Explore the gardens
A to Z of the Gardens
A world-renowned garden arboretum at the forefront of nurturing and sustaining national collections for the enjoyment and education of everyone, both now and in the future. Outstanding features include the splendour of the seasonal planting displays set in 180 acres, and home to the UK’s largest collection of Champion Trees – the biggest, rarest or oldest of their kind.
-
Acer Valley
An atmospheric valley of Japanese and other maples and shaded by mature oaks.
-
The Boardwalk
Run along the raised wooden boardwalk.
-
Bog Garden
Bamboos are mixed with bold herbaceous perennials such as the enormous Gunnera manicata.
-
Centenary Border
The longest double mixed border in the country.
-
Abies Chengii
This champion tree is a Chinese native fir admired for its plump, deep blue cones that sit like candles along the branches.
-
Acer griseum - Chinese Paperbark Maple
The beautiful flaking bark is a distinct feature when young, but mature trees have a more glossy, strongly cinnamon coloured bark.
-
Betula utilis var. jacquemontii 'Jermyns'
Selected by Hillier Nurseries in 1960 from seedlings raised from Dutch imported seed.
-
Fagus sylvatica - Dawyck Purple
This stunning fastigiate (upright growing) purple/red beech is a champion tree in the Gardens.
-
Metasequoia glyptostroboides - Dawn Redwood
Seed from that first sighting was grown on in the UK and this specimen was grown from one of those seeds.
-
Picea abies - Viminalis
A weeping form of a common large spruce species often used as a Christmas tree.
-
Picea orientalis - Skylands
Picea orientalis 'Skylands' is not only an architectural beauty, but this champion tree variety also has a fascinating feature.
-
Populus x canescens - Macrophylla
This giant popular hybrid has stood by our pond since 1970.
-
Our Trees - Tree Planted by Elizabeth II, 2003
A cross between Acer griseum (The Chinese Paperbark Maple) and Acer maximowiczianum, a common Chinese maple species.
-
Sequoia sempervirens - Cantab
Our Champion tree of Sequoia sempervirens 'Cantab', is a super example of this rare and unusual 'Giant Redwood' variety.
-
Champion Tree Collection
The Gardens has a large collection of champion trees
-
Children's Education Garden
The Children's Education Garden was created for the education programmes provided by the Gardens. It is unique as school students helped in its design and construction.
-
Gurkha Memorial Garden
A selection of Nepal's unique flora, situated between Himalayan Valley and Jermyn's House.
-
Heather Garden
The Heather Garden contains a range of heathers, delightful trees and shrubs.
-
Hill Top Adventures
The course includes eight new outdoor timber play features which are great fun for climbing, scrambling and a good test of strength and balance.
-
Himalayan Valley
The valley is lined with Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Hydrangeas, Pieris, and many other plants.
-
Hydrangea Walk
The beauty of Hydrangea Walk is at its peak in summer. There are many selections of the mophead and lacecap forms of Hydrangea macrophylla.
-
Jermyn's House
Visit the Garden Restaurant & Tea Rooms. See the beautiful gardens around Jermyn's House.
-
Magnolia Avenue
Magnolia Avenue, when in full flower, is one of the most magnificent sights of the Gardens.
-
Meadow
Informal mown paths lead you through our meadows and plant collection.
-
National Collection Glade
The aim of the Glade is to provide an introduction to our national plant collections.
-
Peony Border
The Peony Border has around 70 different varieties of peony.
-
Pinetum
The Pinetum, known previously as 'Little Switzerland', was planted during the mid 1960s.
-
Plants of Current Interest
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens offer outstanding features including the splendour of the seasonal planting displays set in 180 acres.
-
The Pond
The peaceful setting makes it an ideal place to sit and relax during a walk.
-
Rhododendron Woodland
This is the home of most of the Gardens' collection of Rhododendrons.
-
Snowdrops
In January and February over 20 different snowdrop varieties flower in the Gardens.
-
Summer Meadow
Summer Meadow is an open meadow with specimen trees and shrubs.
-
Swings
The Gardens are full of exciting play features which are suitable for all abilities.
-
Valley of Fire
A new planting project that will produce a wonderful new autumn feature close to the Visitor Pavilion.
-
Winter Garden
One of the largest in Europe, the Winter Garden has more than 800 plants grown for their winter beauty.
-
Wisteria Border
There are 20 different Wisteria in Wisteria Border.
-
Wobbly Bridge
Come and play on our Wobbly Bridge.
-
Woodland Tree House
Children of all ages love playing on our fabulous tree house.
-
Woods of the World
To the far side of the pond a gentle slope leads to the Woods of the World.