As the brochure says ‘Great Comp Garden is a hidden idyll situated between Sevenoaks and Maidstone.’ It is one of those places that keeps revealing its delights again and again. 
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After a brief introduction by gardener Kristina Kay-Clough we started on the North Lawn with its architectural top terrace. Down past the Lion Summerhouse by the Bambooserie and into the ruins, hosting an impressive variety of planting. There were hidden gems and delightful nooks and crannies everywhere. Just fabulous.

Then by the Crescent Lawn we saw the gorgeous Golden Border. It featured a myriad of gold, bronze and yellow planting including: Helliopsis; Rudbeckia laciniata ‘Herbstsonne’; Rudbeckia fulgida deamii; Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’; Solidago ‘Golden baby’; Dahlia ‘Mystic illusion’; Argyranthemum ‘Cornish gold’; Achillea ‘Coronation gold’; Pleioblastus viridistriatus – a golden bamboo; Salvia ‘Lemon light’ and Rubus cockburnianus ‘Goldenvale’. It really was lovely. 

And for the connoisseurs amongst us - benches aplenty. All over the place. It was bench paradise. We tried as many as seemed appropriate without succumbing to over-indulgence.

We walked down the avenue known as the Sweep, the curving line of the lawn and swirling shapes of the shrubs and trees - apparently suggesting a design reminiscent of the swinging sixties.  Then after the monkey puzzle tree we stood and reflected at The Temple at the furthest point of the Woodland Walk. 
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Our meandering then led us to the Italian Garden. Passing under the canopy of Magnolia - and through an archway there is a different mood, with its own feel and privacy. We found extensive planting among the purpose built ruins, sculptures and the lovely tinkles of a water feature. There were a couple of old stone benches here too.

Very different from Chartwell. A great contrast between the two. And Great Comp will always be one of my day trip favourites.  - ​Dave Oswald