The history of RHS Garden Hyde Hall

From farmyard to fabulous floral garden, the history of RHS Hyde Hall spans many decades
View over the Lower Pond in early 1970s

A garden against the odds

To look at RHS Garden Hyde Hall today, it’s hard to imagine its beginnings as a farm estate. Yet as far back as 1086 a farm dwelling was recorded here. When Dick and Helen Robinson purchased the estate in 1955 it was a fully operational farm. The garden they inherited comprised a circular flowerbed in front of the 18th-century farmhouse, one pampas grass, a lawn of 60cm- (2ft-) high rye grass and just eight trees. The couple knew little about gardening and their garden simply evolved, encroaching on the farm fields as each new vision took hold and their enthusiasm and knowledge grew.

The working farm and area around the house were a dumping ground for rubbish. As Mrs Robinson began to garden, she cleared areas around the house and planted with anything available. She created herbaceous borders and a vegetable garden close to the house, and established the framework of the garden with 60 young trees bought at an auction sale in Wickford Market. Cleaning the land was time-consuming work but, with some assistance from the pigs, the refuse, brambles and scrub were eventually removed and the sticky, clay soil improved with quantities of animal manure and mushroom and bark compost.
Dick and Helen Robinson in the garden at Hyde Hall

Triumph over conditions

Surrounded by arable fields, the picture-perfect, bucolic countryside belies the harsh reality of gardening here. In summer, drying winds sweep across the landscape and in winter, freezing gales batter the hillside. Light levels are high – the sky looks enormous – but rainfall is typically low. The garden receives little more than half of the average annual rainfall of the British Isles, is very exposed, and the heavy clay soil is unforgiving.

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.
View of border in Hermione’s Garden (now The Robinson Garden) before replanting

An ever-changing landscape

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 a monumental 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.
Horticultural apprentices part of the Global Growth Vegetable Garden team

Looking at the past and to the future

In the first chapter of its life with the Robinsons, the garden was established, grew and then developed. The structure of the ornamental garden they created around Hilltop is still here, albeit evolving and adapting. Traces of the earlier agricultural past are here too – farm fields with names that define their geological make up and stately trees that once formed the field boundaries and hedgerows. As you enter the Hyde Hall site the imposing lone oak you see on the hillside – now the centrepiece of the Sky Meadow – was once in such a boundary.

Now in its third decade in the hands of the RHS, Hyde Hall is continuing to help redefine our understanding of what a garden is, what plants we can grow and how we can adapt to our changing climate. The ongoing developments at Hyde Hall are helping educate and inspire the next generation of gardeners and enabling each of us to enhance our life through horticulture.

Landmark dates in Hyde Hall’s history
In 2002 a complete renovation of the old Pig Park was undertaken. With the approval of the late Queen Elizabeth II, The Queen Mother’s Garden was built as a lasting tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, who had a long and deep interest in plants and gardening. Today this area has an informal, relaxing style throughout, with meandering paths and rambling roses.

2002

In 2002 a complete renovation of the old Pig Park was undertaken. With the approval of the late Queen Elizabeth II, The Queen Mother’s Garden was built as a lasting tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, who had a long and deep interest in plants and gardening. Today this area has an informal, relaxing style throughout, with meandering paths and rambling roses.

A new Visitor Centre, Entrance building and car parks were added in 2009, altering the approach into the garden and allowing a new landscape – ripe for horticultural development – to unfold in the approach to Clover Hill.

2009

A new Visitor Centre, Entrance building and car parks were added in 2009, altering the approach into the garden and allowing a new landscape – ripe for horticultural development – to unfold in the approach to Clover Hill.

The Cottage Garden and the Modern Country Garden were designed as demonstration areas to inspire visitors with two contrasting styles - one filled with a mixture of typical cottage-style perennials, the other very simple and symmetrical.

2012

The Cottage Garden and the Modern Country Garden were designed as demonstration areas to inspire visitors with two contrasting styles - one filled with a mixture of typical cottage-style perennials, the other very simple and symmetrical.

Developments continued at RHS Hyde Hall, with the 1.3 acre Winter Garden added to create year-round colour and interest. 19,000 tonnes of soil were moved from other parts of the garden to create the mounds, which were planted with over 280 different varieties. This has become a stand-out area, with visitors flocking to see the intricate willow sculptures created each year. 

