Eynsford, Kent DA4 0JA
t 01322 862114
The Collection
The brainchild of Tom Hart Dyke, work began on the cactus house in the World Garden in January 2008 and it opened in the March. The collection has expanded though purchases and donations but many plants have been grown from seed, including a magnificent Euphorbia decliviticola, now some 15 feet tall after only nine years.
Planting in open beds can make cacti and succulent grow really fast and this is evident from the magnificent specimens on show. Plants are arranged phytogeographically and there is a wide selection of many genera. This is not a serious botanical collection, more a celebration of xerophytic plants, one that is intended to show the diversity of cacti and succulents, as well as the other plants that grow alongside them in the wild (and a few that don’t!).
Tom, one of the BCSS’s Patrons, continues to replant and refine the collection and it changes from year to year.
Nearest BCSS Branch
Bromley: www.bromley.bcss.org.uk
Meetings are held in Keston. Please see the Branch website for meeting dates and programme.
A Member’s View
Lullingstone Castle is located in a beautiful spot a short drive from the M25. As well as the World Garden there are extensive grounds to explore as well as the house itself. There is a tea room and a small shop where you can buy signed copies of Tom’s book. You might even bump into the man himself who’s there most days. This is a place to visit with the whole family. Nearby are Roman ruins managed by English Heritage.
Members of the BCSS can visit the World Garden free of charge. Please email in advance () to give your membership number and say when you are coming and your name will be registered at the gate. Alternatively, just bring your membership card if you have one, or the address page from your latest CactusWorld with your number on it.