Beth Chatto'S Plants & Gardens

So many visitors comment about how theyŌĆÖd love their garden to look something like BethŌĆÖs. So Jake, our Plant Area manager has taken this on board.
He worked with Beth for more than 10 years, learning her ecological principles and planting style.
Now, he is offering a border design service: if you have a border youŌĆÖd like designed to suit your gardenŌĆÖs soil and aspect, he and his team, will design it specifically for you.
... This service is FREE for designs completed November to February when you purchase a ┬Ż150 plant voucher, with a small charge the rest of the year.
More details can be found on our website ­¤æēhttp://bit.ly/borderdesignservice
YouŌĆÖre also very welcome to enquire or pick up a detailed leaflet at the Gardens.
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Our trainee gardener Britta Horsthemke took this picture the other morning and itŌĆÖs caused a sensation over on Instagram so we thought weŌĆÖd share it here too. Beautiful picture on a frosty morning. ­¤śŖ

See this Magical Once-Upon-a-Time children's story performed in the Willow Room at the beautiful Beth Chatto Gardens.
The story of a Shoemaker and his wife who are helped by Elves.
Performed by Chameleon's Web Theatre Company with the assistance of puppets.
... Show time 25 minutes, suitable for families and young children.
Children and adults all at ┬Ż5.
Saturday 15th 3 different performances: https://www.bethchatto.co.uk/ŌĆ”/the-elve s-and-the-shoemaker.ŌĆ” Sunday 16th 3 different performances: https://www.bethchatto.co.uk/ŌĆ”/the-elve s-and-the-shoemaker_ŌĆ”
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Emily and ├ģsa invite children (and adults) to join them in creating festive foliage arrangements at the Christmas Fayre today. Lilliana sneaks a free chocolate coin from the Edwardian visitors. So many wonderful craft stalls here this year for fantastic Christmas gifts! 10-4pm.

The Harmonettes live at the Christmas Fayre!

So uplifting! Well worth a listen. The Rock Choir will be back for the Christmas Fayre this weekend along with the Lexden Choral Society, the Harmonettes and Roma, a young lady who sings to raise money for charity.
WeŌĆÖll have almost 50 fantastic stallholders displaying their beautifully handcrafted items, plus crafts for children and wonderful freshly prepared festive treats too, with a pulled pork bbq plus vegetarian, gluten or dairy free, and vegan options.
Entrance is a... suggestion donation of ┬Ż3 for adults and itŌĆÖs free for children. Proceeds go to our charity: the Beth Chatto Education Trust which works to inspire and educate people of all ages through gardens and gardening.
The Fayre takes place 10-4pm on 24th and 25th November and we are just outside Colchester in Elmstead Market.
Please register your interest here ­¤æē. https://www.facebook.com/events/174355893 486623/?ti=icl
Please note: the gardens are gravel underfoot in the Gravel garden and mostly concrete around the nursery where the main part of the Fayre will be held. The stalls will be outside but most will be under the cover of the polytunnels. The Gardens contain ponds and children must be accompanied at all times.
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Sunlight bouncing around the autumnal Water Garden.

AnnaŌĆÖs freshly baked vegan toffee & apple scones, and rhubarb & almond cake on World Vegan Day. They are delicious! And we have a vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free selection available in the Tearoom all year round. #worldveganday

Christmas spirit guaranteed on this fantastic workshop at the beautiful Beth Chatto Gardens with warming drinks, mince pies and lunch included!
Enjoy a festive workshop where you can learn how to create your own seasonal foliage wreath and Christmas arrangements using foliage and natural materials gathered from Beth Chatto's beautiful garden.
All foliage and materials supplied but feel free to bring your own accessories for that personal touch.
... Please bring your own secateurs.
Coffee and mince pie on arrival and a seasonal light lunch included.
┬Ż75 or ┬Ż70 for Gold Friends of the Garden.
https://www.bethchatto.co.uk/ŌĆ”/foliage- wreaths-and-christmaŌĆ”
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A wonderful day of Christmas crafting for adults.
Join us for a festive willow workshop, in the beautiful setting of the Beth Chatto Gardens.
Make a range of decorations in willow for Christmas. Choose from free standing angels, stars, reindeer, Christmas trees and small baskets that can be hung on your tree plus larger stars or hearts for decorating your house.
... All materials provided. Booking essential!
At the world renowned Gardens, Nursery, Tearoom and Gift Shop of multi award-winning gardener, plantswoman and author Beth Chatto OBE
┬Ż65 or ┬Ż60 for Gold Friends of the Garden
Please book your place here: https://www.bethchatto.co.uk/ŌĆ”/christma s-decorations-in-wilŌĆ”
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October reflected in the Water Garden ­¤Źé

