Northiam’s Great Dixtercomes to life for spring

The historic property in Northiam attracts garden enthusiasts from all over the world.

It reopens today (Good Friday) and will be open for the season until Sunday October 27.

Crocuses, snakes’ head fritillaries and spring bulbs will be blooming in the meadows, borders and pots, craftsmen will be working in the newly restored Great Barn and Oast House.

Younger visitors will be able to go on a bumblebee safari. Free Spotter Sheets will be available to use in the garden to learn more about bumblebees and see how many bumblebees they can identify and which plants they like.

Visitors to the recently restored Great Barn and Oast house will be able to watch craftsmen making artefacts from Dixter-grown wood including chestnut gate hurdles, ladders and others goods, all of which will be on sale.

In the House, White Barn and Oast house there will be a display of archive material giving more of an insight into the family history and how the garden was made.

Gardeners will be able to purchase a selection of plants from Great Dixter.

Building on the success of the 2012 opening of the completed £8 million four year restoration project, the Great Dixter Charitable Trust has been able to hold the 2013 entrance prices to their 2012 levels.

The gardens are open from 11am – 5 pm (last admission) and the house 2pm - 5pm. Admission charges with Gift Aid (Standard charges in brackets) House and Gardens: Adult £9.50; children £5. Gardens only: Adults £7.50; children £4.