Creating gardens has been a major British pastime for generations. Many of our best gardens are internationally famous and attract thousands of visitors each year.

Essex has its own rich and varied legacy of gardens great and small, which include work by many of the renowned names in gardening: the Tradescants, Bridgeman, Lord Petre, Capability Brown, Woods, Repton, Nesfield, Peto, Ellen Willmott, Gibberd and Beth Chatto.

The Essex Gardens Trust was formed in 1996 with the aims of:

• Research Researching and recording historic gardens.
• Newsletter  Stimulating interest in gardens of all periods and styles and generating enthusiasm for their care.
• Education  To work with schools aiming to foster in children an early appreciation of gardens.
• Events To provide throughout the year a varied programme of lectures and visits.

The Trust is affiliated to The Gardens Trust, a national organisation representing 34 County Garden Trusts actively engaged in conserving, researching, documenting and caring for our heritage of parks, gardens and designed landscapes, both private and public.  Click here for a copy of the  the TGT newsletter

Please browse though the web site to find out more about the Essex Gardens Trust and how to join! We hope to be able to meet you at a forthcoming event soon.

Friday 18th May 2018  Introduction to Garden History Workday with Dr Twigs Way - A few places left            

We are holding a fun, informative and informal day at Little Easton Village Hall & the Gardens of Easton Lodge to learn more about garden history and research.  The morning will be spent examining maps, plans and other historical artefacts and documents with the afternoon in the gardens of Easton Lodge.  No previous experience necessary! Cost is just £6,50 per person which includes the all important morning refreshments and afternoon tea and cake. Meet at Little Easton Village Hall (with packed lunch). All proceeds from the day will go to The Gardens of Easton Lodge Preservation Trust. Details of how to book can be found on the Events page.

The Lecture Series, 2017-18

Saturday 18 November, 2017: Painshill, the restoration story.

Saturday 24 February 2018: Hatfield Forest, through the centuries.

Saturday 24 March 2018: Copped Hall, bringing the gardens back to life.

All lectures will be at Writtle University College at 2.30pm. Further details and how to book can be found on the Events Page.

Trips 2018

Tuesday 24 April 2018, National Trust Hatfield Forest, Essex.

Tuesday 19th June, coach Trip to  Painshill Park, Surrey. 

Thursday 12 July 2018, RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Essex.

Details can be found on the Events page or on Facebook - see below.

FACEBOOK: Take a look at our Facebook Page for regular updates and news of affiliated organisations and gardens: https://www.facebook.com/essexgardenstrust/ 

Coming up next week!  

On Tuesday 24th April, 10 am, join us for a guided walk around Hatfield Forest to look at the woodland, flora and fauna as well as its history and management for the future. 

Members £5.00, guests £7.50 inc. refreshments on arrival. National Trust car park charge applies (free to NT members). 

Places are only available if booked in advance: To book, send your cheque, (made payable to Essex Gardens Trust), name, phone number and address, to Michele Freeman, 36 Chitts Hill, Lexden, Colchester, Essex, CO3 9ST or telephone 01206 560557.

Journal: 

Our first Journal is now out: the Repton Edition, available to all members.