Hidden down a bumpy, rather haphazard concrete road you'll find The Beth Chatto Gardens, Clacton Road Elmstead Market, one of Colchester’s most beautiful facets. Beth began this more than major project in the 1960’s with nothing but an open expanse of land bordering a very typical gravel garden. She, along with her team of gardeners, have transformed this empty land into what can now only be described as an enchanting, enticing and enthralling garden. At almost 900m2 this garden encompasses beautiful man-made ponds, lofty trees that cast a beautiful dappled shade, plants that thrive in shady, damp places as well as sunny, dry spots.
The Gardens
The main garden, averaging at around £6.50 per adult depending on season, consists of the Woodland Garden a walk to escape the hot English summer sun whilst wandering amongst humongous oaks and low-lying shrubs. You’ll find bulbs in full bloom and an array of natural planting that feels a world away from the cultivated beds of the Water Garden.
The Water Garden is an enchanting series of ponds, that reflect both the Oaks and the blue skies seemingly always present at Beth Chatto’s, here my favourite plants can be found (The Phormiums) and lush grasses that sway and hush in the breeze.
If it’s an easy stroll you’re looking for head to the Long Shady Walk, with structured bedding perfectly poised beneath more of those lofty oaks here you’ll find shades of Hostas, Violets, shade loving Ferns and Clematis clambering up the oak trees in an alluring harmony. On the other hand, if you’re in search of sun head for the Scree Gardens, for those sweet, easy alpines and stylish succulents sprawl between stone walls. The newly planted Reservoir Garden makes the most of the heavy soil and an open sunny spot, although not completed yet within a few years this garden will be just as stunning and just as individual as all the others.
Although these gardens may not be everyone's cup of tea, they make for a beautifully quiet weekday afternoon. It’s somewhere to escape and just appreciate nature, quiet, beauty and serenity. Head here in June to catch a glimpse of ducklings flitting about the Water Gardens and see all those leafy green hues in full glory. Picnicking isn’t allowed in the Gardens and although kids are the gardens aren’t yet fully suited to young children. However, in the coming months, The Beth Chatto Education Trust will be running programmes in the New Education Building.
Eating
The tearoom here is fitting to the vibe of the gardens. Here you can have a relatively cheap, locally sourced, laid-back lunch with a wide choice of savoury pastries, sweet treats, hot food or cold sandwiches and salads. If you just want a snack I highly recommend the home made scones with a tea or coffee to refuel before heading to the Gravel Garden.
The Gravel Garden
The Gravel Garden, formerly a car park is now a living experiment to demonstrate the extreme conditions plants can survive in. Never watered and pretty much in constant sun and heat throughout the summer this garden is both exotic, fascinating, beautiful and inspiring for my future garden goals. This garden is quick to wander around and free to view. It’s a short 10 to 15-minute walk and most of the plants thriving here can be found inside the nursery itself, for sale. Although not the main spectacle, The Gravel Garden stands out as my favourite aspect of Beth Chatto Gardens.
Overall, Beth Chatto makes for a lovely afternoon whether cool and breezy or hot and humid. It’s both pensive and inspiring whilst being a great location for a family outing. The new addition of the education centre will encourage horticulture in youngsters whilst the established, widened gardens are a great sight for any gardening enthusiasts new or experienced. It’s one of Colchester’s must sees!