High Beeches Woodland and Water Garden

About the garden

High Beeches was originally laid out by Colonel Giles Loder, a cousin of the Loders of Wakehurst and Leonardslee. In 1966, it was acquired by Anne and Edward Boscawen, who devoted many years to its maintenance and improvement. Today, the garden is managed by a non-profit charitable trust.

The 27-acre original woodland has been thinned and sensitively underplanted with exotic species. The garden boasts numerous mature specimen trees, along with an impressive collection of award-winning shrubs.

In spring, magnolias and camellias are underplanted with swathes of miniature Narcissus. Early summer brings carpets of native bluebells, rhododendrons and azaleas, and in summer, the garden features one of the finest ancient acid wildflower meadows in the southeast, brimming with orchids, oxeye daisies, cowslips and many other wildflowers and grasses. Autumn colour is provided by acers, liquidambers and Nyssa.