When you live in the former home of Sir Joseph Banks, the botanist credited with introducing mimosa, acacia and eucalyptus to the western world, it must surely inspire you to take your gardening seriously.

More than 80 species bear Banks’ name and a double yellow rose, Banksia Lutea, earns its place at Pheasant Farm.

Sir Joseph, who took part in Capt Cook’s first voyage to Australia in 1768, came to Kent when he married Dorothea Hugessen. She had inherited Pheasant Farm from her father, William Western Hugessen, of Provender, at nearby Norton.

Jonathan and Lucie Neame moved into the property, which overlooks Oare Creek, in the late 1990s. They rose to the gardening challenge but for many years just worked round the layout they had inherited.

“We wanted to make the garden our own,” said Lucie. “There were too many trees and large hedges; it was all very restrictive and blocked out light.”

The couple redesigned the garden in 2007 and, with help from garden designer Sarah Morgan, set about transforming the site.

“We opened it and it is much sunnier,” said Lucie. “We have also planted new trees, Betula jacquemontii (Himalayan birch) and evergreen oaks, which are doing really well but do not overwhelm the garden.”

Visitors can now appreciate a garden that flows around the mellow-walled 17th century farmhouse. There is an understated elegance to the front of the property and to the side pleached hornbeams screen the garden, underplanted with alliums, iris, roses, hydrangea paniculata and verbascum – in whites, blues and purples.

In summer, the soft borders spill into the lawns which are mown to create further interest. Look out for the squares under one mature tree and a circular pattern in the walled garden.

Closer to the house, nepeta, perennial wallflowers and hydrangea Annabelle continue the soft planting theme and, with a preference for fragrant blooms, Lucie has chosen roses Madame Alfred de Carrier and Constance Spry for the walls.

“The roses are new, so there may be some first buds in June,” said Lucie.

The Neames have given the garden structure but have been careful not to over-regiment the plot and by keeping a couple of “unruly” 200-year-old walnut trees and a “tumbly down” quince there is still character that befits the side garden next to St Peter’s Church.

The pièce de résistance of Pheasant Farm is the infinity lawn, which visitors will be able to enjoy in June. The only way to discover its magic will be to pay your entry fee during the open weekend.

Jonathan, chief executive of Shepherd Neame, the country’s oldest brewer, has planted many old varieties of apple trees, from Brogdale, so visitors will be invited to walk through the orchard area to the churchyard. Note the grave of Allan Harry Beckett, who designed the floating roadway for the Mulberry Harbours which played a critical part in the 1944 Normandy Landings.

Inside the church is a beautiful stained glass window dedicated to the engineer; it aptly features a mulberry tree and the words: “The leaves of the trees are for the healing of nations”.

Lucie said: “One of the nice things about this churchyard is it is so peaceful and people can come and enjoy the view.”

The Banksia Lutea rose is planted in churchyard. “It really needs a sheltered sunny spot so I hope it survives,” said Lucie.

If it doesn’t, perhaps the Neames can consider treating themselves to the Lady Banks rose, Alba Plena. It’s a white double and will fit in perfectly with the colour scheme close to the house!

FACTFILE

Pheasant Farm and neighbouring Pheasant Barn, in Church Lane, Oare, will open their gates for the NGS on Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9. Admission £3.50 or combined £6. Children free. Homemade teas, wheelchair access to main garden, parking in lane.