To arrange your 2026 visit, please contact Geoff Stonebanks by email, by clicking name, or call direct on 01323 899296. |
We regret that the steep drive and steps to enter the garden mean that disabled wheelchair access is not possible. Other disability access may be possible, so please call to check. |
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I am available to give talks to horticultural societies or garden groups, either one entitled "From City Courtyard to Seaside Sanctuary" or "Gardening by the Sea". Current bookings shown at base of page. |
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The garden is located right on the 12 & 12a bus routes from Brighton or Eastbourne, alighting at Bishopstone Rd stop, so you can leave the car at home and come by bus! Alternatively, we are a short walk from Bishopstone railway station.
Location map and full directions here.
There will be local artist's work on sale in the garden too.
Click this link to leave your review on TripAdvisor.
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National Garden Scheme visits in 2026
With effect from 2026, all monies raised from garden visits will be on behalf of the National Garden Scheme, who then donate a proportion to Macmillan Cancer Support and other nursing and caring charities.
All National Garden Scheme visitors wishing to visit the garden in 2026 will have to book a private visit on any date, between 1st June and the 2nd August costing £7.00, by contacting Geoff Stonebanks direct by email or calling 01323 899296. Cakes £3.50 a portion and beverages £2.50 All served on vintage china on trays in the garden.
For an additional £3 you can hear a short talk about the garden by the owner.All 2026 cake choices will be posted next year.
BBC Gardeners' World Magazine 2for1 visits in 2026
All GW241 card holders wishing to visit the garden in 2026 will have to book a private visit on any date, between 1st June and the 2nd August costing £10.00, inclusive of a talk by the owner, by contacting Geoff Stonebanks direct by email or calling 01323 899296. Cakes £3.50 a portion and beverages £2.50 All served on vintage china on trays in the garden. Single visitor discount of 50% applies too. Monies from all visits will go to the National Garden Scheme.
All 2026 cake choices will be posted next year.
I am available to provide 3 different talks on the garden. The first "From City Courtyard to Seaside Sanctuary"(the story of my move from London and creating Driftwood and the charity fundraising). The second, " Gardening By The Sea"
BRAND NEW, is a new talk entitled "Succulent Obsession."
A presentation on my growing love of succulents, focussing on those I have growing at Driftwood.
Janice Eyers said after the HPS talk "Excellent talk, we sit at the back and often doze off. No chance of a sleep this afternoon, Geoff was loud and clear and very interesting to listen to." February 2025.
Sally and the Patcham Gardening Network Committee said: "Thank you for an enlightening and inspiring talk. Lots of great feedback from our members and great ideas to take forward. We shall definitely be looking to book a visit this year." January 2024.
Sarah Nichol from the Slindon, Madehurst and Eartham Horticultural Society said after my talk: "Your talk really showed us how your garden has developed with some lovely ideas which could easily be translated into our own. It certainly demonstrated that you have never let the garden stand still and how much time and hard work has been involved in keeping a garden as one which people will keep coming back to. You certainly should be congratulated for all you work for charity and in getting others in the area involved in opening their gardens! Thank you again for giving us an entertaining and informative evening." November 2023.
Barbara Edwards from Haywards Heath wrote "It was a lovely talk , and so well received by our members we had 70 people which was quite good considering the rough weather. I was really interested to learn about the creation of Driftwood and your journey from working in London to settling by the sea". March 2023
Tessa Lindop, bookings secretary for Hove Gardening Club said"Many members particularly appreciated the clarity of your diction. Everyone could hear you. That's a real bonus". March 2023
Remaining 2025 Bookings Tuesday 28th October 2pm: Gourmet Gardeners in Kirdford Wednesday 11th November 230pm: Pevensey Area Garden Club Wednesday 26th November 1930pm: Patcham Garden Network
Current 2026 Bookings Tuesday 10th February 1330: East Dean & Friston garden Club Wednesday 11th February 1930: Lindfield Garden Club Wednesday 2nd September 2000: Ifold Garden Club Thursday 17th September 1930: Woodnesborough Garden Club Thursday 1st October 1930pm: Ovingdean Garden Club Wednesday 7th October 1945pm: Lewes Garden Club