Ospreys View

One thing Mid-Sussex is blessed with is a great variety of gardens to visit and stroll around in. Although the beginning of March is still a little early in the year for any of them to really be coming into spring bloom the Sharman tribe decided to go get some fresh air anyway.

Sheffield Park snowdrops

Sheffield Park belongs to the National Trust. The original garden was laid in the 18th century by none other than Capability Brown but has been further improved upon over the years by the successive owners. There were a few flowers around with snowdrops, witchhazel and the ocassional camelia taking centre stage at the moment. There were encouraging signs however that the real spring show of daffodils and bluebells are not far away and apparently are well worth a repeat visit. These are then followed by azaleas and rhododendrons in the early summer and a sumptous autumn display of colour from the shrubs and the trees.

Sheffield Park house overlooks the gardens and lakes

The gardens are overlooked by the dramatic gothic styling of Sheffield Park house which is owned privately and therefore cannot be visited. It does provide a dramatic backdrop to many of the views back across the four lakes which are the centerpiece of the gardens. One piece of interesting history is that in 1884 the cricket pitch laid out on a green above the gardens was the site of the first match ever held between England and Australia . Just to prove nothing much has changed over the years you can probably guess the outcome!

A very early flowering daffodil of the Narcissus cyclamineus variety

If you are interested in visiting you can find out everything you need to know from the Sheffield Park website.

Not sure where Sheffield Park gardens are located? Click here for a map!

Hard to believe the camelia family includes the tea bush.

Pamela Sharman on bridge over cascade at Sheffield Park gardens