RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey
Located in leafy Surrey, RHS Garden Wisley is the Royal Horticultural Society's flagship garden. Its 240 acres inspire visitors with horticultural inspiration.
The Glasshouse is a must-see, with exotics from tropical and moist climate zones. There is a wide range of activities for all ages throughout the year.
The garden's new Welcome Centre has a stylish reception area, more coach parking and bigger shops. MAX FRANK supplied Pecavoid ground heave solution for the project.
The Glasshouse
The flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley features richly-planted borders, rose gardens and trial fields. It was founded in 1878 by George Fergusson Wilson who established the 'Oakwood experimental garden' to try out ideas for making 'difficult plants grow successfully' and it was given to the Society in 1903.
The Glasshouse was opened to commemorate the RHS bicentenary in 2007, providing a world class home for its stunning 5,000 strong tender plant collection within three climatic zones. The tropical area evokes a warm jungle, with tree ferns and palm trees, lush-leaved climbers and flower displays. Minimum night temperatures and high humidity encourage huge leaves and extravagant flowers, and the plants are pruned to their natural sizes so that they can be appreciated at close range.
Battleston Hill
In 1903, Sir Thomas Hanbury gifted 60 acres of freehold land to the Society for a garden. The grounds became the garden that is now RHS Garden Wisley.
The gardens are a plant lovers’ paradise with woody plantings interspersed with herbaceous and vegetable beds. Throughout the year, there is something in flower to attract visitors of all ages.
The gardens also contain a number of trials areas. These are a vital part of the work of the Society, where plants undergo rigorous testing and assessment to determine whether they should be given an Award of Garden Merit or not. Trials are advertised in the RHS Garden magazine three years ahead of each trial, to enable entries from as far afield as possible. The trials team at Wisley includes a specialist in trials of rhododendrons.
The Fruit Orchard
In this part of the garden visitors can see a range of domestic apples, with the orchards providing a great opportunity to get up close to the fruit. There is also a fig tree, caged currants and espaliered miniature apple and pear trees to admire along with an array of other vegetables.
From the riotous colours of The Exotic Garden to the serene alpines of The Rock Garden or the bonsai trees lining The Bonsai Walk, there is so much to discover in this world class garden. You can also marvel at the vast Glasshouse, where MAX FRANK supplied our Pecavoid ground heave solution. The garden celebrates its history of edible growing whilst inspiring the next generation to get picking and cooking. This is the latest garden at Wisley to support The Duchess of Cambridge’s work to encourage children and families to spend time outdoors.
The Ornamental Kitchen Garden
The garden at Wisley demonstrates the best of British gardening and was gifted to the Royal Horticultural Society in 1903 by Sir Thomas Hanbury. It is now a flagship garden which captures the imagination and inspires with its richly planted borders, luscious rose gardens and state-of-the-art Glasshouse.
Discover a vibrant array of tropical plants in the glasshouse's climate zones and enjoy a wander through double Mixed Borders and the stunning rock garden. You can also take in the sights of Battleston Hill, the Ornamental Kitchen Garden and the dramatic Fruit Orchard.
With a wide range of events and activities taking place throughout the year, RHS Garden Wisley is perfect for family days out, romantic couples or anyone seeking horticultural inspiration. Once you're done, make sure to stop by the Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms for a well-deserved treat.
The Fruit and Herb Gardens
The flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley is famous for its richly planted borders and luscious rose gardens. However, the real value of this incredible site lies in its dedication to the development of horticultural skills for the professional and amateur gardener alike. In the trial fields, the finest flowers and vegetables are identified; cultivation techniques are tested; and a series of model gardens address a variety of conditions and circumstances.
RHS Wisley is located between Cobham and Ripley in Surrey, off the A3 London to Portsmouth road south of Junction 10 on the M25. A day out at the garden can work up quite a thirst, so be sure to visit one of the many eateries and cafes on offer. From sit-down meals to indulgent afternoon tea, there is something for everyone.