going local: a spring morning at emmetts garden

A sunny spring morning. Fog rising. First spring flowers. A bit of mud too. Yes, I’ve been to Emmetts Garden – a lovely little oasis in Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, Kent (the South East part of England) and I did the Ram Pump loop, which got a bit muddy at times. But it was so pretty and relaxing – just the perfect start for a morning!

Ide Hill has formal gardens as well as a pinetum and nice little forest trails, which actually connect with a larger network of trails. It is still early spring and only some flowers are in bloom, but in summertime there will be plenty to look at from the rose gardens to the rock garden. The gardens only opened this week from the winter hibernation, but the trip was definitely worthwhile (note though that the house pictured is actually in private use, so Emmetts Garden really is just about gardens). This is also a great place for the kids as there is a little cottage for them filled with activities, games and tools such as magnifying glasses to use while exploring the gardens.

I loved slowing down at the pond and just listening the birds and admiring the beauty of the forest. But the most impressive moment was on top of the hill where I could look down to the valley and watch the fog slowly lifting off the valley, revealing a church and flogs of sheep in the horizon.

Oh Emmetts Garden, I’ll be back to see your colourful displays this summer – and of course to visit the lovely tea room too!

Emmetts Garden, NT property in Ide Hill, Kent

Emmetts Garden, NT property Ide Hill, Kent, UK

Emmetts Garden, NT property Ide Hill, Kent, UK

Emmetts Garden, NT property Ide Hill, Kent, UK

Emmetts Garden, NT property Ide Hill, Kent, UK

Emmetts Garden, NT property Ide Hill, Kent, UK

Emmetts Garden, NT property Ide Hill, Kent, UK

Emmetts Garden, NT property Ide Hill, Kent, UK

Emmetts Garden, NT property Ide Hill, Kent, UK

Emmetts Garden, NT property Ide Hill, Kent, UK

Emmetts Garden, NT property Ide Hill, Kent, UK

Emmetts Garden, NT property Ide Hill, Kent, UK

Emmetts Garden, NT property Ide Hill, Kent, UK

Emmetts Garden in Bloom

Kids activities at Emmetts Garden