Leave Essex behind and journey through the continents of Europe, South America, North America and Asia in our Arboretum. Walk through this landscape arboretum filled with trees and plants from around the globe and marvel at the power of nature and the biodiversity of our planet.
Where will your visit take you?
Europe
Start your journey crossing the bridge to the gateway of the Arboretum and find yourselves in the European section, designed to blend with the natural Essex countryside. Here you will find familiar planting from the UK and across Europe. Take the easily accessible network of hard and grass paths and travel into new lands.
Gondwanaland
This was the ancient super continent that formed the evolutionary cradle for the vegetation of South America, the Indian subcontinents, and Australasia.
Here, at Markshall Estate we have developed the area of Gondwanaland for Southern Hemisphere species. It’s an undulating landscape of low mounds sheltered on the western edge by the planting of Nothofagus (southern beech). There are over 200 Eucalyptus trees that have been planted and on warm days the oil aroma provides a relaxing and calming scent.
Wollemi pine (Wollemia nobilis) are an important feature, and what is thought to be the largest collection in Europe. With less than 200 trees known to exist in the wild it is now the focus of extensive research to safeguard its survival. In addition to the Wollemi pine, there is also an experimental planting of Cordyline australis, the Cabbage Palm, Agapanthus and Cortaderia richardii New Zealand Pampas. All of these plants are helping us on our mission to know more about the natural world.
North America
Here you will feel as though you are stepping into an American forest. It is particularly striking in autumn as the trees turn every shade of red, yellow and brown. Early in the season the two species of Sumach and the Acer Rubrum are the stars, followed by the red oaks and the liquidambars, a graceful tree with maple like leaves. Don’t miss the Acer conspicum ‘Phoenix’ which has a clear yellow bark and shoots which turn coral pink with white stripes.
The North America section also includes the Taxodium Swamp. Inspired by the Florida Everglades this area has been created to provide ideal conditions for the swamp cypress to thrive, and provides the perfect habitat to support newts, frogs, toads, and the rare hairy dragonfly. The Memorial Site is also situated in the North America zone of the Arboretum.
Asia
In Asia you will find the Birkett Long Millennium Walk. Sometimes known as the Winter Walk, this much photographed garden has been planted with autumn, winter and early spring in mind. The brightly coloured stems of the Dogwood and Rubus provide spectacular reflections in the lake. The Sarcococca (Christmas Box) combined with the Chimonanthus (Wintersweet) provide a spicy sweet scent that complement the bold contrasts in colour.
Which zone will be your favourite?
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Follow usARBORETUM MAP
Find your way around our 200-acre Arboretum with our handy map