Nature Friendly Open Garden in Faversham

Back by popular demand - we will be returning to Langdon Court, home of Sally Edge and her family, for a late spring open garden event, as part of Kent Wildlife Trust's Wild About Gardens programme.

Langdon is a large garden surrounding a Victorian farmhouse. It has lots of different areas, many of them newly landscaped and planted in the last few years, all surrounded by hedges, scrub and mature trees full of birdlife. A highlight is the very large fish pond which attracts birds, bats, dragonflies and damselflies. There are many newly planted native trees and a wildflower meadow area – all chosen to maximise wildlife visitors. A walled garden where they grow organic food in ‘no dig’ beds, and formal and cottage garden flower beds that blend beauty with wildlife benefits. Plenty of love for the soil too - dead wood piles teeming with life, compost being made, and woodchip paths weaving through wooded and wild spaces.

There will be lots to see and do throughout the day, including:

• Kent Wildlife Trust's 'Wild About Gardens' team on-hand to give advice and tips on wildlife-friendly gardening.
• Specialists on-hand to give advice on garden wildlife, such as hedgehogs, bats, bees and other pollinators, birds, butterflies and moths, the soil ecosystem and more!
• A varied programme of talks and mini garden tours.
• Activities for children.
• Hot and cold drinks and homemade cakes for sale.
• Plants for sale.

Don't miss two new workshops for 2025:

• Recycled pot making and seed sowing:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Join our Wild About Gardens Officer Ellen for a fun workshop, suitable for all ages. We will use recycled paper and basic tools to create unique, plastic-free plant pots. You'll then have the opportunity to put them to the test by sowing microgreens. Fast-growing, tasty and nutritious, these can be taken home and enjoyed on a windowsill or in the garden and require just a little spraying with water. Please book a ticket for everyone wishing to take part. 1.30pm, £4 per person, tickets available as add-ons at checkout.

• 'Plants for free' propogation tour: Join Wild About Gardens Officer Ellen for a walk around Langdon garden where we will discuss how to get more plants for free! We will identify the ideal plants, timings and methods for seed-saving and sowing, soft and hardwood cuttings, and division. The perfect tools to start or add to your own garden without spending a penny on plants, and reducing the environmental impact of buying new. There will also be the opportunity to pot up some hardwood cuttings yourself in recycled pots, and take them home to care for and plant. This workshop is suitable for adults, but children can accompany for free. 3.30pm, £4 per person, tickets available as add-ons at checkout.

You can visit the Langdon website to read their blog, find out about their events, see more images, and learn about their mission - www.langdongarden.com.

Please note that dogs are not permitted.

Mobility: The pond patio has 8 steps down to it. The toilet is up two steps. There are a few sloping sections. In some areas the ground is bumpy and uneven.

What to bring: Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear plus sunscreen if appropriate. If possible, please also bring your own tea/coffee cup to cut down on washing up on the day!

Parking information: Parking in car park at house. We have a small car park and will do our best to accommodate everyone. The nearest on-road parking is a 5 minute walk away, in Graveney village.

Travelling to Langdon from Faversham

If you are able, why not take the opportunity to reduce your carbon footprint and consider one of the planet-friendly travel options below?

Bus

The 660 bus goes between Faversham and Goodnestone twice on a Saturday afternoon. Leaving at 13.20 and 15.57 from Court Street, and returning at 14.46 and 16.13. Visit the Langdon website for more information on bus prices and a link to the timetable. Why not walk/cycle one way and bus the other?

Walking

There are two interesting scenic walking routes from Faversham to Langdon. Take a look at the Langdon website for maps and more information.

Cycling

There are also two options for cycling - on and off road. Maps and more information are available on the website. If you don't have a bike, why not hire one using App-Bike - just download the app and then unlock and cycle away one of the bikes from the town centre.

Host or Publisher Kent Wildlife Trust