THE EXTENSIVE gardens at Beeleigh Abbey are set to open their doors to the public for the third year running next week.

The three acres of pleasant, peaceful and picturesque gardens were first opened up to the public in 2013.

The abbey itself – despite not being open to the public – first being founded in 1180 by Premonstratensian canons, and remains as one of the oldest inhabited buildings in England.

The gardens are exploding with varieties of colourful plants, all surrounded by mature trees with beautiful views overlooking the river Chelmer.

For this year, new projects and features have been installed, such as a 20-meter-long Wisteria Walkway with five different varieties of flowers, and a brand new water cascade feature.

Chris Cork, Head Gardener at the Abbey, said the team had planted over 400 new spring bulbs, fruit blossoms and magnolias, as well as hundreds of different varieties of tulips.

Chris said: “It’s a magnificent display through the whole summer season, but the display we’re most famous for is our roses in June time.

“We have over 600 roses of all colours blossom in the heart of summer, and when they’re in full flower it’s the most impressive display we have.”

The gardens additionally house their own cottage garden, with a small little potting shed complete with its own set of old gardening tools covered in its own climbing rose.

Regarding the shed, Chris said: “It’s the most informal and relaxed piece of gardening we do, as it’s a smaller scale.

“Many people like it because it’s similar to a traditional garden, so a lot of people relate to it, and the addition of the garden tools enhances that aesthetic.”

Since its annual summer season opening to the public in 2013, the gardens have become an increasingly popular summer destination for the people of the Maldon District.

During peak times in the school holidays, they average around 250-300 visitors per day.

Chris added: “Occasionally we can get as much as 700 people in during a great summer day, but because of how extensive our gardens have become, you could never tell.

“The gardens are big enough for everyone to find their own quiet space to relax by themselves.”