TOUR

A number of different gardens have been created within the 11 acres at Pashley; the herbaceous borders, resplendent in hot reds, yellows and oranges, meet you on entering the gardens. Take a stroll between the espaliered pear trees and vine covered arches, past the rose garden, toward the rich blues and purples that surround the pool outside the Victorian green house, then, onto the cool creams and greens of the beds by the eastern side of the house.

Pashley Manor Gardens - Ceanothus by pool with sculpture by Kate Denton
Pashley Manor Gardens - Sculpture by Ev Meynell taken by David Dixon
Pause on one of the many benches to admire the magnificent sculpture exhibited around the gardens or relax in the Garden Room Café surrounded by botanical inspired paintings from local artists.

At the back of the Manor house, which is covered in a magnificent wisteria, café tables are set out along the terrace with a beautiful view of fine old trees, fountains, springs and large ponds - an ideal setting to enjoy the delicious, locally sourced food and fine wines served from the Garden Room Café.

It is difficult to realise today how wild and out of control the grounds surrounding Pashley were on the arrival of the Sellick family in 1981. They consisted of only a small formal area to the west of the house, a sloping lawn to the moat and, of course, the many mature trees and rhododendrons you see today. Sadly over one thousand trees were lost from the estate in the 1987 hurricane, however, this was a blessing in disguise since it opened up much finer views over the surrounding rolling terrain.

The old Walled Garden seemed to contain beneath the brambles, weeds, tall grasses and nettles, nothing but tumbled down greenhouses and collapsed cold frames; all dominated beyond the wall by large conifers grown for a long past Christmas market, and the series of picturesque and wild linked waterways seemed to constantly empty themselves. Very gradually, with help, enthusiasm and encouragement from the eminent landscape architect and author, the late Anthony du Gard Pasley, an old friend of the Sellicks’, a garden with great potential was uncovered and has become one of the handsomest landscapes in Sussex – recognised after 20 years in 1999 when the Historic Houses Association and Christies voted Pashley ‘Garden of the Year’.
Pashley Manor Gardens - Rose Walk through walled garden
   
Pashley Manor Gardens - Tulip Beds, lawn and lake showing view to moat opened up by re-shaping of the lawn taken by David Dixon
There is evidence of gardening at Pashley from the 16th Century. The Walled Garden was completed in 1720 and is historically listed in its own right. It was one of the first things to be re-planned and replanted, in 1982. In 1987 the South West lawn was ploughed up and the slope re-shaped in order to reveal a flash of water from the back of the house. The terrace was levelled, and is now used to sit and enjoy teas and lunches, and the flower beds along this side of the house and round the lawn were planted.
   
In 1990 the Rose Garden, espaliered pear trees along the Rose Walk and the Kitchen Garden were designed and planted. The Golden Bed, in memory of a lost daughter, was created in 1993/4 and the Bluebell Walk through the beech, oak and hazel woods was cleared and opened in 1998. The colourful herbaceous borders were planned and prepared in autumn 1998 and planted up in 1999.
   

Nearly every year a new project is undertaken, whether it be gravelled paths for easier access; clearing further views throughout the ancient shrubberies; taking in yet more overgrown areas to plant with trees and shrubs; or reclaiming ancient parts of the long-lost Victorian gardens.

In 2008 the main restoration work was on the chain of ponds, particularly the one to the right of the old moat which has been landscaped and a new bridge has been installed.
Pashley Manor Gardens - Greenhouse by David Dixon
Pashley Manor Gardens - new reception/gift shop building.

2009 saw the results of a mass planting of azaleas in the green valley. The main project in this year was the construction of the new building you now see at the bottom of the drive, which is our new reception and shop. This fine timber-framed building with its handsome clock tower is made of green oak with cedar weatherboarding and roofed with handmade local tiles. In early 2010 we will be planning and planting the new beds created in front of this building.

The gardens are always evolving so that they might be inspirational to the first time visitor yet will never disappoint those who return regularly.

Personally Conducted Tours of the Garden either led by James Sellick (the Owner), or the Head Gardener, Keith Boylett, may be arranged for groups of 15 or more – see Group Information.