RHS Garden Hyde Hall

...and as I live near RHS Hyde Hall in Essex, I have seen it in all seasons.

I am a member because I like gardens, not because I am an expert, but you don't have to be an expert to enjoy it.


*** History of the Estate ***

For centuries this estate was a working farm, so the 18th century Hall was a farmhouse, but the area around it had been used for dumping rubbish. Then in the 1950s, Helen and Dick ...
...estate was donated to the RHS in 1993, which has continued to develop and improve the area.

Of the 320 acres they took over, about 25 acres were cultivated. They aim to gradually increase this to at least 60 acres. Improvements I have seen since then include improved paths making it more accessible, a new visitor centre, garden library (in the old farmhouse) that is manned by a team of trained volunteers, and a few more cultivated ... more

I am a member of the Royal Horticultural Society, and as I live near RHS Hyde Hall in Essex, I have seen it in all seasons.

I am a member because I like gardens, not because I am an expert, but you don't have to be an expert to enjoy it.

*** History of the Estate ***

For centuries this estate was a working farm, so the 18th century Hall was a farmhouse, but the area around it had been used for dumping rubbish. Then in the 1950s, Helen and Dick Robinson started to tidy it up.

The clay soil on this cold and windy site on the top of a hill was gradually improved, with the help of the pigs by adding manure, and compost. Then flowers, a vegetable patch and young trees were planted near to their home.

The estate was donated to the RHS in 1993, which has continued to develop and improve the area.

Of the 320 acres they took over, about 25 acres were cultivated. They aim to gradually increase this to at least 60 acres. Improvements I have seen since then include improved paths making it more accessible, a new visitor centre, garden library (in the old farmhouse) that is manned by a team of trained volunteers, and a few more cultivated acres.

*** The Gardens ***

You will be on RHS land on the approach road to the entrance of the garden and car park. Here look out for the large log statue, designed to look like a wood cutter.

Next to the free car park is the entry kiosk, usually manned by a volunteer.

If you are a first time visitor ask for a garden map, which will show different types of routes. The one I got was free, but they ask visitors to leave them for others to use on the way out. Sometimes they don't have any maps here, in which case they should direct you to the Visitor Centre, where they will almost certainly supply one.

Guide books are also available. They make interesting souvenirs, but I don't think they are essential. There are notice boards on the estate explaining things of interest from both a gardening and wildlife point of view. (As the last guide book I saw has been reduced from £3.50 to £2, I suspect an updated one is due soon.)

The gardens vary from formal to woodland, and include the Rose Garden, the Queen Mother's Garden, an Australian Garden, a Mediterranean style Dry Garden, Water Gardens, a Wildlife Garden and the Woodland Robinson Garden.

The garden that visitors like best will at least partially depend on the time of year. The woodland is most colourful in spring. Summer is the best time for roses and other traditional flowers. Autumn provides different sorts of foliage colour, and winter brought to few surprises to me. The first time I saw the exotic palm trees in their "winter coats", I giggled. Having had time to think about it, I don't know why I was surprised though, as I was dressed warmly too. Any plants that don't like the cold will need appropriate special care in winter of course. I just hadn't seen anything like the outdoor protection given to the palm trees before.

I like to finish my visits by sitting quietly in the garden specially designed to attract wildlife, after most of the other visitors have gone home. That's when you are more likely to see other forms of life, especially birds.

As well as wildlife friendly plants, there are bird feeders and nest boxes, squirrel feeders, a ladybird house, bee nesting cylinders, bumble bee nest box and log piles for other insects.

I have also regularly seen hares on the edges of the cultivated areas when arriving soon after opening, or just before dusk.

The RHS consults local Wildlife Trusts with the aim of bringing the worlds of gardening and conservation together. It is hoped that visitors will be inspired to improve the attractiveness of their gardens to wildlife, and use environmentally friendly ways of dealing with gardening problems.

*** Facilities ***

There is a licensed restaurant in the Old Thatched Barn, where visitors can eat inside or, in warm weather, in the sheltered tea garden. They regularly serve light refreshments, and at peak times, also hot home made meals, when mouth-watering smells accost anyone passing. Meal prices are about £6-8 for the main course. I have enjoyed some good meals there.

If you bring a picnic, you are requested to eat it in the car park area.

On the way out, I am usually tempted by something from the plant shop, which also stocks other gifts and souvenirs. I always think the best souvenir from a place like this is a plant, provided you can get it home safely, and you chose one suitable for the location you have planned for it.

*** Disabled Visitors ***

For disabled visitors they have some wheelchairs to borrow, but phone ahead to make sure one will be available, if this is important to you.

Although it is a hillside garden with sloping areas, most is accessible by wheelchair, and a suggested route is available. One companion is admitted free with each wheelchair user. All buildings are accessible.

Braille and large print guides are available.

Assistant dogs are welcome, but no other dogs will be admitted.

The toilets adjacent to The Barn Restaurant, which I have found to be well maintained, include one for disabled visitors.

** How to Get There **

If travelling by car, the road links in this part of Essex are good. The gardens are well sign-posted by brown tourist flower signs from the A130 at Rettenden, which is about 8 miles south of Chelmsford.

It is a popular destination for coach day trippers, so for those without cars, I would recommend checking out your local operator.

Nearest train stations are on the London (Liverpool Street) line. Wickford is 5 miles, and Chelmsford 8 miles away. The gardens recommend getting a taxi to and from the stations.

** Prices and Opening Times **

RHS Members Free
Adults £5
Children 6-16 £1.50
Under 6 years Free
Disabled visitor's carer Free

It is open every day except Christmas Day, 10am-6pm April-September, but closes earlier in the winter months.

*** Special Events and the RHS ***

There are lots of special events throughout the year that would appeal to wildlife as well as gardening enthusiasts. Some incur extra charges but the ones I like best, the birds of prey displays, have been free. They usually have something to especially attract families during the summer holidays. Last year it was looking for plants relevant to the Harry Potter stories. This included plants used for the making of Potions by the wizards and witches at Hogwarts, after attending specialist classes with Prof Snipe. It was stressed though that visitors should not try this, as some plants are poisonous.

Their web site tries to keep visitors informed of forthcoming attractions, but it hasn't always been right up-to-date, www.rhs.org.uk/WhatsOn/Gardens/hydehall

So I recommend that you contact the friendly Hyde Hall staff direct if you want detailed information, tel: 01245 400256.

As a member of the RHS, I have found the benefits great value for money. As well as free admission for the member plus a guest to their four gardens (in Surrey, Essex, Devon and N Yorkshire), and reduced prices to affiliated gardens, members get a monthly magazine, which includes an events diary which has been better than that on the website. (For non-members The Garden magazine is £4.25.) Individual annual membership currently costs £44. Details of this and other rates available are on the RHS website. www.rhs.org.uk

*** Recommendation ***

I have enjoyed many visits and appreciate the delights of all the seasons, although the hill top site can be especially cold in winter.

The cultivated part of Hyde Hall Garden, which is surrounded by farmland, is at present smaller, but happily a lot quieter, than the RHS Wisley Garden at their headquarters in Surrey. (Sadly some woodland parts of Wisley are spoilt for me by being adjacent to the extremely busy A3, which feeds the nearby M25.)

Good gardens, like this one, will attract visitors of all sorts, from human to wildlife, so I think that it is best to visit when the human visitor numbers are likely to be lowest. I have enjoyed it best on warm midweek days, outside of the school holidays.

RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Rettendon
Chelmsford
Essex CM3 8ET
Tel: 01245 400256
http://www.rhs.org.uk/WhatsOn/Gardens/hydehall/ 

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