Useful Information
Opening Times
Plant Centre & Café: Daily, 7 days per week, March to October 10am-5pm, November to February 10am-4pm
Closed Christmas bank holidays and Easter Day
Garden: 1st March – 31st September, 10am-5pm
Closed Easter Sunday and if conditions are dangerous after wet and windy weather
Admission
RHS members (member only) qualify for free access under the Free Access scheme Monday to Saturday (April – September) – excludes groups and Sundays. We open the garden on numerous Sundays for local charities and for this reason RHS members are not given free access on Sundays.
Frequently asked Questions
Have you got a particular plant?
Due to the ever increasing range of plants we offer for sale it is not always possible to have everything in stock at the same time and due to demand we do sell out of particular plants. If you would like to reserve a plant we can put orders aside for collection at a later date or indeed endeavour to order a plant in for you.
Trees – when is the best time to buy?
Our new stock of first class container, English grown trees arrive in early September and these can be planted any time of year but we advise through the winter months.
Can you organise delivery?
Yes we have a van and a set of delivery rates to within East Anglia please telephone or e-mail to get a quote. It is often cheaper to have plants delivered than mail ordered.
Do you offer a mail order service?
We are able to send plants via courier but we would always advise customers to visit if at all possible. Please see Mail Order for more details >
How do you get to The Place for Plants?
We are situated 2 miles East of A12 on B1070 on the edge of the village. As you leave the A12 signed East Bergholt onto the B1070 stay on that road for exactly 2 miles, you pass around the edge of the village, various pubs, the High School on your left, leave the speed limit and after half a mile as you re-enter the speed limit we are situated on the left hand side just before a sharp turn to the left and down the hill to Brantham and Cattawade.
How old is the garden?
Originally planted at the turn of the last century the garden has wonderful mature trees now well over 100 years old as well as more recent plantings.
When is the best time to visit?
Traditionally the spring, from April through to June but recently with the introduction of flowering Cornus, rambling roses and hydrangeas early summer is a lovely time. In mid-summer the walk down through the shade of mature trees to the far ponds is well worth the effort. The autumn brings spectacular fruits and colour. August and September are not the best months for East Anglian gardens due to our dry conditions but the garden provided a haven of cool tranquillity if not a mass of flowers.
Is the garden wheelchair friendly?
Due to grass paths which become slippery and soggy after rain it is advisable to ring in advance to check conditions. It is usually only in the summer months the ground is suitable for a wheel chair.
Are dogs allowed in the garden?
Apart from guide dogs we are very sorry but no dogs are allowed in the garden. The garden is a private garden and due to the numerous birds and domestic fowl we do not allow dogs into the garden.
Can I organise a private tour of the garden?
Rupert is delighted to take any groups around. Please see Guided Tours & Group Bookings >