2016

Developments continued at RHS Hyde Hall, with the 1.3 acre Winter Garden added to create year-round colour and interest. 19,000 tonnes of soil were moved from other parts of the garden to create the mounds, which were planted with over 280 different varieties. This has become a stand-out area, with visitors flocking to see the intricate willow sculptures created each year. 

The Global Growth Vegetable Garden opened in 2017, incorporating edibles and exotic ornamentals from all corners of the globe. Elsewhere on the site, the addition of the Clore Learning Centre allowed local school children to experience practical, hands-on lessons in gardening.

2017

The Global Growth Vegetable Garden opened in 2017, incorporating edibles and exotic ornamentals from all corners of the globe. Elsewhere on the site, the addition of the Clore Learning Centre allowed local school children to experience practical, hands-on lessons in gardening.

The farmhouse and estate were purchased by Dick and Helen Robinson in 1955. Perched atop a hill, and exposed to the elements, the garden they inherited had heavy clay soil, few trees, unmown lawns and a derelict orchard. This image shows crops being planted right in front of the farmhouse.

1955

The farmhouse and estate were purchased by Dick and Helen Robinson in 1955. Perched atop a hill, and
exposed to the elements, the garden they inherited had heavy clay soil, few trees, unmown lawns and
a derelict orchard. This image shows crops being planted right in front of the farmhouse.

In this year, the Robinsons were donated seedling rhododrendrons, which were planted to form the beginnings of the Woodland Garden, pictured here behind the farmhouse. Shelter belts of Lawson and Leyland cypress hedges were planted to break the drying winds, allowing new garden areas to thrive.

1963

In this year, the Robinsons were donated seedling rhododrendrons, which were planted to form the beginnings of the Woodland Garden, pictured here behind the farmhouse. Shelter belts of Lawson and Leyland cypress hedges were planted to break the drying winds, allowing new garden areas to thrive.

Until 1979, the land running downhill from what is now the Clore Learning Centre was a piggery. The garden created on the site was named The Old Pig Park, and later renamed by the RHS as Queen Mother’s Garden. Also around this time, the Hilltop Garden, Hermione’s Garden (now the Robinson Garden) and Woodland Garden were established, and the Upper and Lower Ponds defined.

1979

Until 1979, the land running downhill from what is now the Clore Learning Centre was a piggery. The garden created on the site was named The Old Pig Park, and later renamed by the RHS as Queen Mother’s Garden. Also around this time, the Hilltop Garden, Hermione’s Garden (now the Robinson Garden) and Woodland Garden were established, and the Upper and Lower Ponds defined.

The RHS inherited Hyde Hall and three years later the first masterplan for the site was drawn up by landscape architects Colvin and Moggridge. The first works carried out by the RHS were to improve the infrastructure of the garden to make it fit to accommodate greater visitor numbers. This photo shows RHS staff and volunteers in front of the barn, some of whom still work at Hyde Hall today.

1993

The RHS inherited Hyde Hall and three years later the first masterplan for the site was drawn up by landscape architects Colvin and Moggridge. The first works carried out by the RHS were to improve the infrastructure of the garden to make it fit to accommodate greater visitor numbers. This photo shows RHS staff and volunteers in front of the barn, some of whom still work at Hyde Hall today.

The Dry Garden, for which Hyde Hall is perhaps best known, was one of the first large-scale landscape projects undertaken by the RHS when it took over the site. A decade later the second phase of development was completed. The Dry Garden is now home to 400 different species of plants.

2001

The Dry Garden, for which Hyde Hall is perhaps best known, was one of the first large-scale landscape projects undertaken by the RHS when it took over the site. A decade later the second phase of development was completed. The Dry Garden is now home to 400 different species of plants.

In 2002 a complete renovation of the old Pig Park was undertaken. With the approval of the late Queen Elizabeth II, The Queen Mother’s Garden was built as a lasting tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, who had a long and deep interest in plants and gardening. Today this area has an informal, relaxing style throughout, with meandering paths and rambling roses.

2002

In 2002 a complete renovation of the old Pig Park was undertaken. With the approval of the late Queen Elizabeth II, The Queen Mother’s Garden was built as a lasting tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, who had a long and deep interest in plants and gardening. Today this area has an informal, relaxing style throughout, with meandering paths and rambling roses.

A new Visitor Centre, Entrance building and car parks were added in 2009, altering the approach into the garden and allowing a new landscape – ripe for horticultural development – to unfold in the approach to Clover Hill.

2009

A new Visitor Centre, Entrance building and car parks were added in 2009, altering the approach into the garden and allowing a new landscape – ripe for horticultural development – to unfold in the approach to Clover Hill.

