The gardens surrounding Fittleworth House cover 3 acres, making it one of the smallest in our list, but none-the-less a very satisfying gardens to visit.
As part of the National Garden Scheme, they are open every Wednesday from May to end of July when Head Gardener, Mark Saunders, will provide plenty of friendly background information to enhance your visit.
The Georgian house overlooks the long gardens which feature a particularly magnificent old cedar planted in the early 1700's and now towering over 100 feet high. Nearby is a croquet lawn, swathes of mature rhododendrons, a woodlands walk, pond and plenty of classic cottage garden mixed borders. There is also a rose garden, beautifully manicured, rolling lawns and a formal fountain garden.
But the showpiece is clearly the walled kitchen garden, separated from the formal gardens by a beautiful old yew hedge. Here vegetables, fruit and flowers for cutting are grown with immaculate order combined with rustic artisan techniques.
An Apple Tunnel leads in to long, neat grass walkways for the visitor to view the full scope of the varied and fascinating plantings, both floral and vegetable. Small white signposts painted with neat black lettering label the militarily straight rows of vegetables, while grape vines bursting with vigour flow on taut wires the length of the garden. Fruit cages also run along one of the high stone walls protecting an array of local and exotic fruits.
The owners and garden team all enjoy the fruits of the harvest year round, while the flowers fill the house and provide sustenance for the local wildlife and beneficial bugs for the garden.
Fittleworth House is definitely a garden to visit, especially if the visitor values intimate atmospheres, eclectic planting, English formal and wild garden scapes. Much heart and skill has gone into making this a place to really enjoy.
Author: Bob Saunders.
Afternoon Teas: Teas are served from the potting shed.
Accessibility: The grounds are generally suitable for self-supplied wheelchairs or electric scooters.
Plant Sales: Visitors can also purchase plants raised in the gardens greenhouse.
Road: 2 miles E/SE of Petworth. Midway between Petworth & Pulborough on the A283 in Fittleworth. Turn into the lane signed to Bedham where you'll see the entrance after 50yds.