A quiet corner of Essex has been thrust back into the spotlight after appearing on a much-loved BBC gardening show.
Beth Chatto Plants and Gardens near Colchester was featured on BBC Two’s Gardeners’ World in an episode first broadcast at 8pm on April 24.
The Elmstead Market attraction appeared on the programme as part of a segment exploring sustainable planting and climate-conscious garden design.
Founded by the late plantswoman Beth Chatto, the gardens are internationally renowned for their ecological approach, built around her famous “right plant, right place” philosophy.
Over decades, she transformed challenging plots into thriving, naturalistic spaces by matching each plant precisely to the conditions it prefers, from dry gravel areas to lush, shaded borders.
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Gardeners’ World shone a light on this approach, showcasing how the team continues to develop the site using methods that prioritise biodiversity, resilience and low water use.
The broadcast has helped spark fresh interest in the attraction, with viewers taking to social media to praise its calm atmosphere and thoughtful design.
Beth Chatto Gardens welcomes thousands of visitors every year and is widely regarded as a key part of Essex’s horticultural tourism offer.
Just a short drive from Colchester, it has become a destination for both serious gardeners seeking inspiration and casual visitors looking for a peaceful day out among inventive, environmentally focused planting.
Today, the gardens remain a living showcase of Beth Chatto’s ideas, evolving with the changing climate while staying true to the principles that made them famous.
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