The bees are buzzing, the sun is shining and Kent’s glorious gardens are out in full bloom.

Enjoy the scent of fresh flowers as you stroll through peaceful meadows and formal lawns with these six standout summer gardens…

BOUGHTON MONCHELSEA PLACE, near Maidstone

The views over the deer park and the Weald make the gardens at Boughton Monchelsea Place a must-visit during the summer months. The Grade I manor house is surrounded by romantic walled gardens, flower-filled borders and an orchard. The herb and kitchen gardens have meandering paths up to the greenhouse, while the terrace is the perfect place to take in panoramic views with a hot drink and slice of cake.

Details: Open Sunday, July 14 from 2pm to 5.30pm. Book online here or pay on the gate.

CHAPEL FARMHOUSE, near Deal

A designer has worked on this small garden, off the side of a semi-detached farmhouse, and created a Japanese garden, meadow with fruit trees, a pond, vegetable garden and formal lawn. There’s also an emphasis on sustainability and friendliness to wildlife here.

Details: Open Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7 from 12pm to 6pm. Book online here or pay on the gate.

GODDARDS GREEN, near Cranbrook

This seven-acre garden has both formal and wild areas. There’s the two acres of wild meadows as well as formal planting around the clothier’s hall, which dates back more than 500 years. The garden was originally designed in the 1920s, but the current owners have added many modern features to combine with its more traditional aspects, such as a water garden, pond and fountain.

Details: Open Sunday, July 7 from 12pm to 4pm. Book online here or pay on the gate.

HIGHFIELDS ROAD, Edenbridge

The upcycled garden at No. 2 Highfields Road just shows what you can achieve in a small townhouse. There’s a large collection of plants, quirky ornaments and old pots that have been repurposed and given a new lease of life.

Details: Open Sunday, July 7 and Sunday, September 8 from 1.30pm to 5pm. Book online here or pay on the gate.

LYNSTED COMMUNITY KITCHEN GARDEN, near Sittingbourne

The National Garden Scheme has given nearly £250,000 in funding to 95 community garden projects across the country this year, including to the Lynsted Community Kitchen Garden. The half-acre space gives local people a chance to grow produce together, with 70 volunteers now working here. The garden was recently given a Silver Award from the Kent Wildlife Trust and is a member of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Community Gardens.

Details: Open Sunday, July 7 from 11am to 5pm. Book online here or pay on the gate. Ticket also gives access to New Barns Farm in Painter’s Forstal near Faversham.

PHEASANT BARN, near Faversham

Take a wander along the edge of Oare Creek, just outside of Faversham, and enjoy the beautiful meadow landscape. A converted barn sits within this award-winning garden, which boasts formal gardens, farmland, apple orchards and a grass labyrinth on the water’s edge.

Details: Open Sunday, July 7 and Monday, July 8 from 11am to 5pm. Book online here. Private viewings are also available by arrangement.

You can find the full list of gardens open this summer on the National Garden Scheme website.