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Garden Owners,
Please copy this information and paste it into an email to:   wb [at] armchair-travel [dot] com

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Armchair Travel Co Ltd
http://www.armchair-travel.com
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Garden Name: The Beth Chatto Gardens
Last Modified: 26/01/2011
Garden ID: 0058

pic: 0058_thebethchatto.jpg

Owner: Beth Chatto
Address:
Elmstead Market
Colchester

Postcode: CO7 7DB
County: Essex

tel: 01206 822007
fax: 01206 825933
website: www.bethchatto.co.uk
email: info {at} bethchatto.fsnet.co.uk

Features: 
WEEKDAYS 11.30am - 12pm - ENTRY TO THE GARDEN, HOUR GUIDED TOUR with Ian Parker AND A GARDEN GUIDEBOOK £10.00 

English Heritage Grade:


Opening Times:
1st March - End Oct; Mon - Sat; 9am - 5pm. Sun 10am - 5pm 
1st Nov - End Feb; Mon - Fri; 9am - 4pm. Sun 10am - 4pm. Closed 2 weeks over Christmas.

Best Times of Year to Visit: 
May - June, but interest all year round

To see: 


National Collection: 


National Garden Scheme days: No
Comments: 

Parties / Coaches: Yes 
Comments: By appointment

Viewing by Appointment: No
Comments:  

House Open for Viewing: No
Comments: 

Admission Prices:
Adult £5; Child (accompanied) under 14 free; 
Gold Season Double £25, Single £15.00
Groups of 25+ £4.50pp
Notable guide book for £3, garden tours available weekdays for £10 including
entrance and guide book during the summer, please phone for times.

Parking: Yes
Lavatories: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
Shop: No
Plants for Sale: Yes
Lunches: No
Teas: Yes
Refreshments: Yes
Picnics: Yes
Dogs allowed: No
Only on Lead: No
Events: Yes

Other Facilities:



Designer: Beth Chatto
Description of Garden:
The original site was wasteland consisting of widely contrasting problem areas. There was poor gravel soil, 20 feet deep, dry shade beneath trees, while a sour boggy hollow lay between. By selecting plants adapted by nature to these situations, three contrasting gardens have evolved over the past 40 years. The now famous Gravel garden, cleverly planted to resemble a dried up river bed, is filled with drought-resisting plants, and shady areas make homes for woodland plants, while water gardens surround four large pools, which lie in the spring-fed hollow and the impact of the lush green growth there is almost overpowering. Huge upturned parasols of Gunnera chilensis tower above a hundred shades of green, creating a scene of harmony and tranquility. 

Five acres of beautifully landscaped gardens contain a vast variety of plants providing year-round interest.


History: 


Local Inns: 
The Kings Arms, Elmtead Market

Accomodation: 
The Wivenhoe House Hotel, Wivenhoe

Restaurants: 


Village/Town/Sightseeing: