RHS Houghton Lodge Gardens
The formal and informal gardens at Houghton Lodge surround possibly the UK's best surviving example of an 18th-century Cottage Orné, idyllically set above the tranquil waters of the River Test.
Built in 1790, Houghton Lodge was probably intended as a fishing lodge set within a naturalistic and picturesque landscape. The chalk cob walled garden boasts vast espalier fruit trees, providing protection to 32 different varieties of apple tree, many of which cannot be bought today. A hosta bed was planted in 2018 and the themed herb garden includes medicinal, natural dye, pot-pourri and herbal tea beds. In early summer, fragrant peonies line the rose and clematis arbour path. Vegetables grow alongside wildflowers, with sweet peas and dahlias providing a kaleidoscope of seasonal colour.
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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.
Activities at RHS Houghton Lodge Gardens include:
- Gardens
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Facilities
Activities available in this location
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Contact
Hampshire
SO20 6LQ
Gallery
Gardens
Age Appropriate
- Children
- Teenagers
- Adults
Location
- Outdoor
In 2021 and 2022 we planted the first two phases of our new Oriental Garden with acer walk, cherry orchard, lots of roses and a stream trickeling into the pond. One of the many hidden treasures at Houghton Lodge is the espalier Pear Beurre Diel located to the right of the walled garden gate. Spanning the west-facing wall, this magnificent pear tree has an incredible width of 53.6” (16.33m) long. The impressive fruit tree has been recognised by the Champion Tree Register and awarded its status as a Champion Tree. As such, it will join the register as the widest of its species in Britain.