This one day course gives an ideal opportunity to learn the basics of Lino printing techniques in the beautiful surroundings of The Beth Chatto Gardens.
This course will concentrate on producing Lino prints for your own Christmas cards creating a bespoke greeting for someone special.
Suitable for complete beginners. It will show you the basics needed to cut Lino safely and how to print it accurately using registration techniques. The technique of Chine-colle to add colour t...o your prints will also be explored.
Tools and inks will be provided, but please bring card blanks of your choice / paper and an apron to keep clothes clean.
┬Ż55 or ┬Ż50 for Gold Friends of the Garden.
Booking essential! https://www.bethchatto.co.uk/ŌĆ”/christma s-card-lino-printingŌĆ”
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­¤æēScare-free (unless they're not into bugs!) Tiny Creatures and Bird Feeders - Garden Activity Day - JUST A FEW PLACES REMAINING! Tuesday 23rd October 2018 10.30am-2pm
... Enjoy an autumnal outdoor morning hunting and dipping for minibeasts, then become bird chefs and make a menu to take home for your hungry garden birds!
Accompanied children ┬Ż8. One adult free per child, additional adults ┬Ż3.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL! https://www.bethchatto.co.uk/ŌĆ”/tiny-cre atures-and-bird-feedŌĆ”
ŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’Ė ÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅ
­¤æēWild Halloween - Garden Activity Morning Wednesday 24th October 2018 10am-12pm
Make monstrous clay tree faces and your own wild mask to take home. Then let your imagination go spooky and create lots of colourful Halloween themed craft!
Accompanied children ┬Ż6. One adult free per child, additional adults ┬Ż3.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL https://www.bethchatto.co.uk/ŌĆ”/wild-hal loween-garden-activiŌĆ”
ŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’Ė ÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅ
­¤æēPumpkin Carving and Goblins - Garden Activity Morning Thursday 25th October 2018 10am-12pm
Carve your own character pumpkin to take home and create a brilliant wild goblin for Halloween!
Accompanied children ┬Ż6. One adult per child free, additional adults ┬Ż3
BOOKING ESSENTIAL https://www.bethchatto.co.uk/ŌĆ”/pumpkin- carving-and-goblins-ŌĆ”
ŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’Ė ÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅŌŁÉ’ĖÅ
The Pumpkin Hunt also runs throughout the half term: explore the Gardens and collect your reward once you've found all the pumpkins! https://www.bethchatto.co.uk/cŌĆ”/the-gre at-pumpkin-hunt18.htm
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A glorious morning for the first day of our Autumn Plant Festival and ideal planting conditions thanks to the rain last night. ­¤śŖ FREE entry all weekend. Plus Free tours, talks and plant advice. Plant offers, several stalls selling local wares, refreshments and gift shop.

FREE ENTRY all WEEKEND!
The Gardens will be open to ALL during this special plant festival weekend. Come and enjoy talks on gardening, plants, the gardens, and behind-the-scenes tours.
Admission to the Garden will be free throughout the weekend. Talks and tours are also free.
... Plant offers from the Nursery.
Nature-focused craft stall for children.
Meet the gardeners who manage the beautiful gardens of one of the world's most influential plantswomen, 10-time Chelsea Gold Medal winner, lecturer and author Beth Chatto.
With warming homemade food and drinks from the Tearoom plus 6 stalls selling regional produce.
No need to book.
Please note, there are shallow ponds at the Gardens so children must be supervised at all times.

