September 2026

Welcome to this month's Newsletter.

It's been pouring with rain as I write this. Probably the first day that we have had a consistent downpour for many months. Nobody needs to be reminded what a very long and hot summer this has been. The evidence is all around us, including the devastating impact of wildfires on some of our precious open spaces. The challenges of keeping plants alive, whether your preference is for herbaceous borders or vegetables, have been immense and provide an acute warning that we need to reflect the prevailing changes in climate in our approach to our gardens. 

On one of the blistering hot days in July, I was fortunate to visit the RHS Flower Show on the Sandringham Estate and see first hand the Gold Award winning garden created by Mattie O'Callaghan, supported by EGT and Beth Chatto Gardens. You can read more about the garden below and on Mattie's website. We are delighted to say that Mattie has kindly agreed to join us at our AGM in November and share insights into creating the beautiful long border garden, which specifically show cased climate resilient planting. And on a related theme, Siobhan's poem this time will resonate with serial waterer's everywhere!

The other theme of this edition is about getting involved in EGT. An exciting new research project is starting and we are seeking volunteers to assist with this important work. If you are interested in protecting the future of Colchester's parks and gardens, Emma Cannell is following on from important research in Thurrock and Southend and starting on this vital project in the north of the county. If you are not sure what contribution you might be able to make, then do contact Emma for a chat. Worth mentioning that Emma is also speaking at an important conference "Exploring Essex History : Essex Landscape" on 26th September and being held in Galleywood.  Details are below.

We have several "vacancies" in roles that help maintain EGT's work. Details of the roles are below. We have been very fortunate to have the support and time of Brendar for the last 18 months, who has organised our meetings and arrangements so efficiently. We wish Brendar all the best with what comes next for her whilst we urgently seek a replacement.

As you may already have seen the Government has made the decision to remove the Gardens Trust's statutory consultee role. This ends the automatic right to be consulted on planning applications affecting registered parks and gardens, including their setting. This is a significant change to the way historic designed landscapes are considered within the planning system, and a substantial weakening of their protection. You can read more about the implications of this and how we may be able to help respond to this.

Important dates for your diary! Our Events Team have been busy organising the programme of events for 2027 and you can find details and the dates for your diaries in this edition. Booking will be via Eventbrite so do keep an eye out for when they go live.

Just a reminder that all our activity is done by volunteers. If you would like to get involved in any way, from helping to serve tea at an event to contributing to planning, research activities or helping with publicity, please do get in touch to discuss. EGT is very much about doing what you have the time and inclination to do, rather than being press ganged!

Contact us via essexgardenstrust@gmail.com 

Fascinated by History, Fanatical about Colchester, Passionate about Parks?

Join Essex Gardens Trust in an exciting new project to explore the history and ensure the future of Colchester’s parks and gardens. Explore local archives, hunt down images and record local memories. Garden history draws on skills of landscape history, genealogy, mapping and horticulture for a unique blend of learning. From castle gardens to park keepers via rose beds and water features, help us discover and protect the riches of Colchester’s green open spaces by joining our team of researchers.

Want to learn more?

Email Emma Cannell: essexgardenstrust@gmail.com


We were delighted to support garden designer, Mattie O'Callaghan, in the creation of a Long Border Garden Design at RHS Sandringham Flower Show in July 2026. Along with many interested visitors, and on a truly blistering hot show day, two of our Trustees, Carol White and Neil Darby met Mattie and enjoyed the beautiful garden in the grounds of the Sandringham Estate. Sincere congratulations to Mattie on being awarded a prestigious Gold Medal for the garden design.

Mattie has kindly agreed to join us at our AGM in November and talk about the thinking and process behind the design.

''Growing with Many Hands' was inspired by the valuable work gardeners do to care for our green spaces. In a time of climate change, gardeners are on the ground experiencing changes first hand and are able to adapt to these changes. Bringing together climate-resilient planting with habitat piles for biodiversity, the garden was made as if the gardeners have just left for their tea break. Tools poke out through the flowers, cups of coffee were laid on the tea tables, with seed packets ready to sow".

We look forward to hearing more about the process and challenges from Mattie at the AGM.

Help Needed!

We continue to have vacancies in several important volunteer roles that help support the work of EGT.

  • Administration Manager - supporting the Management Committee, maintaining records

  • Membership Secretary - maintaining the membership records and welcoming new members

  • Social Media - updating social media sites with events and news about EGT

If you feel that you may be able to help, please contact one of the Trustees for a chat to find out what is involved. We are a very open and friendly Committee and would really welcome any assistance you may be able to give.

Weary with Watering

I’m weary with watering, with my trusty can
Blinding intense heat makes me want to run to my fan
Weary with watering my shrivelled drought ridden plants
Their glory days lost, they can no longer dance
Weary with watering my dusty brown lawn
Who was so green and bright when spring was born
Weary with watering – it seems like a hopeless task
As climate change embraces us quick and fast
Weary with watering, but there is just one positive thing
I now have arm muscles to show off at the gym!
 
Siobhan Pierce
September 2026