Billy Knights, a retired farmer began designing and creating the Water Gardens in 1970 in his 70th year. The site was a damp meadow which became too wet for cattle to graze.
Mr Knights’s son jokingly suggested he should have a water garden, which prompted him to draw out plans (on the back of a piece of wallpaper) and he soon had machines in, digging out the ponds and waterways.
He worked on his garden with love and enthusiasm until he died aged 93. For over 20 years the gardens had been open to the public.
Both Billy and his wife Florence loved their gardens and sharing them with others. With this in mind and as a tribute to her parents Coral began restoration in April 2002. Having been unattended and closed for five years the gardens had become quiet derelict.
However, they were re-opened again in June 2003, with a new car park, refurbished tearoom/gallery, a toilet for disabled people and an 8 acre Natural Trail.
There has since been the planting of native shrubs and trees around the East Pond, the addition of a bird hide, bamboo grove, scented arbour, rustic roundhouse, stumpery and plant sales. *
A fine history of a garden.
Just imagined us sharing this bench,
Sitting on that bench I am sure we would have a lot to talk about
Undoubtedly!
Despite the Water Gardens being developed relatively recently, the birds have already flocked in to make their permanent homes there. It looks very peaceful, green and water-filled.
The garden is part of the wider watery habitat of the area. The fact that the gardens have been kept watery during a very dry summer is a credit to the owners.
Looks like the kind of place I qwould really like
It is a lovely peacful garden
Have you been to Hever Castle?
There’s a huge “water garden” behind the castle.
I have not been to Hever Castle. So many places and not enough time
Beautiful gardens and its so good they have been restored.
The gardens were an unexpected treat