An Urban Oasis in Waltham Cross

An Urban Oasis in Waltham Cross

Do you want to explore beautiful private gardens while supporting charitable causes? Then the National Garden Scheme (NGS) is the perfect option. One hidden gem worth seeking out is Bryan Hewitt’s garden in Waltham Cross, an inspirational scaled down and styled up urban oasis. Join me for an exclusive preview as I delve into the fascinating story behind this unique garden that opens to the public for the first time this year. Unlike many gardens that often undergo a major makeover soon after people move into their new home, this garden has evolved organically over time. The creation of Bryan’s garden is intertwined with his family’s history, making it a unique garden filled with exotic plants and beautiful memories. This garden is a true labour of love, born out of a lifelong passion for gardening. What once was a neglected backyard has been transformed into an urban jungle brimming with exotic trees, rare shrubs and other unusual plants. Bryan’s journey as a gardener and historian at nearby Myddelton House gardens for 34 years has greatly influenced the design and aesthetic of his own private sanctuary.

Bryan moved with his family into the house in November 1963 from a property just 75 yards away, in which he had been born. Back then the garden consisted of just a rough lawn and a vegetable patch producing runner beans and tomatoes. Bryan’s horticultural awakening began with family visits to his uncle Sid’s home in Orpington. “Sid’s garden was like a mini-park. I was embarrassed by our garden and began tidying up and buying a few plants, enjoying what I was doing.”

Bryan’s first job was working at the nearby Enfield Royal Small Arms Factory (RSAF) where he stayed for three years. But his next job was to change the trajectory of his life, working as an assistant gardener for the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority. During this time, he earned four City and Guilds qualifications in Amenity Horticulture by day release study at neighbouring Capel Manor Horticultural College. Bryan later went on to study at Oaklands College in St Albans. Bryan left working for Lee Valley Parks for a couple of years to work elsewhere, but returned to working at Myddelton House Gardens, where he was happiest. This historic garden was created by the legendary gardener, botanist, and garden writer E. A. Bowles. Bryan worked at Myddelton House Gardens for a further 34 years. During this time, he rose to become senior gardener, and wrote an acclaimed biography of Bowles, ‘The Crocus King: E A Bowles of Myddelton House’ (The Rockingham Press, 1997, republished and updated 2017). I ask Bryan, as a professional gardener, if he ever gets tired of his job. He turns to me and says, “I feel I’ve been extremely fortunate to be paid for 47 years for pursuing a fascinating hobby!”.

The influence of Myddelton House Gardens can be found in many areas of this private garden. Dancing along the boundary fence are clusters of large, single, white-eyed red flowers, Rosa ‘Dortmund’. Stopping to admire the rose, Bryan tells me he grew it from cuttings taken from the one at Myddelton House Gardens, adding “I don’t like roses, very vicious!”, his blue eyes twinkling mischievously. Two large windmill palms (Trachycarpus fortunei) whisper to each other above the garden, bought as small plants from a Burncoose Nurseries stand at an RHS plant fair in the 1980s. Bowles also grew these palms in his garden at Myddelton House, at a time when it was rare to find them in a private garden. Adding to the tropical vibe are clumps of hardy Japanese bananas (Musa basjoo) with massive sail-like leaves that were planted around a decade ago. Foliage becomes shadows as light leaks down through taller plants, illuminating the surface of a small pond that went in twenty years ago, and as we pause Bryan points out one of the newts that reside in it. He also highlights a delicate spotted orchid that spontaneously appeared in one of the pots standing in the pool – a volunteer that arrived by itself and seems to be thriving.

Artfully located within the garden are various sculptures and objects of architectural interest. One of Bryan’s many chimney pots is an impressive 5 feet 10 inches tall, matching the height of its owner. Bryan also rescued several chimney pots when a neighbour was having their stacks reduced, these are all in use as raised planters and for their sculptural interest. The garden also boasts a collection of vintage enamel advertising signs that add colour and historical interest to the brick walls.

The second major turning point in the evolution of the garden occurred during the Covid lockdowns, when Bryan was at home for 9 months, giving him plenty of time to think about his own garden. Overseas travel (one of Bryan’s many passions) was no longer an option, so he decided, “I can’t travel, but I could bring the abroad, the exotic, to my own garden”. This yearning for the tropical can be seen in the plethora of large-leaved plants. Some key exotics in the informal planting include the tree dahlia (Dahlia imperialis), Schefflera taiwaniana, the Chinese rice-paper plant, (Tetrapanax papyrifer), and the Japanese Angelica tree (Aralia elata). When I ask Bryan to describe the main theme of his garden, he tells me “It is all about leaves. Leaf shape, colour, and light passing through leaves. I like tall thin plants; this gives me room to grow interesting things underneath.” This 3D tapestry design explains how he has managed to fit so many plants into a small garden.

Opening to the public for the first time this year, I wonder what made Bryan take the plunge. ‘It was the suggestion of a gardening friend Steve Buckley. I met Steve when he was a volunteer at Myddelton House Gardens. He thought that my garden would make a valuable addition to the London Gardens open for the National Garden Scheme, and following a visit from the County Organisers my garden was accepted.” Lastly, I ask Bryan what he hopes visitors will learn from their visit. He takes time to think before replying, “I hope to show people that there are a range of unusual plants they can grow, and they can find the perfect plant for the perfect place.”

Bryan Hewitt’s inspirational garden is a testament to his passion, dedication, and creativity in the world of horticulture. As visitors wander through the lush greenery and collections of unusual objects they will be inspired by the beauty and tranquillity that can be created in the smallest of city spaces. Don’t miss your chance to experience this urban oasis and support worthy causes through the National Garden Scheme.

Further Information

Bryan’s garden will be open to the public on 10 Aug 2025; pre-booking is possible. The garden is also open for ‘By Arrangement’ visits from June to 15 October 2025 for groups of between 10 and 15. For full details:

https://ngs.org.uk/gardens/3-king-edward-road-en8/

The NGS homepage.

https://ngs.org.uk/

Complimentary NGS local booklets are available at your local Capital Garden Centre while stocks last.

Myddelton House Gardens.

https://www.capitalgardens.co.uk/blog/a-visit-to-myddelton-house-gardens/