E.A. Bowles earned the nickname 'The Crocus King' for his extensive research and collection of Crocus species.
The gardens house the 'Bowles Corner,' a section dedicated to plants named after or introduced by E.A. Bowles.
The New River, which runs through the garden, was originally engineered in the early 1600s to supply fresh drinking water to London.
The estate includes an ancient mulberry tree that dates back to the 17th century.
The gardens contain a rare 'Lunatic's Herbaceous Border', so named because of its unconventional and intense color combinations.
The museum collection features thousands of original watercolours painted by Bowles himself to document his plant specimens.
Myddelton House Gardens is the former home and eight-acre estate of Edwardian botanist E.A. Bowles. The site contains a diverse collection of rare plants, including his famous botanical experiments and hybridizations. It functions as a living museum, housing the E.A. Bowles Museum, which displays his historical gardening tools, watercolors, and books. The grounds are divided into themed zones, such as the Rock Garden, the Kitchen Garden, and the vibrant Winter Garden. The New River, an artificial waterway built in the 17th century, flows directly through the estate. The gardens serve as a conservation site for various heritage cultivars that are difficult to source elsewhere. The site is managed by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority.
The wooden bridge crossing the New River offers the most iconic perspective of the gardens and landscape.
Visit the E.A. Bowles Museum first to gain context for the plant collections before exploring the grounds.
Wear sturdy walking shoes, as some paths are gravel or uneven grass, particularly near the New River.
Attempting to visit during private wedding bookings or scheduled garden events without checking the calendar first.
The gardens may have limited access during winter months; always verify seasonal opening status before traveling.
Stay on marked paths to protect delicate plant specimens and refrain from picking flowers or clippings.
