Visitors to Beech Court Gardens can see the unusual assortment of rare breed chickens which can be found wandering the gardens.
Surrounding a 14th century farmhouse this informal 10 acre garden is truly a garden for all seasons. Spring heralds a fine show of daffodils followed by rhododendrons, azaleas and viburnums which give way to climbing roses in June. The summer months bring herbaceous plants and an impressive collection of blue and red hydrangeas.
At all times the garden is framed by many varieties of rare trees including Acers, firs, pines, Kalopanax and the tallest Eucryphia in Kent. The autumn tints are classical and trees provide an ideal habitat for birdlife including nesting sites for a pair of Barn and Tawny owls, Kestrels and migrating varieties which the gardens are renowned for.
Visitors can combine a visit to the nearby Challock Church which was rebuilt in the 13th century and is famous for its murals. The murals in the Chapel on the left were painted by Rosemary Aldridge and Doreen Lister in 1953 and depict the lives of the patron saints Cosmas and Damian, Christian doctors and vets in 4th century Syria. The murals in the Chancel, ahead and around the altar and choir, were painted a few years later by John Ward R.A. and Gordon Davies. These show the Annunciation, Nativity, Wise Men and Shepherds, set in a local landscape. John Ward was commissioned again in 1999 to paint the Challock Millennium mural on the north wall which shows Christ riding into Challock with local figures and village life around.
The gardens have a Disabled Silver Access Award, the tea rooms and toilets also have suitable access for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.
The site where the gardens are now found dates back to Saxon times, suggested by the discovery of Roman swords and artefacts. The house itself, which is not open to the public, dates back to 1415 but visitors can see the unusual shaped windows known as Dering windows from the gardens. The story behind the name connects to Mr Dering being chased by the Roundheads, and being a slim build he was able to escape through a window of this shape, the Roundheads were unable to follow him. He lived to tell the tale, so after his marriage to the beautiful maiden he was visiting he changed all the windows at his estate in Pluckley to this interesting shape.
In close proximity to the M20, the Port of Dover, Euro Tunnel and Euro Star, Beech Court Gardens is ideally placed for a group visit.
Opening times:
The garden is open Saturday to Thursday (and Fridays for groups only) between 10.30am and 5.30pm
17 March to 28 October 2012.
Admission:
Adult admission is £5Senior Citizens £4.50
students/wheelchair users £2.00
children £1.
Groups of 15 and over £4.
Adult season ticket £10.
The garden is fully accessible for wheelchair users except on very wet days.
For further information and opening times at other times of the year please visit www.beechcourtgardens.co.uk
or call 01233 740735.
For media enquiries contact Caroline Edmunds at Pennington PR on caroline@penningtonpr.com or 01892 616647
Confirmed events for 2012
19 May: Guided walk round the gardens including the Viburnum walk at 2.30pm.
Hear about the history of the gardens and see rhododendrons and azaleas at their best.
23 June: A guided walk round the gardens including roses at 2.30 pm (free with garden admission)
24 June: She Stoops to Conquer by D.O.T.Productions at 2.30 pm
4 August: A guided walk round the gardens including Hydrangeas at 2.30pm (free with garden admission)
12 August: Classic Car Show from 10.30 am with craft stalls
Directions:
How to find Beech Court Gardens:From London & Maidstone (M20) leave the motorway at Junction 8, follow the A20 to Charing. At the roundabout take A252 signed Challock. Beech Court Gardens is on the right as you enter Challock.
From London & the Medway Towns (M2) leave the motorway at junction 6 take A251 to Challock. At the roundabout take A252 signed Charing. Beech Court Gardens is on the left after about one mile.
From Dover and Folkestone leave the M20 at junction 9 (Ashford), join the A28 (Canterbury) then the A251 to Challock. At the roundabout take A252 signed Charing. Beech Court Gardens is on the left after about one mile.
From Canterbury Take the A28 towards Ashford. Near Chilham turn right onto the A251 towards Challock. At the roundabout go ahead. Beech Court Gardens is on the left after about one mile