Denmans Garden — Local services in Arun

So today five of us met up, hoping for lunch and coffee in the cafe. We all worked there in Denmans heyday when the cafe was full, alive and buzzing all day long. It was the heart and soul of Denmans. We arrived to find the cafe closed but were directed to the 'treat room' where you could make your own instant coffee in a paper cup with uht milk, and were permitted to sit in the empty soulless cafe. We then went to have a look in the gift shop. The staff member asked if we were happy. We said we were not happy the cafe was closed! She asked us to leave, and went and got the lady with the purple hair, neither of whom had any customer service skills whatsoever. They proceeded to launch into a tirade about the beauty of the garden and how John Brookes had been mistreated in his final years there before he died, and left to tend the garden on his own. They accused the"previous management " of stealing and breaking statues, and telling us things that were untrue and scandalous. They were extremely rude and confrontational. We left very upset and vowed to...

We visited this absolute gem today and fell in love with it. Such beautiful gardens to explore not knowing what's around the corner. I love the curving nature of it and so many plants I haven't come across before. There are very well placed benches to sit on and take in a complete picture of the different areas in addition to meandering along the paths up close to the plants. Birdsong and buzzing bees everywhere... just bliss. The self service drinks and snacks fitted in well in the relaxed environment of the gardens and there are tables in the shade to sit with them. The little gift shop is lovely and the plants on sale are of the highest quality and some are more unusual. Gwendolyn (the owner) is lovely and her passion for the gardens shines through and she happily shares her knowledge with you. The gentleman there, who's name I don't know unfortunately, was also lovely. The people here are very welcoming and you know they take great pleasure in sharing these gorgeous gardens and are happy to spend time talking with you about them. We will...

Was once the very top of garden design but a recent visit was disappointing. The strong design is what holds this garden's appeal. Alas it needs a lot of labour to get rid of the weeds. The lawn closest to the cafe is the best of a bad lot, with the majority also full of weeds. The centre areas being left uncut - presumably to save paying labour. I arrived hoping to see a garden of the same standards as John Brookes' publications... It is not. Having said all of the above I would still suggest that it is worth a visit inspite of the paltry display of plants for sale. The design elements are outstanding and John Brookes remains my...