Royal President and Patron
Royal President and Patron
On 27 August 2015, it was announced that Her Majesty The Queen would graciously become president of Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. All at the Gardens where very honoured and delighted.
In 2013, Her Majesty The Queen visited the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, for the official opening of the Centenary Border, celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the gardens.
While president, Her Majesty The Queen joined Roy Lancaster VMH, CBE, the garden's patrons, in supporting the garden's important work.
On the 21 November 2003 Elizabeth II, planted a special tree in the Winter Gardens, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of the official opening of the Gardens.
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.
Our Patron
The Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is delighted to have the support of patron Roy Lancaster VMH, CBE.
Having worked for Sir Harold Hillier as a Curator in the 1960s and 70s and shared his passion for the world of plants, especially the ‘woodies’ I believe that, were he to return today, he would be thrilled to see how much the Gardens have grown and his beloved collections cared for and enriched with new and exciting introductions. Likewise, the many visitors, young and old who now enjoy and learn from the Gardens would surely warm the cockles of his heart Roy Lancaster VMH, CBE
Having worked for Sir Harold Hillier as a Curator in the 1960s and 70s and shared his passion for the world of plants, especially the ‘woodies’ I believe that, were he to return today, he would be thrilled to see how much the Gardens have grown and his beloved collections cared for and enriched with new and exciting introductions. Likewise, the many visitors, young and old who now enjoy and learn from the Gardens would surely warm the cockles of his heart
A tribute to Lord Sainsbury of Preston Candover KG
John Sainsbury, Lord Sainsbury of Preston Candover KG served as patron of Sir Harold Hillier Gardens from 2007 until his death in January 2022. Lord Sainsbury was a long-standing supporter and passionate advocate of The Gardens over many years. His contribution was transformational and included active support for the creation of the Centenary Border which brings so much pleasure to our visitors.