Beeleigh Abbey Gardens

Three-acre Beeleigh Gardens in Maldon, Essex, has stunning displays across the season, from the first fruit blossoms, magnolias and daffodils of spring to the late flowering perennials in the extensive mixed borders. Taken over by the Foyle family in 2000, the gardens have gone from strength to strength with the addition of many new areas including bog, kitchen and soft fruit gardens. The latest one being a cascading fountain water feature completed in April 2016. The gardens are surrounded by mature trees and at the northern end you'll find the tidal stretch of the River Chelmer. There's a lovely carpet of bluebells that leads down to the water come May time. Look out for the lovely 20 metre wisteria walkway containing 5 different varieties that divides the orchard from the rose garden. The many varieties of english, hybrid tea, floriabunda, climbing and rambling roses which total just over 600 take full flower in June in the formal beds while in July the cottage garden and wild meadows are at their finest.