beautiful Sussex countryside beyond. On this land sheep grazing peacefully, occasionally joined by the peacock and the many white fantail pigeons, add to the tranquillity of the setting.
Nursery
A sculpture broods near the Lodge's unique nursery
The recently opened nursery is another family-run concern, managed by Harry Cunningham, son of the owners.
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