National Trust events this summer

Visitors amongst the flowers in the gardens at Nymans, West Sussex. Nymans was bought by the Messel family in the late 19th century, and became one of the country's great gardens.Visitors at Nymans rose garden SUS-210525-164114001

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The National Trust is encouraging people in Mid Sussex to explore some of its gardens and new exhibitions this summer, including Nymans, Standen, and Sheffield Park and Garden.

At Nymans in Handcross, from mid June to July, there will be Friday late openings in the rose garden which will be full of delicate blooms and densely-petalled clusters.

A spokesman for Nymans said: “Wandering through the winding paths and comparing the roses’ distinctive fragrance is one of the great pleasures of summer.

“Then in high summer, the summer borders come into their own with a dazzling mosaic of herbaceous plants and flowers.”

The open air theatre will also be returning to Nymans.

Theatre company Three Inch Fools will perform Romero and Juliet on Wednesday, June 9 from 7pm to 9.30pm, and Robin Hood on Sunday, July 4 from 7pm to 9.30pm.

Visitors are asked to bring their own cushions and camping chairs for the shows.

Sheffield Park and Garden in Uckfield will see the return of its waterlily festival.

Visitors to Sheffield Park are invited to wander the shores of the lakes, adorned by thousands of waterlily plants.

There will be seven different species, in different shades and colours, and visitors are encouraged to get up close to the bright blooms and buzzing dragonflies with their floating pontoon, installed specially for this natural event.

The waterlily festival will run from Saturday, June 12 to Sunday, July 18.