Magnificent Magnolias at Borde Hill.

Nestled in the heart of West Sussex, Borde Hill boasts an exquisite collection of over 150

stunning magnolia specimens. Hailed as a 'mecca for magnolia lovers,' the Garden is a

horticultural gem that celebrates the vast diversity and beauty of these much-loved

trees.

A self-guided Magnolia Trail, available from February to mid-April, will allow visitors to

take a stroll through nature’s beauty, showcasing an array of early-spring specimens,

including the regal Magnolia sprengeri var. 'Diva;' the towering 60ft Magnolia campbellii;

Magnolia dawsoniana; and Magnolia sargentiana var. robusta. These magnificent trees

trace their roots back to the early 1900s when notable Plant Hunters such as E.H Wilson,

George Forrest and others introduced their seedlings into cultivation. Many of Borde

Hill’s majestic giants have earned the coveted status of being a 'champion' tree, with the

tallest height or largest girth within the British Isles.

The magnolia blooms continue into May, when the Garden comes alive with late-

flowering varieties, such as the elegant Magnolia obovata from Japan, the stately

Magnolia fraseri from the USA, and the exquisite Magnolia officinalis from China. These

magnolias are admired not only for their scented displays but also for their remarkable

bark. Robin Lane Fox of the Financial Times recently described these three 'champions'

as ‘a holy trinity' in this 'haven of historic specimens.'

The magnolia display at Borde Hill thrives into the summer months, when visitors can

discover Magnolia 'Kay Parris' gracing the Italian Garden terrace with beautiful blooms

throughout July and August. While standing tall beside the Grade II* listed Elizabethan

Mansion, Magnolia grandiflora 'Goliath' adds grandeur to the heart of the Garden.

In 2018, the spectacular Gardiner Grove was established, featuring 50 American and

Asiatic magnolia hybrids. This remarkable project, made possible by a generous

donation of plants from John Ravenscroft of Cherry Tree Park in Cheshire, was curated

with care, under the guidance of former RHS Vice President and member of Borde Hill’s

Garden Council, Jim Gardiner. As they explore, visitors can wander along planted tree

circles, where genetically similar groups of stunning late flowering magnolias are

showcased, enabling visitors to appreciate both the similarities and distinctions among

these exciting new specimens.

Head Gardener, Mark Bobin says "now in its 8th year, Gardiner Grove is beginning to bud

up and showcase some of the best modern magnolia hybrids in cultivation. Designed by

Jim Gardiner, the area reflects the diversity of magnolia flowers, ranging from delicate

double pinks, to striking yellows and ivory whites – it's a sight not to be missed!

Magnolias are an important part of the Garden’s horticultural legacy, with Gardiner Grove

being one of the latest phases in Borde Hill’s ongoing evolution. By exploring the Garden,

visitors can witness plantings that span over 130 years of history, from TROBI

‘champions’ of the past, to potential ‘champions’ of the future. As Vanessa Berridge

aptly titled her book on this nationally important Garden, Borde Hill is indeed a ‘Plant

Hunter's Paradise.’

Visitors can experience the beauty of Borde Hill's renowned magnolia collection first

hand when the Garden opens for a new season on 14th February. Self-guided Magnolia

Trails are available from Visitor Reception and are included in Garden admission. For an

extra charge, groups of 15 people or more can enhance their visit by pre-booking a

guided tour with an expert guide. Visitors can also explore the collection in more detail

using Borde Hill’s digital app, available through Bloomberg Connects.