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NGS Open Day We are proudly supporting the National Garden Scheme on 30th September. Entry fees paid on that day will go to the National Garden Scheme charities which include Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK and many more.

How do the Gardens look on a glorious September morning? Like this ­¤śŖ

A day spent at the beautiful Beth Chatto Gardens in our glorious Willow Room, learning how to create mats and pouches from rushes.
All materials provided
Day course ┬Ż65 or ┬Ż60 for Gold Friends of the Garden
... Booking essential: https://www.bethchatto.co.uk/courŌĆ”/rush -weaving-workshop.htm
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Wonderful peaceful gardens. Well stocked borders and water features. The nursery is packed full of healthy plants at a good price. Thumbs up to the restaurant. They were extremely helpful when I told them of a food allergy I have and went out of their way for me. The food was delicious.

Went in the autumn for inspiration and was not disappointed. Loved the Asters and the trees are magnificent.

We went for the Easter egg hunt and to the cafe for breakfast. The cafe was amazing, friendly staff and delicious food, simple but well executed breakfast menu (the malted bread is delicious). The kiosk staff were also really helpful and friendly and the kids loved the egg hunt. Will definitely be returning.

We had a lovely man called Marc give us a talk on the gardens to begin with, then we went off for a wander. A really beautiful place to visit although it was really hot, we found plenty of benches to sit on in the shade. If it hadn't been so hot we probably would have walked more but I had my elderly mum with me. But we are hoping to visit again maybe next year, and hopefully in cooler weather. It is amazing what Beth, Andrew and their staff have created,truly inspirational. A thoroughly enjoyable day. Thank you ’┐Į

Visited these gardens yesterday and what an absolutely beautiful garden , the Autumn gardens are amazing .

One of the best places to visit to get ideas for you own garden. The gardens are big, but you can see what you can achieve in your own garden, as there are little parts of the gardens that you can see would work in your own. There are parts for sunny, shady, dry and woodland gardens. Excellent food and a very good nursery too.

On first thoughts a rather damp day in January is probably not a good time to visit a garden. In fact it was just right as we could see a wealth of possibilities for our own garden as we wandered around. There were plenty of plants looking remarkably good. The snowdrops and helibores were fantastic with blankets of them draped across much of the shady areas. Even though she lived in Milton Keynes my sister was artist in residence here a couple of years ago and loved the gardens. I live even further away and this was my first visit, I could see why she was so enamoured with it.

At 15.10 I was unable to have a cappuccino as the machine was already being cleaned in anticipation of the cafe closing by 16.00... The cup of tea I had instead was OK, my husband enjoyed his toasted tea cake and cuppa. But I didn't visit for tea or coffee I went to find out why my sister had loved the gardens.

Lovely gardens and fab little cafe. We had the vegan sausage rolls which were really tasty, plus they had a vegan sandwich option and soya milk. Really friendly and polite staff. Thank you ’┐Į

Loved it, had a great light lunch in the cafe and then wandered through the garden and nursery. Beautifully laid out and thoughtful array of plants

I purchased the Gold Package for an evening with Alan Titchmarsh last December as a birthday present (June 28th) for my wife. This was our first visit to the gardens and we were not disappointed. We felt this was an inspirational experience, giving one many ideas how to create within your own respective garden whatever the size.The tour around the garden given by Marc was most enjoyable and we shall put to practice his suggestions for keeping the slugs at bay from the Hostas. The buffet was excellent and the staff very friendly, the evening with Alan Titchmarsh rounded off a lovely day. I am sure we shall be back again to enjoy those gardens created by a lady who inspired many. Thank you

Had to go to Clacton on Sea for work and wanted somewhere nice to go for lunch and Beth Chatto tearoom was recommend so we pre-booked afternoon tea.



Staff at the tea room were very welcoming and friendly. Looked after us so well and nothing was too much trouble from the moment we arrived until we left.



Great selection of sandwiches with lovely filling and great tasting bread. Freshly made scone which were still warm when served and so light. Plus 4 other types of cakes which I had to bring home as I was so full from the sandwiches and scones. All was decorated with fruit and edible flowers, nice touch.



