Hidden Gardens of Hadleigh 2024
Gardens Open 2023
1. Benton End House (Benton End House and Garden Trust)
James Horner, the newly appointed head gardener at Benton End House and Garden Trust writes: in the last few years momentum has gathered around the careful revival of Cedric Morris's once mind-blowing 2.5 acre garden. Hadleigh's famed artist-plantsman cultivated exceptional and very unusual plants in Benton End's sandy loam soil. We hope some of the irises he bred will be flowering. Come and see the early stages of the garden revival as work in earnest gets underway. Steps and slopes may limit access for some. We must emphasise that no parking is available, and visitors are recommended to arrive on foot.
2. 135 Benton St (Michael Goldberg and Heyder Magalhaes)
Probably one of the smallest gardens in Hadleigh, but a whole lot bigger than the window box on the third floor apartment we had before moving here two years ago. Northeast facing with two mature trees. There was not much shape or design when we moved in. We have created four distinct areas reflecting the direct sun and shade the garden receives. This is the first garden we have had, and we have loved learning what grows where. Our own dog would not be happy to have anyone else's dog in her garden.
3. 15 Raven Way (Angela and David Wild)
A garden of approx 1/4 acre, recently refurbished, containing flower beds, borders, mature trees, fern area, vegetables, greenhouse and a deep pond with water feature. The garden is accessed by a firm gravel drive with wheelchair access for most views. New hard landscaping was added in 2020 and the majority of planting areas cleared and replanted by the present owners. Seating areas for a rest and refreshments available.
4. 13/15 Aylward Close (Jane Bridgwater)
Nestled in the corner of a cul-de-sac within a cul-de-sac are Nos 13 and 15 Aylward Close. Completely surrounded by woodland they feel far removed from being in a town. No 15 is small but has 30+ acers of varying sizes and a selection of tropical type plants. No 15 is a typical country garden. Both are still work in progress - as are most gardens! Plenty of seating available to sit a while and take in the peace and quiet.
5. Falcon House, 61a Benton Street (Mary and Paul Sherry)
We have a small garden, pretty but in need of tlc when we moved here in Feb 2020. It was a little neglected, and after new paving and fencing last year, we started to plant. For six months of the year the garden is in shade, so it has been very much trial and error with the planting - many didn't make it through the winter. There is a danger it could become too eclectic as I like so many different plants, but I am trying to keep it simple.
6. Fireside Cottage, 50 Benton Street (Kevin and Kay Oxford)
A small established garden overlooking the Brett valley, created entirely by the present owner, and accessed by several flights of steps. Mixed borders that are wildlife and insect friendly containing various shrubs, bulbs, herbaceous and grasses. Access down side of house. Sleepers constitute some terracing and steps - slippery when wet. Disabled access not really practical due to all the steps.
7. 2 Benton Street (John and Annabel Hunt)
An established town garden with central lawn surrounded by shrub/herbaceous borders and similar lateral borders on each side. There is also a lower level for herbaceous plants, roses and some vegetables. A silver-leaved pear, purple-leaved cherry, an ornamental maple and two mixed borders are on the drieway outside in Cross Maltings.
8. Maltings Folly (Lindsay and Graham Panton)
A folly built in 1840 greets the visitor. Walking through an arched window gate takes you into a secluded courtyard planted with trees, shrubs and flowers. Annuals in pots add an abundance of colour. The lower garden was begun in 2020 as an orchard with views to the millpond and weir. There are raised beds for vegetables and a cutting garden. Naturalistic planting is chosen for bees and pollinators. There are gravel paths but no steps. The mill pond is deep and there are no barriers to it.
9. 8 High Street (Colin Platt and Frank Minns)
A surprisingly large garden, the part nearer the house a mix of traditional herbaceous borders and more formal planting. The far end of the garden is newly laid out to provide large iris breeding beds, for original Cedric Morris irises and for Colin's new crosses. Two new borders bound this to the east and north, filled with a dense mix of shrubs, herbaceous perennials and bulbs. Benton irises and other plants for sale.
10. United Reformed Church (URC)
A pleasant way to walk between Marketplace and Duke Street, this informal garden is mainly laid to lawn with lavender edging the paths, several colourful pots and a wild flower area. Rest a while in the small sensory garden and you may be lucky enough to see the swifts entering or leaving their nest boxes high up under the eaves of the church.
11. The Guildhall (Hadleigh Market Feoffment Charity)
The Guildhall's mediaeval garden has flowers, herbs fruit trees and a pond, in keeping with its ancient origins. Of particular interest are the mediaeval kitchen and the concrete caricatures of political figures of the mid twentieth century. The garden is sheltered in three sides by the buildings of the Guildhall complex, and was refurbished in 1997 by the Friends of Hadleigh Guildhall. There will also be an exhibition in the adjacent Guildroom by the Visit Hadleigh team. Only guide dogs allowed. The garden has uneven surfaces, some steps and compacted gravel pathways. There is fully accessible entry from the footpath between the churchyard and marketplace.
