About

The 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. 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. 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 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. Beatons Wood is an ancient oak and hornbeam wood which has been home to the Arlington Bluebell Walk for the past 50 years. Spring visitors will enjoy the wild daffodil glade whilst autumn walkers can hunt for the many species of fungi present in the woods. The garden is managed with wildlife in mind and is naturalistic with a relaxed feel.

Workshops on various topics are held from March to October on selected Wednesdays and Thursdays. In 2026, Head Gardener Emma will lead seasonal tutorials at Bates Green Garden, while the Garden Team will conduct plant propagation workshops. Additionally, we will host nature walks, covering bird spotting, tree and plant identification, and creative workshops on cyanotype printing and sketch booking.

Spaces are limited so please book in advance: Workshops