This West Sussex public garden is third best in UK, according to research by outdoor living experts
A public garden in West Sussex is one of the top three to visit in the UK this spring, according to new research by White Stores.
The outdoor living experts’ study analysed 240 gardens listed by the Royal Horticultural Society. Visit www.whitestores.co.uk.
It then compiled their Google ratings, annual rainfall, average temperature, hours of sunlight per year, number of facilities and on-site attractions and gave each garden a rating out of 100.
Nymans, a Grade II listed National Trust garden in Handcross, came third with an overall rating of 86.4 out of 100.
The National Trust website describes Nymans as ‘a garden lovers’ home for all seasons, with an extensive yet intimate garden set around a romantic house and ruins’. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) website called it ‘a delight for all seasons with its rare and unusual plant collections’. It features a Mediterranean garden, herbaceous border, wildflower meadow, arboretum and rock garden, as well as and a children’s play area.
People can view a photo gallery at www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/people/i-visited-nymans-garden-to-see-the-spring-blooms-5627604.
The White Stores study showed that Nymans is the second most reviewed garden in the top five, with 6,798 reviews. The research also showed it had an average Google review rating of 4.7.
Rob Mead, buying director at White Stores, said: “Not everyone is lucky enough to have a garden of their own to enjoy, but the UK is well known for its public gardens. There are hundreds dotted around the UK so anyone can enjoy a day out among the flowers. These gardens offer more than a great day out for a family of all ages, and they’re great inspiration for people looking to decorate their own outdoor spaces.”
The White Stores research also revealed that annual rainfall is relatively low at Nymans, with less than 1,000 mm per year (976mm). It said this part of Mid Sussex is also ‘likely to be sunnier than the average UK garden’, with 2,688 hours of sunlight annually, compared to the average 2,558.
Borde Hill was the other Mid Sussex garden to rank highly, coming in 20th. It has a score of 81.54 out of 100, a 4.6 Google review rating, lower than average annual rainfall and higher than average daylight. The RHS website says it features one private collection of over 70 specimens of champion trees. It also has one of the UK’s best ‘champion’ magnolia collections, which people can see in a gallery at www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/people/magnificent-magnolias-at-borde-hill-5635573.
Sheffield Park and Garden in Uckfield was ranked ninth with a score of 84.7 out of 100. People can view a photo gallery at www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/people/autumn-colours-at-sheffield-park-the-national-trust-property-in-the-heart-of-sussex-5403679.
The highest-ranking public garden in the UK is The East Ruston Old Vicarage in Norfolk, which received an overall rating of 86.6 out of 100 total points.