You might not think that hens and gardens would mix but let Great Comp Gardens’ show this weekend put you straight.

Now in its third year at the seven-acre garden, the Hens and Gardens show celebrates both subjects without getting into a flap.

Not your average Father’s Day treat, it includes dozens of stallholders and displays as part of its self sufficiency and smallholdings day.

Whitstable writer Francine Raymond, who has written 15 books on keeping hens, as well as writing for the Telegraph, will be there with some of her feathered charges.

She said: “I started keeping hens about 30 years ago because I love birds and hens are the only ones you can give a fairly natural life.

“I don’t cuddle them much – though I’m very fond of them and they follow me around and sit next to me if I ever relax in the garden.”

Apart from relaxing company, the chickens do also come with an added bonus. “I get a couple of eggs a day and really love fresh eggs – I expect most of my meals revolve around eggs! They’re a very versatile ingredient.”

Accompanying her to Hens and Gardens will be her three gold laced Orpington bantams, who like to chill out in the garden.

She said: “Most of my birds don’t really travel, but there will be lots of others to admire and buy at Great Comp.”

Also on show will be innovative chicken houses, poultry food, hatching eggs and bird sellers, as well as the Kent Smallholders group, now in its 30th year, showing specialities such as spinning, rug-making and beekeeping.

DETAILS

Hens and Gardens will be at Great Comp Garden at 11am on Sunday, June 18. Entry is £8 and six to 17-year-olds £3. For details go to greatcompgarden.co.uk

OTHER GARDENS IN KENT TO TRY

The National Trust’s gardens are awash with vibrant colours, scented displays and relaxing spaces through the summer months for you to take inspiration for your garden.
Here’s what the trust’s gardens are offering at the moment...

Chartwell

From ponds to rose gardens and lakes to orchards, the garden at Sir Winston Churchill’s family home is alive with colour. Wander in the top terrace of the kitchen garden to admire the pink and purple borders, as scents fill the orchard below.

Head gardener Tim Parker said: “Our team planted 14,000 spring bulbs last year and now is the time to come and see the results of their efforts. Make sure not to miss blooming lilies and majestic weigela. The sweat peas are a particular treat.”

The majestic yellow Golden Rose Avenue, now in its prime, was first created by the Churchill children to celebrate their parent’s golden wedding. The gardens are daily from 10am to 5pm. Normal admission applies.

Sissinghurst Castle Garden

The cottage garden is a carpet of colour with the early summer flowering rose, the Mme Alfred Carriere. It was the first thing that Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson planted at Sissinghurst, the day their offer was accepted.

Head gardener Troy Smith said: “Vita and Harold’s rural retreat is a world apart at this time of year. Look out for new quince trees planted in the White Garden. Make sure to venture out onto the wider estate too, to see the wildflowers in our newly planted meadows.”
Garden opens daily, between 11am and 5.30pm. Normal admission applies.

Ightham Mote

Head gardener Richard Burton said: “When summer comes, our gardening team embraces the chance to take the outside in. The cutting garden sends its finest flowers for display in the house, as fruit and vegetables go to make delicious treats in the cafe.”

The mixed herbaceous border frames summer walks with a helping of hearty colour and stroll around the lake or wander the terraced walk near the “bowling green” lawn – before venturing into the house to see the scene captured by artist John Singer Sargent. The estate is raising money to keep his painting, A Game of Bowls, where it was created.
Garden opens daily, 11am to 5pm. Normal admission applies.

Scotney Castle

In early summer the cloud-like planting of rhododendrons and azaleas have a fairy tale feel.
Paul Micklewright, garden and estate manager, said: “The key to growing rhododendrons successfully is to give them plenty of light and keep them pruned. There is something for everyone here, from the more formal areas around the castle, to wild flower meadows.”
The garden near Lamberhurst opens daily, 10am to 5pm. Normal admission applies.

Smallhythe Place

More than 50 variations of summer roses create a carpet of colour in the tiny Tenterden garden.

The former home of actress Ellen Terry is a tranquil retreat made up of a traditional rose garden, orchard, nuttery and ponds and wildlife, including the great crested newt.

Head gardener Jon Fenlon said: “Last July we weakened the grass and sowed more flower seeds and the work has helped to increase diversity of flora and improve the habitat for wildlife. We are also rebuilding the rose pergola to recreate the look and feel of the garden as it was in Ellen Terry’s day.”

The garden opens daily, from 11am to 5pm. Normal admission applies.

For details of all the National Trust's gardens in Kent this summer go nationaltrust.org.uk