Henstead Exotic Garden

Our View

The Henstead Exotic Garden really lives up to its name. For years, Andrew Brogan’s 400-year-old cottage had been sheltered by a 10-foot yew hedge on one side and dense ancient woodland on the other, so when he moved here in 2000 a micro-climate was already established. Andrew wanted to create an exotic garden in which all the plants – with the sole exception of a red ensete banana – would be left outside to survive the fierce East Anglian winters. As much as 50 tons of rocks, stones and hardcore were needed to create the foundation of the garden and the volume of plants he has established since then is impressive: 10 large tree ferns, Dicksonia antarctica, which grow 12 inches every 10 years, 15 large bananas, 50 large palms, including six different types, all growing in the ground unprotected, over 100 bamboos and countless yuccas, puyas and ferns that cover tiers of rocks, low stone walls and curved paths. The garden now extends into part of the adjoining ancient woodland, which is full of huge oak, yew and holly trees. Three large ponds, one stocked with koi carp and golden orfe, attract dragonflies. Pheasants strut around the garden as if it were their own, their red, green and blue plumage a camouflage against the colourful foliage. A visit to this garden is well worth the detour.