12. The Deanery Garden (Very Rev Jo and Mary Lou Delfgou)
Hidden behind the Deanery Tower is a garden that tries to keep itself neat and tidy. Rosemary, lavender and thyme (and other friends) form the herb garden. Spot the medlar tree, the lone apple tree and a wide selection of nettles. The pheasant family and (pesky) muntjacs might make a appearance amidst the small forest of old an unusual trees that stretches to the river. Peaceful and filled with birdsong ... and you might even be blessed with an appearance of the big Deanery cat (the small one stays hidden).
13. Victory Cottage (Wendy Thomas)
Recently converted from a gravel drive it has become a cottage garden, consisting of foxgloves, roses, clematis, geraniums and so many more. It is also mixed with wild flowers and weeds (which deserve their place). Very beneficial for insects, birds and butterflies. Chemicals and peat free.
14. 5 Church Street (Dr Sian Dawson)
The Hidden Courtyard Garden this year was inspired by illustrations from Hulme's 'Familiar Garden Flowers' (1885) a gift from my late father Peter Dawson of Groton. The colours, red, white and blue, have been chosen by Eugenie des Rotours on behalf of France, as a tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II and for the Coronation of King Charles III on 6 May 2023.
St Mary's Church Hadleigh provides a glorious back drop for the garden.
15. 6 Market Place (Ro Stickels)
This small secluded walled garden in the heart of Hadleigh offers an oasis of peace and tranquillity. The patio area has lavender bushes and a magnolia planted within it. The garden is home to 3 espaliered trees (pear, apple, plum), an olive tree and a laburnum. Bushes of japonica, honeysuckle, rhododendron, jasmine and many others are dotted throughout. A path leads from the patio to an outside dining area with a veranda covered by wisteria, which catches the evening sun.
16. Tring House, 130 High Street (John and Maude Parry-Williams)
An established walled garden; south and north facing walls allow for very different plants, mainly perennials. There is also a west facing rockery. The soil is a light loam. Colourful with clematis, roses, nerines, penstemons, etc. in the sun, and astrantias, aceas, echinops, acers and hydrangeas in the shade. Some interesting trees -Tulip, Maple and Medlar. Back garden has fruit trees, veggie patch and recently created wild garden. Access by side gate in the High Street. Disabled access - initially difficult for wheelchairs (two steps up) and there is a gravel path but the lawn could also be used.
17. Bridge Street Allotments
The allotments comprise about 50 plots, owned by Hadleigh Town Council. Plot holders are the original recyclers/make-do-and-menders! Sheds, fences and compost heaps are often made using whatever is to hand. Plots are tended all year round for vegetables, fruit and flowers, and all waste is composted and used to enrich the soil for the next year's planting. A chicken club uses one plot for a small community of chickens. The site is generally rough ground and is not suitable for wheelchairs. tea, coffee and cake will be available to purchase and we have a composting toilet on site.
18. Gable End, 99 Angel Street (Stephen Stanley-Little)
A delightful small urban garden, laid to gravel with numerous pots of small herbaceous species. The garden is private and secluded, with a patio table surrounded by cherry, birch and magnolia with shrubs, honeysuckle and blackberry bushes. Dominating the garden are a terracotta Chinese warrior and a tall crucifixion. Entrance through courtyard of No 101 Angel Street.
19. 3 Place Farm Close, Lady Lane (Georgi and Daniel Hawkes)
A medium sized family garden in its third year's progress. Mixed beds of jungle/tropical planting with annuals and colourful foliage and flowers. Separate area given over to a cutting garden. All planting/maintenance is 100% organic and sustainable/recycled wherever possible. The garden features its own central bandstand. There will be live music for visitors throughout the day, strting with the Raedwald Ensemble at 1100. The wildlife area and pond to the front of the house have now been completed. Please note: several shallow steps for access and water hazard (pond) Please park considerately in Delf Close opposite - our driveway is reserved for people with limited mobility. Well-behaved dogs welcome.
20. Row Chapel and Almshouses (Hadleigh Grand Feoffment Charity)
The Row Chapel, built in the late C15, is all that remains of the benefaction of Archdeacon Pykenham, who also built the Deanery Tower. His almshouses were demolished and replaced by the present row in the later C19. The chapel is set in a large sunny green space, with the almshouses along the north side, many prettily planted for the summer at the front (please note that the rear of the houses will not be open).
21. Hadleigh Community Gardens (Jane Snowdon)
The Cedric Morris gardens in Magdalen Road are a legacy of Hadleigh's Festival of Gardening and Art in 2017. The gardens are by necessity low maintenance, mainly an undulating range of herbs with additional cottage garden plants. The wild flower meadow is an allusion to Cedric Morris's pleasure in propagating from wild plants. Two beds are dedicated to his irises and include an interpretation board.
