View the map

Back

Dry Garden

One of Hyde Hall's crowning achievements, the Dry Garden is a triumphant showcase of drought-tolerant plants that thrive in regions of very low rainfall

Looking its best in...

  • Spring Clouds of zingy yellow-green euphorbias, Bergenia ‘Bressingham Ruby’, Iris bucharica
  • Summer & Autumn A splendid succession of colour, softened by the tactile flowerheads of grasses
  • Winter Evergreen pines and junipers punctuate frosted drifts of grasses and sculptural seedheads

Constructed to thrive

More than 400 species of plants live in the Dry Garden, all originating from areas of low summer rainfall, including the Mediterranean, South Africa, South America, Australia and California. Some of the larger plants found here, including the yuccas, pre-date the Dry Garden but have been kept as they suit the conditions and planting scheme.

The garden is constructed of coarse-grained gabbro boulders and subsoil mounded over rubble. The topsoil was mixed with a high volume of sand and grit to provide the plants with a free-draining environment.

A garden for all seasons

In spring, the space undulates with mounds of luminous, acid-yellow euphorbias, before building to a crescendo of riotous colour in summer. Orange and yellow-flowering California poppies (Eschscholzia californica) drift between plantings of Verbena bonariensis, Salvia nemorosa ‘Lubecca’ and Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker's Low’, while stately verbascums and echiums tower over the garden.

The fiery red flowers of Zauschneria californica provide fabulous autumn interest. And in winter, spent seedheads and grasses add a magical, ethereal quality to the space when dusted with frost or snow.

Mediterranean-style planting tolerates a degree of cold but will sulk in wet soil, particularly in winter. While sandy soil is naturally free draining, if you have clay soil, add coarse grit and sharp sand so that your soil replicates the natural growing environment of these plants. Avoid mixing in lots of organic matter as these plants are used to poor, stony soils and the organic matter absorbs moisture.

RHS Garden Hyde Hall Horticulturist

Mediterranean-style planting tolerates a degree of cold but will sulk in wet soil, particularly in winter. While sandy soil is naturally free draining, if you have clay soil, add coarse grit and sharp sand so that your soil replicates the natural growing environment of these plants. Avoid mixing in lots of organic matter as these plants are used to poor, stony soils and the organic matter absorbs moisture.

RHS Garden Hyde Hall Horticulturist

Plants in the Dry Garden

You may also be interested in...

Garden design: Mediterranean garden plants

Garden design: Mediterranean garden plants »

Knowing your soil type

Knowing your soil type »

Drought-resistant plants to suit your growing conditions

Drought-resistant plants to suit your growing conditions »

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.