Last summer I visited a stunning private garden called Follers Manor. The gardens sit on a shoulder of the South Downs, to the south of Alfriston, East Sussex and above the pretty village of Litlington. Here’s an account of my visit. (I didn’t use all the photos from that day. Here are a few more).
The owners, Geoff and Anne, have asked if I’d help advertise their three open days for summer 2015.
The first is on Saturday 27th June from 11am to 4pm – in aid of St Wilfred’s Hospice.
The other two days, Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July, are under the National Gardens Scheme. Opening times for these are 2.00 – 5.30pm.
And that’s it. If you can’t go along on any of these – and apologies for the short notice – you’ll need to wait until 2016. (Unless you arrange a group booking).
There is plenty of parking (in an adjacent field) and I’d recommend a visit to Alfriston – a beautiful Sussex village with tea shops, pubs … and the National Trust’s first acquisition – The Clergy House.
In the village of Litlington (just visible above) is a small, independent plant nursery and adjacent tea gardens. Both of which I’m fond of.
Though if you don’t make it to Litlington, Follers sell plants too. If you’re in the area and able to visit Follers, please do leave a comment with your impressions of Ian Kitson’s design. I’d like to hear what you think.
(For more information see the Shaw’s website).
The Anxious Gardener 
I’d love to visit there. Unfortunately all our leave has been allotted for this year. We have family and friends spread out over quite an area so visits require more than just a brief day trip. Must try and get to that area again though. We loved it when we stayed near Rye. Would be nice to do more of West Sussex next time.
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I’m a self confessed daydreamer, and in my head I live in a place just like that…….
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I’m a self confessed daydreamer, in my head I live in a place just like that. . .
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Actually Gary in reality I DO live in a place just like that … only far, far bigger. D
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Reblogged this on Pacey-Buck Garden Design and commented:
David’s post re Follers Manor. Great pictures!
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Thank you Ann.
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What a beautiful spot – garden heaven!
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You make a girl all the way in North Carolina, USA long to visit this beautiful garden and village. Hope you will write further about it with pictures for an English garden fix. This blog deserves wide recognition and accolades.
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Hi Stepheny, thanks very much for that. I think I’ve pretty much covered Follers now though! Dave
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Sigh for me too, Amelia! It looks absolutely stunning. Amazing how it integrates into the landscape. I would love a trip back to the quaint Alfriston, too. One day…
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Well if ever you do Janna, I’ll buy you a cup of tea at the Litlington tea gardens. Oh, go on then – and a slice of cake.
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I can imagine their open days will be popular, it’s a gorgeous garden!
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Yep Boys. I went to one open day last year and it was busy. I was very grateful to see it empty and alone! Dave
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Sigh. Sounds wonderful, I never have opportunities to visit gardens like that near me. Amelia
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Why’s that Amelia? I thought France was jam-packed with great gardens? Or is it just near you that there are none? D
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This area is more farming and small vineyards. The population density does not seem to support many ventures that would require a decent footfall to be viable. I can’t speak for near Paris or other major cities.
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