On entering through the early 14th century Gatehouse, an avenue of Irish Yews leads to the courtyard of Nettlestead Place, a Domesday Book Manor House rebuilt in the 13th century, set in ten acres of plantsman's garden. The gardens are on different levels and Kentish ragstone walls, Yew, Thuja, Beech, and Box hedges surround the various garden rooms.

Across the main drive is Walnut Tree Lawn, taking its name from the very old walnut tree. Other trees on this lawn include Magnolia x soulangeana, Camellia in various varieties and Cryptomeria. From here a path through a small shade garden, with many plantings of dwarf Narcissi and Daffodils, Hosta, shade-loving Geranium and ferns, leads to the rose garden containing a large number of varieties of shrub and specie roses as well as Climbers and Ramblers. Four new rose beds were planted in late 1999 with Floribunda, Hybrid Tea and Hybrid Musk roses.

On the East side of the house an 80 metre long terraced gravel garden is planted with rock plants and dwarf bulbs. A Daffodil meadow separates this area from a series of small canals leading to the 'Glen Garden'; a valley area with a natural stream planted with Primula, Meconopsis, ferns, hosta, shade geraniums and dwarf pines. A new woodland garden is being started beyond the 'Glen Garden'. An interesting collection of African statues is being incorporated within various parts of the garden this year.