QUEX GARDENS
No country house of merit would be complete without extensive gardens and grounds and Quex House is no exception. There are acres of beautiful, informal gardens available for visitors to explore, including lawns, herbaceous borders, a shrub border, exotic trees, ponds, statues, a woodland walk, monument, wildlife pond, children's maze, croquet lawn and a Victorian Walled Garden.
Good garden management means that 'green' practices such as recycling, composting and avoiding the use of artificial insecticides make the environment attractive to many local varieties of moth, butterfly and dragonfly. Doves and peacocks are permanent residents in the gardens.
Quex has a family history dating back as far as the 15th Century. King William III (1689 – 1702) stayed at the original Quex Mansion whilst awaiting a favourable wind to take him across the Channel from Ramsgate, Kent. For generations, the landscaped gardens at Quex House have been enjoyed by the Powell-Cotton family, the estate’s owners, and their friends. The family’s love of outdoor spaces is evident today in the stunning Victorian layout and planting. The grounds are tended to ensure that this legacy will be enjoyed by generations to come.
From 1883 James Cornford was Head Gardener at Quex and by 1902 about twenty gardeners were employed. Cornford was a successful exhibitor both locally and at the RHS in London, specialising in chrysanthemums.
Following the retirement of James Cornford in 1923, the costs of the upkeep of the garden had become a concern and it was at this time that the level of staffing was reduced to what we have today. Today, our gardens are tended by Steve Borowiec, Head Gardener along with a few hugely appreciated volunteers.
In July 2012 we launched our 3 Year Restoration Project which will focus on all aspects of the garden including renewed garden design and planting and the restoration of the historic greenhouses.
All aspects of our Gardens require much attention and reinvestment and we are very excited to embark on what will be an interesting and fulfilling journey. In order to achieve our goals we will need as much help as possible and would appreciate any time you may have to volunteer in the gardens.
If you feel you can help us, please phone the museum 01843 842168
Quex Gardens are fortunate to receive the support and goodwill of the owner Michael Garratt who’s enthusiasm and support will be invaluable over the next few years of change.