Things to see and do

The Walled Garden

Welcome to the Walled Garden at Markshall, a horticultural paradise nestled within our historic grounds. This tranquil and peaceful haven offers a stunning array of flowers and plants, making it a must-visit for garden enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The Longest Double Herbaceous Border in Essex

Longest Double Herbaceous Border in Essex

One of the highlights of the Walled Garden is the longest double herbaceous border in Essex. This stunning feature spans a considerable length, offering a magnificent display of perennials, shrubs, and ornamental grasses.

The Walled Garden offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Wander along the pathways, listen to the birdsong, and take in the sights and scenery.

The Wavy Hedge Garden

History of the garden and the seasons

Originally the walled garden was created to supply the family with fruit, vegetables and fragrant blooms for their table. Currently the garden combines traditional and contemporary planting through a series of five separate gardens, emphasising the flow of the four seasons. With an impressive collection of plants that provide interest and beauty throughout these seasons.

The first garden symbolises the start of the season with early spring interest. Next, The wavy hedge garden, featuring Choiysa tenata, symbolises energy flow through the garden. This garden is planted with spring interest in mind.

The Linear Garden

The Central Garden

In the centre of the walled garden you will find the linear garden. Nestled under the canopy of the Amelanchier lamarckii ‘robin hill’. This garden is the perfect place to rest in the shade on a hot summers day. The planting follows a blue colour pallet and is planted in lines.

The Wavy Wall Garden

The Late Summer Garden

Travel into the fourth garden where the thread has become an undulating stonewall and the planting is fiery with red, orange, gold and yellow, which lasts well into autumn. As you enter the final, fifth garden, make sure to look for the secret maze hidden inside the hedge. This final garden also contains a deep slate pool, which symbolise nutrients disappearing back into the earth, marking the end of the cycle.

The Longest Double Herbaceous Border in Essex

Exciting Developments 

We are constantly refreshing sections of the Walled Garden, ensuring that it continues to be a source of beauty and inspiration. Transforming it with new plants, designs, and adding to the garden’s allure and diversity. So make sure to visit regularly to see the changes and new plant additions.

Best time to visit

This Walled Garden is designed for spring and summer interest, so you should definitely plan your visit then. However, the Walled Garden remains open throughout the year, with access through the rear gate and onto the hard pathed areas of the garden in the winter months. The grass pathed areas are roped off, in order to protect the ground and to prepare it for the next season as we want it looking its best for you.

Plan your visit
  • Through the gate and into the linear garden
  • The longest double herbaceous border in the county
  • A place to sit and relax in the shade
  • Winter frost
  • Amelanchier lamarckii ‘robin hill’
  • Pot displays on the terrace
  • The wavy wall garden
  • Undulating hills
  • The wavy hedge garden
  • The view to the Upper Lake
  • The Walled Garden from across the lake
  • A peek through the hedges

Meet the team

William – Senior Horticulturist

William – Senior Horticulturist

A 1st Class BSc Horticulture graduate from Writtle University College, William brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for gardening. With previous experience as a gardener at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, and a lifelong love of horticulture, William is excited to develop the walled gardens and update the planting schemes.

Ruth – Horticulturist & Propagator

Ruth – Horticulturist & Propagator

Bio comming soon…