Hyde Hall

Nestled in the heart of rural Essex, Hyde Hall is an oasis of peace and tranquillity with an eclectic mix of traditional and modern planting styles. The garden has expanded over the years and there are now more than 365 acres of garden to explore.

To look at Hyde Hall today, it’s hard to imagine its beginnings as a farm estate. The farmhouse and estate were purchased by Dick and Helen Robinson in 1955 and they donated the 24-acre garden they created with the surrounding farmland to the RHS in 1993. Since its inception, this vast garden has established from a handful of trees to a jewel in the landscape.

In 1976 the Hyde Hall Gardens Trust was set up and in 1993, the Robinsons donated the 24 acre garden they had created with the surrounding farmland to the RHS. Today, the garden encompasses 365 acres, of which 90 acres are leased to a local tenant farmer and 85 acres are grassland. One of the first major garden projects was the installation of a 45-million litre (10 million gallon) reservoir to provide the garden with all its irrigation needs. To further promote its water-efficient ethos a Mediterranean styled Dry Garden was added to showcase a range of drought tolerant plants. The Dry Garden was completed in the spring of 2001 – following one of the wettest winters known.

In 2002, a renovation of the old Pig Park along with The Queen Mother’s Garden were undertaken. Work then began on an Australia and New Zealand Garden. Designed around mature eucalyptus trees, the area has an authentic Antipodean feel with many native plants such as kangaroo paws, and tree ferns. Project work continued with the redevelopment of Hermione’s Garden, which is a true plant haven with many detailed and unusual species. As a lasting tribute to Hyde Hall’s original owners, the area was renamed The Robinson Garden.

The RHS also embarked upon an extensive tree planting programme, with around 50,000 trees initally planted. Visitors can now enjoy a stroll through the woodland and explore the rich flora and fauna. A major turning point came in 2008 with the construction of a visitor centre comprising a café, shop and garden centre. The building was officially opened in March 2010 by Alan Titchmarsh. Work continued at pace and the ever-changing landscape ensured visitors had plenty to draw inspiration from. Projects included a Winter Garden, Global Growth Vegetable Garden and a Sky Meadow.

Hyde Hall now offers beautiful panoramic views and rollings hills. The landscape continues to evolve with new features creating a garden for all seasons. 

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 Linda Perhacs - The Soul Of All Natural Things.