Visit to Beth Chattos garden

Posted:5 March 2010

The Garden House is taking a spring trip to the wonderful Beth Chatto gardens at Colchester, Essex, on 17 April. It is so beautifully planted, and was such a rewarding experience when we went a few years ago in February, that we wanted to offer a trip to see the gardens at a different time of year.

Beth Chatto’s innovative style has transformed the “wilderness” (her words), that she and her husband were faced with in 1960, into one of the most inspirational gardens in England.  Perhaps it is the gravel garden which is most famous, planted with drought resistant plants and reflecting the mantra we should all follow, right plant, right place. This area in Essex has one of the lowest rainfalls in the country, but here in the south we have also experienced tremendous droughts and seeing the plants Beth Chatto uses in her garden can guide and inspire us for our own gardens.   The nursery is well-stocked, fabulous and not expensive.

As well as the gravel garden, created from the former car park, the rest of the gardens are magical. The garden has both dry and damp areas, sunny and shady these challenges, plus her eye for design and colour have resulted in an exceptional visual harmony.

We are leaving Brighton quite early, 9am by coach, and plan to be back in Brighton by 6.30pm.  The cost is £42, two people booking together is £70, so do bring a friend along! We will offer refreshments on the coach, and there is a good cafe at the Gardens, or if you prefer, do bring a packed lunch.

For booking form, go to our Diary list, or contact us at contact@gardenhousebrighton.co.uk