The Eastern Branch are holding a dual visit to Benton End in Hadleigh and Columbine Hall, Stowmarket in Suffolk on Thursday 11th June from 10am-2pm.
Benton End
Benton End is the former home of celebrated artist and gardener Sir Cedric Morris and his lifelong partner, artist Arthur Lett-Haines. The garden at Benton End was influential for its naturalistic style, home to a collection of rare and unusual plants. Cedric also bred bearded Irises, naming over 90 cultivars, many of which carry the 'Benton' prefix. He was friend and mentor to Beth Chatto who credited Benton End with opening her eyes to what a garden could be. In 2021, Benton End was gifted to the Garden Museum with the intention that house and garden would be restored and opened again as a place of learning. The renewal of the walled garden in collaboration with landscape designer Sarah Price re-opens to visitors in summer 2026. Head Gardener James Horner has been working in the garden since 2023 leading the garden renewal working with Project Director Beatrice Prosser-Snelling. For more information, please visit gardenmuseum.org.uk and search for Benton End.
Columbine Hall
Hew Stevenson and his late wife Leslie Geddes-Brown bought Columbine Hall in 1993, restoring the house, garden and grounds. The landscaped garden is surrounded by a moat, believed to be constructed to deter Vikings. There is a parterre, bog garden, walled kitchen garden and wildflower meadow along with wide vistas. Head Gardener Kate Elliott has been working in and developing the gardens since 1997. For more information, please visit columbinehall.co.uk
Itinerary for the day
10.00am arrive and meet at Columbine Hall for Tea, Coffee and Biscuits with Owner Hew Stevenson.
10.30am - tour of the Garden with Head Gardener Kate Elliott.
12.00pm- depart for Hadleigh
30 minute drive to Hadleigh for parking then a 20 minute walk to the garden at Benton End.
1.00pm - garden tour at Benton End
2.00pm - explore the garden at your leisure.
To book a place please email me before 5th June; guests of members are welcome too. The cost for the day is £22 per person for members, and £32 per person for guests.
To book a place please email Cathy [email protected]
