A short walk onto the cool, emerald-green grass of the Water Garden feels like stepping into another climate. In stark contrast to the hot, arid Gravel Garden, this area features lush, moisture-loving plants.
Ominous clouds as I stepped into the water garden.Still lots of colour.
It’s a calming space full of large, dramatic foliage and deserving of a visit on a hot day as the temperature by the water is several degrees cooler than the rest of the Gardens.
Although my garden is on the wet side these plants would be far too large.One of the pondsPickerel Weed (Pontederia cordata), also known as Giant Pickerel Weed
They use the boat to clear the pondsThalia dealbata – the architectural leaves remain but the flower stems are removed as the flowers trap pollinators.Goldenrods (Solidago) are herbaceous perennials known for their bright yellow flower plumes that typically bloom in late summer through early autumn.
Ornamental grasses are used throughout this garden area too.Several types of asters, such as Aster tataricus, Eurybia radula, Aster pyrenaeus ‘Lutetia’, and Symphyotrichum ‘Prairie Purple’ and ‘Primrose Path’, are specifically mentioned as being grown or sold at Beth Chatto’s Gardens.More ornamental grasses and the purple heads of Eutrochium purpureum, also known as Sweet-Scented Joe-Pye Weed, features large, flat-domed heads of pink-purple flowers on sturdy stems, and is attractive to butterflies.
My visit to this area of the gardens was cut short due to a very heavy rainburst, but fortunately the sun did reappear and I was able to continue my ramble. I have only ever seen these gardens in September. I wonder what they are like at other times of the year. The Woodland for instance is probably best in spring with the bulbs, at this time of year I only saw colchiums (Also call ‘Naked ladies’ as they appear in autumn without leaves) and some patches of cyclamen. Sadly flattened by the rain so no photos.
Sadly this is the end of my series on Beth Chatto’s Gardens, I hope you have enjoyed the visit and I recommend it if you are ever in the Colchester area.
I have lived in the UK for most of my life, but when young I definitely had wanderlust and even ended up living in South Africa for several years which was a wonderful experience. I now look forward to a long and leisurely retirement doing what I like most - gardening, photography, walking and travelling.
View all posts by Heyjude
The lush greens are beautiful as is the soft light on the ornamental grasses. The photo of the Goldenrods took me back to my childhood when we had a large clump in the garden (or it seemed large to me at that age?)
It’s amazing the difference water makes. I’ve been watering my front garden every second day and the plants are loving it. We’ve had almost no rain since the start of spring so everything is very dry. This garden looks beautiful and I can see why you went out again after the rain.
We have permanent water restrictions, ever since the 10 year drought in the 1990s. We can use hoses on particular days at certain times although if you have a tank, which we do, you can use your own water at any time.
I’m away for the weekend in North Cornwall and the rain was horizontal when we ventured out to find food! Not to mention trying to stand up in the wind. Such fun!
TRAVEL WORDS 
What a lush garden.
Pickerel weed is native in central Texas.
Considering this is a garden in the driest region it is very lush. My favourite area is the Reservoir Garden though.
The lush greens are beautiful as is the soft light on the ornamental grasses. The photo of the Goldenrods took me back to my childhood when we had a large clump in the garden (or it seemed large to me at that age?)
Goldenrods are big!
We had a big garden – well, a long one! And I don’t think that’s just childhood me remembering it as big 😀
It’s amazing the difference water makes. I’ve been watering my front garden every second day and the plants are loving it. We’ve had almost no rain since the start of spring so everything is very dry. This garden looks beautiful and I can see why you went out again after the rain.
Do you ever have water restrictions? Like we had a hosepipe ban here a couple of years ago. Watering by hand with a watering can is hard work.
We have permanent water restrictions, ever since the 10 year drought in the 1990s. We can use hoses on particular days at certain times although if you have a tank, which we do, you can use your own water at any time.
Ah, a tank is good. Is that one that collects rain water or more of an underground well?
Ours collects the runoff from the roof when it rains – only useful if it actually rains! 🙂 At the moment ours is about three quarters full.
I am definitely a lover of the cool and lush!
I have three relatives who live quite close to Colchester. The next time I visit one of them, I must try to remember these delightful gardens.
Best wishes, Pete. x
You should. But beware Colchester is a nightmare to drive through. You can avoid the city by driving round on the A12 and A120 to get to them.
This is really beautiful. Though at the moment we have more water than we really want! Thanks Storm Amy,
I’m away for the weekend in North Cornwall and the rain was horizontal when we ventured out to find food! Not to mention trying to stand up in the wind. Such fun!
It really is! Soaked to the skin yesterday and today doesn’t look much better.