Open gardens and art trails in Sussex this weekend

Driftwood in Seaford  is like a mini Giverny - open this Sunday from 11.00-17.00

It's still raining here in Britain - but has been since various regional water boards announced  we were in drought and stopped us all from using our hosepipes. Gardeners across the country are delighted with the downpours (if their gardens aren't waterlogged or battered) and although our plots are looking very lush, most of us are beginning to wonder when we will next see the sunshine so we can actually sit out and enjoy them. But if the weather stays dry, there are several Sussex gardens and trails open this weekend that you might want to visit.

Every inch of space in Driftwood's tiny backyard is filled with flowers and sculptures

Driftwood opens its doors to the public for the first time this year on Sunday (17th June) from 11.00-17.00. This is a gem of a garden in Seaford and although pint-sized, is packed with plants, giving a colour palette similar to Giverny, encapsulated in a postage stamp in terms of comparative size. There's hardly an inch of space where there isn't something growing and it's so beautifully planted you'll love your visit. And if you're a cup cake fan, you'll be in heaven - owner Geoff Stonebanks offers a great selection.

Clinton Lodge is a charming six-acre garden, participating in the Fletching Garden Trail this weekend

Clinton Lodge is open this Sunday - this is a charming six-acre formal garden open as part of the Fletching Garden Trail. Plenty to see here including a walled garden of fragrant old roses and cloister walk, but all part of a wonderfully romantic setting created by a passionate gardener. There are another 20 properties opening in the village to coincide with Father's Day, and if Dad doesn't want to come along, you can always leave him in the village pub. 

Sussex Prairies - plenty to see here and delicious home-made cakes

There's also an Open Gardens and Arts Trail in Henfield on both Saturday and Sunday, with 32 participants opening their gardens and exhibiting paintings, sculpture and ceramics.  Just around the corner, you've also got Sussex Prairies, (open daily 1.00-5.00) which is looking really glorious following all the recent rain. There's plenty of art in the garden here and it's well worth visiting because of its unique planting (Piet Oudolf style). You certainly won't get away from here without being tempted by Pauline's homemade cakes .... delicious!