We have seen TV Shows in NZ on the “yellow book”, whereby in each English County a Gardening Judge visits prospective Gardens to see if they come up to scratch, to then appear in the National Garden Scheme Yellow Book and be open to the public. The public then look up the “Yellow Book” for the County they want to visit these gardens, book up and go, with the proceeds going to charities.

in early July we went to visit one of these Gardens, in West Sussex, at the village of West Hoathly, to view the garden, meet the owners and to have tea and cake!

West Hoathly a pretty village, The Cat, pub and lovely church.
Lemon drizzle and fruit cakes on display
An espaliered apple tree some 50 years old
The copper beech stand out tree
No rainfall in weeks and the lawn is parched
A modest family home.


“Luctons”, as the house is called was probably built in the early 1900’s, and purchased by the current owners some 50 years back. The garden was largely created back then. The owners, now in their late 70s met at Sheffield University, he is originally of Indian descent, but obtained a Masters Degree in a new subject, back then, computing! She had a degree in Medicine and they moved south for work and less racial discrimination, as the owner explained . He worked for Phillips for 20 years before moving on to “ secret Government work”. A lovely couple, they have created a superb garden on 2 acres of land, a magnificent copper beech tree, the vegetable and fruit garden and much more.

The cake and tea were excellent, it was a super insight into English Village life for the middle/ upper classes and a lovely way to spend an afternoon.