Bates Green Garden Cyclamen hederifolium

About

This 1.5-acre garden has been owned by the McCutchan family since 1921 and was developed and skillfully planted by Carolyn McCutchan when she moved to the property in 1968. The garden was renowned for its colourful imaginative planting and Bates Green was featured in many magazine articles.

Since Carolyn’s death in 2019, the garden has been undergoing a period of restoration by a small team of gardeners led by Emma Reece who was a student of Carolyn’s in 2002. Every year, the garden hosts a WRAGS student, giving a potential horticulturist the chance to learn and develop their skills in this unique garden.

The garden surrounds the farmhouse, which was originally a small gamekeeper’s cottage. The soil is neutral pH heavy Weald clay much improved with homemade compost.

The garden has very distinct areas, which enable plants from different ecological conditions to thrive including a small pond to encourage wildlife. In the Woodland Garden spring bulbs abound followed by herbaceous woodlanders and hardy cyclamen. In the more formal shaped Middle Garden colour is the main theme, starting with tulips and alliums, and then herbaceous and woody plants take over until the autumn. The Winter Garden is positioned so that the low rays of sun make the most of the coloured leaves and stems of the many cornus, with bulbs and plants grown for interest from autumn through to spring.

Other beds flow with a good mixture of grasses and all manner of exciting plants to give colour, texture and movement. Autumn tones are provided in abundance by the many mature trees and shrubs within and around the farmhouse.

 Bates Green is in a tranquil setting, surrounded by pastures grazed by sheep with views to the South Downs. The 6-acre conservation meadow adjoining the garden contains a wealth of flora and fauna. It is traditionally managed with mown paths and seating for visitors.

The garden is managed with wildlife in mind and is naturalistic with a relaxed feel.

Delicious homemade refreshments are available at the Laurel at Bates Green during Garden opening hours.

Plants for sale, all propagated on site by the Garden Team.

Workshops held on the first Thursday of the month from May until October 2025.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Prices. Adults £10. Children 3-16 years £5. A separate entry charge applies for Beatons Wood.

When the Arlington Bluebell Walk is open the following prices apply:
Adults £8.00 Garden and Wildflower Meadow only
Children (3yrs-16yrs) £4.00 Garden and Wildflower Meadow only

Facilities

Property Facilities

  • Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs) - Sorry, no dogs allowed in the Garden but welcome in the Café and on short leads in Beatons Wood.

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Map & Directions

Bates Green Garden

Type:Garden

Bates Green Garden, Tye Hill Road, Arlington, Near Polegate, BN26 6SH
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Call direct on:

Tel01323 485151

Opening Times

* Bates Green Garden is open every Wednesday & Saturday from 10am - 4pm (26th Feb to 22nd October)
The Garden is also open every day during the Arlington Bluebell Walk (4th April-8th May)

Eastbourne Visitor Centre, Welcome Building, Compton Street, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 4BP

01323 415415

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