About Sir Harold

Sir Harold was born in 1905, the son of Edwin Lawrence Hillier and Ethel Gifford, a world-renowned expert on conifers whose own father had started a small florist and nursery in Winchester in 1864.

Sir Harold receiving his knighthood
Sir Harold receiving his knighthood in 1983. His wife Lady Hillier, and two sons, Robert and John Hillier, are next to him.

Harold continued this family legacy, dedicating his life to expanding his ever-growing plant collection and establishing the Gardens in 1953. He corresponded with garden owners and curators all over the world, and many plants from his travels across the globe to countries like Japan, New Zealand and Mexico are still growing in the Gardens today.

Picture of Sir Harold Hillier

In 1977, Sir Harold left the Gardens under the sole trusteeship of Hampshire County Council. It is now run as a charity dedicated to horticulture, conservation, recreation and education, with visitors welcomed to enjoy the beauty of its grounds.