We all need a bit of inspiration occasionally and visiting a garden is definitely the way to see how others do it.

The present layout of the grounds at Belmont, near Faversham dates from the 1790s, although the planting has been altered over the past two centuries.

The beautiful and peaceful grounds consist of a walled garden, pinetum, wooded areas, formal lawns and a large kitchen garden.

I started my tour in the walled garden, which has a mixture of wisteria, pyracantha, photinia and clematis climbing the walls as well as a rectangular pond and rock garden.

Then out to the kitchen garden, which was restored in 2001 by designer Arabella Lennox-Boyd. The original dates from the middle of the 19th century.

It now includes hop arbours, fruit arches, a reflecting pool and a semi-circle hedge of the ornamental pear ‘pyrus chanticleer’ all among vegetable and herbaceous borders. The focal point here is the sundial, which dates from the construction of the house.

There were also beautiful Victorian greenhouse, a pleasure walk and a pinetum to enjoy.

A visit like this is great if you would like to try your hand at growing some veg and salad but are not sure how much space you need or how to lay out the plot. Or for ideas to create a water feature.

I ended up relaxing under a beautiful mature oak taking in the surrounding parkland, the perfect end to my visit.

Thanks to my hosts on the day, charity KHoCA, an entirely voluntary fundraising organisation supporting Kent people who have severe learning disabilities.

BLOB: The gardens at Belmont are open daily. Adults £5, children £2.50. See www.belmont-house.org