Doddington Place
Gardens
We visited Doddington Place Gardens (near Sittingbourne, Kent) as the open gardens brochure for Demelza said it was open for them one Sunday morning. It was all a bit strange when we got there because there was nobody from Demelza there but the owners, Richard & Amicia Oldfield, were very friendly and helpful and let us look around anyway.
The woodland garden was in full flower - loads of rhododendrons and azaleas of all different colours - beautiful.
The rock garden had been remodelled over the last couple of years and both the Oldfields were busy working in the garden while we were there. They have a couple of gardeners as well - the garden's about 10 acres so gardeners are definitely required. The garden was clearly well cared for without being manicured so very relaxing to walk around in.
The yew hedges were very impressive and there were yards and yards of them. All beautifully tended, they provided a lovely framework for the various "rooms" in the garden
Our flying friends clearly loved the garden as much as we did. There was certainly plenty of colour and variety for them to explore.
We would definitely recommend a visit to Doddington if you're in the area.