On the Dry Side

Eryngium x zabelli ‘Big Blue’

Salvia nemerosa ‘Big Blue’

Callistemon viridis

                                                       Less exotic, but Escallonia ‘Appleblossom’ was smothered in flowers and alive with bees
Essex is one of the driest counties in the country, so if you are looking for inspiration on what to grow in your own dry garden, Hyde Hall is a great place to visit. The Rock Garden has a real Mediterranean atmosphere with some wonderful plants that thrive in the free-draining soil and hill top location. It is a garden that is still being developed and each time I go there, there is something new to see and it is worth exploring the hidden corners. The Hyde Hall Flower Show takes place from 30th July-2nd August.

There are two gardens close to the visitor centre that are now fully established. One of them is wonderfully moody with lots of evergreens and grasses combined with herbaceous planting predominantly in shades of purple and blue.