Tea was served piping hot and waitress made sure we had plenty.



Staff made time to talk to us about the food, all sourced locally, plus the gardens.



Food menu also looked amazing and next time I visit I will try from the menu because I will definitely be returning to Beth Chatto when I am in the area again.



Great experience, can highly recommend.

First visit, beautifil weather beautiful gardens, the birds were all out singing it was a real pleasure to walk around taking in the scents and watching the flowers bob around in the breeze, perfect few hours for us, well worth a visit.

Been meaning to visit for years and finally got round to it and I wasn't disappointed. There is so much to see and found great ideas and plants for my own garden. Will definitely visit again ’┐Į

Beautiful peaceful surroundings. Was surprised at the lack of flowers lots of greens and blues. Loved the fact that they let weeds grow in a controlled way amongst the beds. Woodland areas get are for walking. Food in cafe very good though seemed a bit expensive but you did get a lot. Plants were also e pensive to buy and difficult to find if you were looking for a particular one. But staff were helpful a lovely day out

Absolutely beautiful. A lovely day out. We also had a really tasty lunch. Everything was just perfect.

A great garden to go to for ideas for your own garden. Friendly helpful staff

Love the gardens and plant centre but the restaurant was not so good lovely staff but we arrived by coach and they struggled to serve we had made up sandwiches but found them dry. We will go back though.

I took my daughter and grandchildren, once again, to the Easter Egg Hunt and again enjoyed it very much and the ŌĆ£snacksŌĆØ in the restaurant after - good job we took our wellies as overnight rain had made the car park very muddy but luckily we parked on the shingle area ­¤æŹ look forward now to the next Adventure day or just a walk round in May/June to view the lovely flowers etc.

A lovely garden though some areas are beginning to look stressed due to the lack of rain and constant sunshine. Plant combinations were very interesting and I came away with ideas for my garden. Reasonably priced drinks and menu in the Tea Room. Friendly and efficient staff. The water fountain was appreciated on such a warm day.

FREE ENTRY all WEEKEND!
The Gardens will be open to ALL during this special plant festival weekend. Come and enjoy talks on gardening, plants, the gardens, and behind-the-scenes tours.
Admission to the Garden will be free throughout the weekend. Talks and tours are also free.
... Plant offers from the Nursery.
Nature-focused craft stall for children.
Meet the gardeners who manage the beautiful gardens of one of the world's most influential plantswomen, 10-time Chelsea Gold Medal winner, lecturer and author Beth Chatto.
With warming homemade food and drinks from the Tearoom plus 6 stalls selling regional produce.
No need to book.
Please note, there are shallow ponds at the Gardens so children must be supervised at all times.

See More

Wonderful peaceful gardens. Well stocked borders and water features. The nursery is packed full of healthy plants at a good price. Thumbs up to the restaurant. They were extremely helpful when I told them of a food allergy I have and went out of their way for me. The food was delicious.

Went in the autumn for inspiration and was not disappointed. Loved the Asters and the trees are magnificent.

We went for the Easter egg hunt and to the cafe for breakfast. The cafe was amazing, friendly staff and delicious food, simple but well executed breakfast menu (the malted bread is delicious). The kiosk staff were also really helpful and friendly and the kids loved the egg hunt. Will definitely be returning.

We had a lovely man called Marc give us a talk on the gardens to begin with, then we went off for a wander. A really beautiful place to visit although it was really hot, we found plenty of benches to sit on in the shade. If it hadn't been so hot we probably would have walked more but I had my elderly mum with me. But we are hoping to visit again maybe next year, and hopefully in cooler weather. It is amazing what Beth, Andrew and their staff have created,truly inspirational. A thoroughly enjoyable day. Thank you ’┐Į

Visited these gardens yesterday and what an absolutely beautiful garden , the Autumn gardens are amazing .

One of the best places to visit to get ideas for you own garden. The gardens are big, but you can see what you can achieve in your own garden, as there are little parts of the gardens that you can see would work in your own. There are parts for sunny, shady, dry and woodland gardens. Excellent food and a very good nursery too.

