Exploring a Sussex Landscape Masterpiece

This May, Residents from Bernhard Baron Care Home enjoyed a flower-filled visit to Sheffield Park and Garden in East Sussex — a National Trust gem bursting with springtime colour, history, and natural beauty.

Nestled in the heart of East Sussex, Sheffield Park and Garden is a landscape garden of national importance. Originally shaped by the famous 18th-century landscape gardener Capability Brown and later enhanced by Humphry Repton, the grounds are home to four mirror-like lakes, sweeping lawns, and winding pathways framed by a dazzling array of seasonal blooms.

For our Residents, this peaceful setting offered the perfect backdrop for a memorable day out, filled with fresh air, gentle exercise, and delightful conversation.

A Riot of Spring Colour

The garden was alive with vibrant hues and floral fragrances. Residents marvelled at the rhododendrons and Ghent azaleas, which were in full bloom and created an almost dreamlike canopy of colour. These springtime showstoppers filled the landscape with shades of pink, red, orange and purple — a true feast for the senses.

We also passed by towering giant redwoods, ancient pollarded sweet chestnuts, and an avenue of Chusan palms, which added a touch of the exotic to our English countryside walk.

A Moment by the Falls

A peaceful pause at the Pulham Falls — a man-made waterfall flowing between Ten Foot Pond and Middle Lake — offered time for reflection and calm. Built in the 1880s, the falls remain one of the garden’s most beloved features and were a highlight for many on our trip.

Bluebells and Baby Swans

As we ventured further into Walk Wood, we were treated to a carpet of bluebells, their gentle colour and sweet scent capturing the essence of the season. But perhaps the most memorable moment came by the water, where we were lucky enough to spot a family of swans with their newly-hatched cygnets.

Watching the tiny cygnets alongside their cob and pen (that’s mum and dad in swan terms!) brought smiles all around and made the day even more magical.

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