The Cottage Garden and the Modern Country Garden were designed as demonstration areas to inspire visitors with two contrasting styles - one filled with a mixture of typical cottage-style perennials, the other very simple and symmetrical.

2012

The Cottage Garden and the Modern Country Garden were designed as demonstration areas to inspire visitors with two contrasting styles - one filled with a mixture of typical cottage-style perennials, the other very simple and symmetrical.

Developments continued at RHS Hyde Hall, with the 1.3 acre Winter Garden added to create year-round colour and interest. 19,000 tonnes of soil were moved from other parts of the garden to create the mounds, which were planted with over 280 different varieties. This has become a stand-out area, with visitors flocking to see the intricate willow sculptures created each year. 

2016

Developments continued at RHS Hyde Hall, with the 1.3 acre Winter Garden added to create year-round colour and interest. 19,000 tonnes of soil were moved from other parts of the garden to create the mounds, which were planted with over 280 different varieties. This has become a stand-out area, with visitors flocking to see the intricate willow sculptures created each year. 

The Global Growth Vegetable Garden opened in 2017, incorporating edibles and exotic ornamentals from all corners of the globe. Elsewhere on the site, the addition of the Clore Learning Centre allowed local school children to experience practical, hands-on lessons in gardening.

2017

The Global Growth Vegetable Garden opened in 2017, incorporating edibles and exotic ornamentals from all corners of the globe. Elsewhere on the site, the addition of the Clore Learning Centre allowed local school children to experience practical, hands-on lessons in gardening.

The farmhouse and estate were purchased by Dick and Helen Robinson in 1955. Perched atop a hill, and exposed to the elements, the garden they inherited had heavy clay soil, few trees, unmown lawns and a derelict orchard. This image shows crops being planted right in front of the farmhouse.

1955

The farmhouse and estate were purchased by Dick and Helen Robinson in 1955. Perched atop a hill, and
exposed to the elements, the garden they inherited had heavy clay soil, few trees, unmown lawns and
a derelict orchard. This image shows crops being planted right in front of the farmhouse.

In this year, the Robinsons were donated seedling rhododrendrons, which were planted to form the beginnings of the Woodland Garden, pictured here behind the farmhouse. Shelter belts of Lawson and Leyland cypress hedges were planted to break the drying winds, allowing new garden areas to thrive.

1963

In this year, the Robinsons were donated seedling rhododrendrons, which were planted to form the beginnings of the Woodland Garden, pictured here behind the farmhouse. Shelter belts of Lawson and Leyland cypress hedges were planted to break the drying winds, allowing new garden areas to thrive.

Until 1979, the land running downhill from what is now the Clore Learning Centre was a piggery. The garden created on the site was named The Old Pig Park, and later renamed by the RHS as Queen Mother’s Garden. Also around this time, the Hilltop Garden, Hermione’s Garden (now the Robinson Garden) and Woodland Garden were established, and the Upper and Lower Ponds defined.

1979

Until 1979, the land running downhill from what is now the Clore Learning Centre was a piggery. The garden created on the site was named The Old Pig Park, and later renamed by the RHS as Queen Mother’s Garden. Also around this time, the Hilltop Garden, Hermione’s Garden (now the Robinson Garden) and Woodland Garden were established, and the Upper and Lower Ponds defined.

The RHS inherited Hyde Hall and three years later the first masterplan for the site was drawn up by landscape architects Colvin and Moggridge. The first works carried out by the RHS were to improve the infrastructure of the garden to make it fit to accommodate greater visitor numbers. This photo shows RHS staff and volunteers in front of the barn, some of whom still work at Hyde Hall today.

1993

The RHS inherited Hyde Hall and three years later the first masterplan for the site was drawn up by landscape architects Colvin and Moggridge. The first works carried out by the RHS were to improve the infrastructure of the garden to make it fit to accommodate greater visitor numbers. This photo shows RHS staff and volunteers in front of the barn, some of whom still work at Hyde Hall today.

The Dry Garden, for which Hyde Hall is perhaps best known, was one of the first large-scale landscape projects undertaken by the RHS when it took over the site. A decade later the second phase of development was completed. The Dry Garden is now home to 400 different species of plants.

2001

The Dry Garden, for which Hyde Hall is perhaps best known, was one of the first large-scale landscape projects undertaken by the RHS when it took over the site. A decade later the second phase of development was completed. The Dry Garden is now home to 400 different species of plants.

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