About us

Water Lane is an idyllic walled garden with a vinery, Victorian glasshouses, restaurant and shop, near Hawkhurst in the High Weald, on the Kent and Sussex border. A long-term project over years to come, the historic site is being transformed into a garden for all, combining recreation, dining, experiences, and education. The working kitchen garden provides vegetables for the Water Lane restaurant and seasonal cut flowers for florists and events.

Led by custodians, Nick Selby and Ian James, this is a new chapter in the walled garden’s long and special history. Nick and Ian have partnered with RHS award-winning Jo Thompson Landscape & Garden Design and RX Architects to
realise their holistic vision for Water Lane to be accessible to all and have
many different functions. Harking back to its roots, the garden is slowly being returned to its original purpose of growing fruit and vegetables, using organic methods and following the ‘no-dig’ philosophy.

This is not just a restored walled garden project but a chance to re-imagine Water Lane the ‘place’, respecting its past glory as well as making it an inspirational and welcoming garden for the 21st century and beyond. Plans will progress in phases and will include a rose ‘orchard’ with bulb meadow; a quince tree avenue through the green gates of the pedestrian entrance; perennial and stock beds in the south quadrant; follies and wall borders, a giant pergola; children’s natural play; a forest garden and sculpture trail, nuttery and educational spaces.

Under the three pillars of Food, Flowers and Friends we look forward to welcoming you to Water Lane.