A century-old plant is set to bloom once again at Hole Park Gardens. The flowering agapanthus is bursting into colour later than usual at the gardens in Rolvenden, near Cranbrook.

They became known as Hole Park Blue two years ago after Plant Heritage – formerly the National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens – visited and concluded the variety was unique to the garden. They flower at several places around the garden until the winter frosts arrive.

“We have a picture of my great uncle standing next to the agapanthus holding a toy boat which dates back to 1912,” said Hole Park’s owner Edward Barham. “So we know the plants have been at the Hole Park gardens for at least 100 years. Plant Heritage studied and compared the plants form and characteristics against known cultivators and their research suggests the plants are unique to Hole Park. We are now growing this special agapanthus which will be available to buy from next year.”

The gardens, set in the High Weald, were first planted between the two World Wars by Colonel Barham, the great-grandfather of the present owner. More than 15 acres of gardens surrounded by parkland look out over the Kentish countryside. The paths lead onto the red carpet of autumn leaves as visitors enter the woodland, where they can follow a trail over wooden bridges and past water pools. Visitors can have a cup of tea and homemade cakes in the Tea Room, which was a former coach house. Hole Park Gardens are open 11am to 6pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays until October 31.

Admission £6, children £1. Call 01580 241344 or visit www.holepark.com.