The Sir Harold Hillier Gardens were bequeathed by their distinguished plantsman namesake to the local council in 1970 after he had spent around 20 years developing 180 acres of prime Hampshire countryside into a world class arboretum and gardens.
The most famous element is the Centenary Border which is vast and very impressive with 30,000 mixed annual and perennial plants offering vibrant colour all summer long.
At over 250 metres in length, this is one of the longest borders in the Europe and is reason enough to visit on its own.
But the large scale of these overall gardens means there is plenty more for the visitor.
There are some excellent displays of a very wide range of plants including
- fourteen National Plant Collections,
- a Gurkha Memorial Garden,
- a Pond and Bog Garden,
- one of the largest Winter Gardens in Europe with drifts of Snowdrops and carpets of Cyclamen,
- and a Children’s Education Garden.
In spring the superb Magnolias, Camellias, Azaleas and Rhododendrons make a stunning display, while in autumn the cool climate trees and shrubs, especially the Acers, turn to rich shades of red and gold to take the breath away.
Harold Hillier made his fortune from a large nursery business and was one of the first to offer mail order plants across the UK.
He was also an avid plant collector and travelled far and wide to bring back rare and unusual plants from far flung corners of the globe including Japan, Korea, USA, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand.
Many of those plants remain today amongst the massive 42,000 total, many of which are now mature and outstanding examples of their species.
Hillier was knighted in 1983 for his contribution to planting and gardens and Hampshire County Council are to be applauded for maintaining and promoting such a large resource as this.
The official buildings and catering may not be up to National Trust or RHS levels and aesthetic, but it is still good and very adequate for an excellent day out for the whole family.