History
Reuthe’s are the Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks, an acclaimed plant nursery founded in 1902 by Gustav Reuthe, set in 11 acres of ancient woodland, part of the horticultural miracle that is the Green Sand Ridge in the Weald of Kent.
The historic site in Seal Chart, Sevenoaks, is owned by Claire Price who is restoring the gardens, including a new café, to its former glory. Head Gardener and Nursery Manager Jay Andrews-Moore is leading the renovation work to the historic gardens.
Reuthe’s is situated on a north-facing woodland on a gently sloping hill with acidic, sandy and free-draining soil, part of Green Sand Ridge. These are ideal growing conditions for the 300 varieties of rhododendrons growing on site and other acid loving plants such as rare trees, shrubs, azaleas and camellias.
Deep in the woodland gardens with jungle-like pathways and walks up through the Hidden Valley, visitors will see plants and trees so rare they are the only ones in this country. There are also hidden pockets of wild mushrooms, wild garlic and blueberries. The family and dog-friendly site is free to visit.
In the site’s former glory days, there were a number of notables amongst Reuthe’s customer base including the Churchill’s (for nearby Chartwell) and members of the Royal Family.
Reuthe’s famed planting style is for large rhododendron underplanted with acers, as seen in many of the big private houses and estates in the area, such as Squerryes Court in Westerham, Wildernesse House and Kippington, Sevenoaks.
We have been awarded 28 Gold Medals by the Royal Horticultural Society for our rare species plants. Most recently we have won a Taste of Kent Award and been acclaimed by the Department of Work & Pensions for our youth training initiatives. We work with numerous charities & community groups including West Kent Mind, Hospice in the Weald, Aid for Ukraine, Marie Curie, Gingerbread, YMCA Youth Projects, Demelza Hospice.
Here’s to the next 122 years… still going strong