DESCRIPTION
Recently acquired by the Council, after some years of neglect, the terrace garden, the rock garden and pond area are being restored. There is a new rose arbour and planting and a ‘special needs' garden is being developed. A nature trail around the site passes many notable trees and shrubs. Opposite the original wrought iron entrance gates is an avenue of lime trees, known to date from 1650.

HISTORY
Hextable Gardens were once part of the grounds of Hextable House. From 1891 to 1944, these were the gardens of Swanley Horticultural College, and were designed and maintained by the students as part of their practical training.
Site timeline
1891 to 1944: From 1891 to 1944, these were the gardens of Swanley Horticultural College, and were designed and maintained by the students as part of their practical training.

Features
planting
Rock garden, restored.
planting
A ‘special needs’ garden is being developed.
gate
Original wrought iron entrance gates.
terrace
Terrace garden, restored.
arbour
New rose arbour.
tree avenue
Feature created: 1650
Avenue of lime trees.
pond
Restored.

Plantings
Lime avenue dating from 1650.
Planted: 1650
(1)

Kent County Council, 1996, The historic parks and gardens of Kent (Kent Gardens Compendium) (Unpublished document). SKE12972.

Kent Gardens Trust, 2011, Hextable Gardens, Sevenoaks: The Kent Compendium of Historic Parks and Gardens for Sevenoaks District (Unpublished document). SKE30605.

<1> Parks and Gardens Data Services Limited (PGDS), 2005, Parks and Gardens UK (www.parksandgardens.org) (Website). SKE16061.