National Trust Sussex sites embrace beauty of nature in spring

The National Trust has compiled a list of the top places in the county to ring in the new season.

Magnolia at Nymans (Image: Laurence Perry/National Trust Images)

The Wall Garden at Nymans in Handcross, near Crawley

This garden is filled with spring bulbs, blossom and magnolia. The plants grow around the centrepiece of the Italianate marble fountain. In May, after the spring blossom falls and magnolia flowers, tall purple alliums in the borders take centre stage. The gardens host tours with expert guides that are free with admission. For anyone with mobility needs there’s a chance to escape to the woodland and listen to birdsong while spotting wildflowers along pathways and among hedgerows on a buggy tour led by a volunteer guide.

Bluebells in Sheffield Park and Garden (Image: Chris Lacey/National Trust Images)

Bluebells in Walk Wood at Sheffield Park and Garden near Uckfield

Before the bluebells bloom, visitors to Sheffield Park and Garden can enjoy the carpet of daffodils at the top of Ten Foot Pond. Walk Wood reopens in April and May to allow visitors to wander paths among the bluebells. In May to early June, the garden is a blaze of colour with many varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas.

The Orchard at Standen (Image: Andrew Butler/National Trust Images)

Apple blossom on Victorian trees at Standen in East Grinstead

Apple trees planted in 1893 at Standen are still smothered with pink blossom each spring and apples in autumn. James Masters, head gardener, said: “We have apple, pear, cherry, quince and medlar blossom at Standen. Look out for them in the orchard, Goose Green and the kitchen garden. The best time to see blossom does vary each year, pears are normally first in mid-March, the apples blossom throughout April. Most of our fruit trees are local varieties.”

The Rotunda and daffodils at Petworth (Image: John Miller/National Trust Images)

Petworth House and Park’s new Spring Festival

From March 23 to April 14 Petworth will host its first Spring Festival in its Pleasure Gardens. More than 50,000 bulbs carpet the grounds in a stunning mix of gold, yellow and cream blooms. Visitors can pick up a free spring programme for a daffodil map, botanical drawings of the different varieties on display and a what’s on guide. The festival launches with a weekend makers' market selling artisan gifts followed by a spring-themed programme of creative workshops including willow weaving and painting. Entry is included in the admission price.

Spring at Bateman's (Image: /National Trust Images)

Newly restored pear alley at Bateman’s, home of Rudyard Kipling in Burwash

The sweeping view of the orchard at Bateman’s is especially beautiful from mid April. Edwardian varieties of apple, pear, plum, damson and black mulberry trees are covered with blossom as they were when author Rudyard Kipling lived there. There is also a cherry border full of crab apple blossom and newly planted pear trees set to cover Pear Alley in delicate petals in future years.