Ramster Gardens

	Chiddingfold was the glass making centre of England when the original house was originally built in the early 17th Century. Since then it has undergone many changes, once being used as a farm after the decline of glass making in the local area. Today the house is privately owned although the gardens are open to the public at certain times of the year.
	The gardens were first laid out by Sir Henry Waechter in 1890. They now extend over 20 acres, having been created out of oak woodland. The acid to neutral soil of the locality makes the garden ideal for rhododendrons, azaleas and a wide variety of other flowering shrubs and perennials.
	The bog garden boasts plants like Gunnera, ferns, Hemerocallis (day lilies) and other woodland plants which thrive on a moisture retentive soil. The old tree logs have been cut into sections and provide a sympathetic walkway down the hill as it follows the gentle rivulets of water.
	A Dicksonia antartica (Tree fern) is seen here with its new fronds just beginning to unfurl under the warm spring skies, next to an ornamental rhubarb, Rheum purpureum with its new leaves tinged red.
	The Japanese maples, some over 100 years old are one of the main attractions in the garden, portraying a vivid spectrum of different colours and leaf forms. The high canopy of trees overhead helps to break up the effect of direct summer sun and the acid soil allows them to thrive in ideal conditions.
	Ramster Gardens also present work by sculptures and artists at certain times of the year. Stone, stainless steel, bronze and copper are all used to great effect (see also pictures below)
	The Millennium Garden has a contemporary feel, with modern materials being used in contrast to the woodland parts of the garden. Cascading water creates a cool area for seating whilst foliage plants like Hostas and ferns (also found in other parts of the garden) are set against the formal lines of the stonework.

Sculptures to be found at Ramster Gardens at certain times of the year.