On first thoughts a rather damp day in January is probably not a good time to visit a garden. In fact it was just right as we could see a wealth of possibilities for our own garden as we wandered around. There were plenty of plants looking remarkably good. The snowdrops and helibores were fantastic with blankets of them draped across much of the shady areas. Even though she lived in Milton Keynes my sister was artist in residence here a couple of years ago and loved the gardens. I live even further away and this was my first visit, I could see why she was so enamoured with it.

At 15.10 I was unable to have a cappuccino as the machine was already being cleaned in anticipation of the cafe closing by 16.00... The cup of tea I had instead was OK, my husband enjoyed his toasted tea cake and cuppa. But I didn't visit for tea or coffee I went to find out why my sister had loved the gardens.

Lovely gardens and fab little cafe. We had the vegan sausage rolls which were really tasty, plus they had a vegan sandwich option and soya milk. Really friendly and polite staff. Thank you ’┐Į

Loved it, had a great light lunch in the cafe and then wandered through the garden and nursery. Beautifully laid out and thoughtful array of plants

I purchased the Gold Package for an evening with Alan Titchmarsh last December as a birthday present (June 28th) for my wife. This was our first visit to the gardens and we were not disappointed. We felt this was an inspirational experience, giving one many ideas how to create within your own respective garden whatever the size.The tour around the garden given by Marc was most enjoyable and we shall put to practice his suggestions for keeping the slugs at bay from the Hostas. The buffet was excellent and the staff very friendly, the evening with Alan Titchmarsh rounded off a lovely day. I am sure we shall be back again to enjoy those gardens created by a lady who inspired many. Thank you

Had to go to Clacton on Sea for work and wanted somewhere nice to go for lunch and Beth Chatto tearoom was recommend so we pre-booked afternoon tea.



Staff at the tea room were very welcoming and friendly. Looked after us so well and nothing was too much trouble from the moment we arrived until we left.



Great selection of sandwiches with lovely filling and great tasting bread. Freshly made scone which were still warm when served and so light. Plus 4 other types of cakes which I had to bring home as I was so full from the sandwiches and scones. All was decorated with fruit and edible flowers, nice touch.



Tea was served piping hot and waitress made sure we had plenty.



Staff made time to talk to us about the food, all sourced locally, plus the gardens.



Food menu also looked amazing and next time I visit I will try from the menu because I will definitely be returning to Beth Chatto when I am in the area again.



Great experience, can highly recommend.

First visit, beautifil weather beautiful gardens, the birds were all out singing it was a real pleasure to walk around taking in the scents and watching the flowers bob around in the breeze, perfect few hours for us, well worth a visit.

Been meaning to visit for years and finally got round to it and I wasn't disappointed. There is so much to see and found great ideas and plants for my own garden. Will definitely visit again ’┐Į

Beautiful peaceful surroundings. Was surprised at the lack of flowers lots of greens and blues. Loved the fact that they let weeds grow in a controlled way amongst the beds. Woodland areas get are for walking. Food in cafe very good though seemed a bit expensive but you did get a lot. Plants were also e pensive to buy and difficult to find if you were looking for a particular one. But staff were helpful a lovely day out

Absolutely beautiful. A lovely day out. We also had a really tasty lunch. Everything was just perfect.

A great garden to go to for ideas for your own garden. Friendly helpful staff

Love the gardens and plant centre but the restaurant was not so good lovely staff but we arrived by coach and they struggled to serve we had made up sandwiches but found them dry. We will go back though.

I took my daughter and grandchildren, once again, to the Easter Egg Hunt and again enjoyed it very much and the ŌĆ£snacksŌĆØ in the restaurant after - good job we took our wellies as overnight rain had made the car park very muddy but luckily we parked on the shingle area ­¤æŹ look forward now to the next Adventure day or just a walk round in May/June to view the lovely flowers etc.

A lovely garden though some areas are beginning to look stressed due to the lack of rain and constant sunshine. Plant combinations were very interesting and I came away with ideas for my garden. Reasonably priced drinks and menu in the Tea Room. Friendly and efficient staff. The water fountain was appreciated on such a warm day.