Why not Hunt for Plants (and other interesting things) at our favourite explorer hangouts. Get inspired, take notes, explore Architectural Plants in the wild. Also featuring places of interest that are soothing to creatives, design led and maker friendly. 

We love supporting similar like minded businesses that share our passion for ‘doing things well’ and we assume you will too. 

Happy exploring. 

Guy

12 miles to the South West of Architectural Plants, 20 minutes drive

Antiques & Interior delights

Friends of AP, Spencer and Freya run a brilliant business in Arundel and have done for many years. Worth following on instagram for inspiration. Spencer is a magician with displaying their collection both inside and outside at their shop. Appointment required or ring their bell, also available online. 

Light aircraft, helicopters & fast cars 

19 miles to the South West of Architectural Plants, 29 minute drive

There is a café at the aerodrome with indoor and outdoor seating. You can even try a taster flight with the excellent flight school or experience the thrill of being a passenger onboard their Harvard (the Spit fire training aircraft). If you hang around long enough you will also see the Spitfire’s take off. Various car related activities and events running regularly, we often exhibit at the famous ‘Goodwood revival’ – maybe see you there. Also see post on the Kennels. 

Garden & house 

18 miles to the North East of Architectural Plants, 30 minute drive

One of my favourite gardens locally and a real planty treat. Lots of AP’s plant collection started here – we have also recently introduced Styrax and Drimys lanceolata having seen them do so well in this garden. The old ruins are really special and a treat to see the exotics growing here – really nice dry garden too. Always love to hug the redwoods. Good children’s activities in the holidays too. 

13 miles to the North East of Architectural Plants, 22 minute drive

Sculpture Garden

This is somewhere we always recommend our customers visit, especially those looking to create a woodland hideaway. Not too far from Leith Hill, this is a magical sculpture garden set up by Hannah Pescher (Founder and original curator) and Anthony Paul (award winning landscape architect and good friend of AP). Anthony and Vikki now curate the indoor and outdoor sculpture collection – at every turn you find something new to view. Brilliant swathes of planting and ponds that reflect their surroundings, it is really worth spending time here taking in everything that they have created over the last 40 years. For me it is always hard to leave the garden and I look forward to each return back.

You need to book and always check they are in season and open.

17 miles to the North West of Architectural Plants, 30 minute drive

A hidden gem. Great collection of trees and the lakeside building feels reminiscent of a Canadian log cabin. Great collection of Rhododendrons, most suitable for this area. Try and hunt down my favourite tree – the Trochodendron (link to page) – tell us if you find it. 

4,100 miles to the South West of Architectural Plants, 9 hours away 

Tropical Plant Paradise 

The most well signed garden in the world, every street sign leads here from across the island. It didn’t disappoint. Now in our top 3 gardens list. Given the incredible humidity during the wet season and the benefits it gets from being planted in an old cave that collapsed on an old sugar plantation – it feels like you have arrived in ‘Eden’. 

The planting is multi-layered, bold and colourful. You explore the different spaces within it, can sit amongst the plants with generous amounts of seating. Lots of old planters are used to add height and structure. Monstera clings to the imposing Royal palms. Lots of Fox tail palms too. It’s overwhelming, characterful, charming and as we walked alone – we were the only ones there – the owner played classical music from the wooden terrace above. It was a romantic garden so it makes sense they also hold weddings and events here. 

A tropical storm was welcomed as we climbed up to meet Anthony Hunte – a very inspiring horticulturalist poured us a glass of his house rum whilst we had a charming conversation. A real treat. 

Would we travel to Barbados again for this garden – yes, yes, yes.