EMGS GARDEN VISITS 2025
Great Comp Garden, Sevenoaks, Kent
Tuesday July 22
www.greatcompgarden.co.uk
Home to one of the most diverse collection of Salvias in Europe, with a nursery of ‘uncommon’ plants, 7 acres of garden and tea-room.
“William Dyson, the Curator at Great Comp Garden, is the UK’s leading Salvia expert and has been growing and cultivating Salvias for over 20 years, particularly those from the New World. He has cultivated more than 200 hybrids and species in his nursery at Great Comp Garden and recently assisted RHS Wisley with their shrubby Salvia trial.
The sandy soil and mild south-eastern climate enjoyed in the 7-acre garden in Platt have been good to William and enabled him to build up an enviable collection of plants, many from the Mexican family of Salvias.
In the past William has mixed Salvias in the formal borders at Great Comp with Penstemons, ornamental grasses, Sedum, Red Hot Pokers and Dahlias. He says: “if you’ve got a sunny spot, and as long as there’s enough room, you can mix them in with a great variety of plants to produce lovely visual changes in texture, shape, size and colour
Most of the garden is accessible to wheelchair users and we have disabled toilet facilities. There are a lot of seats around the garden which prove popular with our more senior visitors. We regret that picnics are not allowed in the garden.
The Old Dairy tearooms are open daily for teas, coffee, scrumptious homemade cakes and delicious lunches.
The nursery offers a select range of choice and uncommon plants, especially Salvias and is open daily. What better way to round off your day than buying a few plants that have caught your eye in the garden.”
To book, please complete the information below as soon as possible and no later than June 1st 2025. You may find it easiest to print the form, fill it in and then post, hand deliver, scan or photograph it and send to Julia. Everyone is welcome - if you have any mobility or accessibility concerns please contact Julia by email. Bookings are welcome from current members and non-member friends. Non-members will be asked to become a society member in order to join the trip. To enrol a new member, please contact Margaret Smith at
The Great Comp trip includes:
- Return coach travel
- Entry to Great Comp Garden. We may also be offered a short introductory talk.
Please click here for booking form