FLORAL FANTASIA
RHS GARDEN HYDE HALL, CHELMSFORD
This impressive Essex garden has an eclectic mix of traditional and modern styles. Visitors adore the Hilltop Garden with its roses and herbaceous borders and the Dry Garden with its awesome range of drought-resistant plants.
SPRING HORTICULTURAL
HIGHLIGHTS: You’ll be greeted by the sight of over 120,000 daffodils along the road approaching the garden and inside, along with containers bursting with tulips around the front entrance. Camellias, rhododendrons and magnolias bring warm splashes of pink and red to woodland areas. In the Floral Fantasia area, new plant trails include a pansy trail co-sponsored by the British Protected Ornamental Association. In addition, the sweet pea trail will fill the air with scent from late May. These will be supported by pea sticks following the interest visitors have shown in using these traditional gardening methods. HOW MUCH? £13.50 per adult (rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall).
WHERE TO STAY: Nearby Frasers Guest House has doubles from £75 a night with breakfast (frasersguesthouse.co.uk).