Monet Lilies And Bridge Brought To Life

A series of muddy holes in the ground has given three generations of the Bennett family their livelihood for 60 years.

Grandfather, Norman Bennett created this extensive water garden complex in a series of former clay pits on the edge of Weymouth, Dorset.

Which now also houses the National Plant Collection of Water Lilies for the UK.

Not ‘The’ bridge but still charming…Bennetts Water Gardens Chickerell, Dorset.

As well as it being his countries custodian of the 200plant collection.  He is also running a wonderful tourist attraction too.

The lakes covering around 8 acres provide the setting for the colourful flowering aquatic plants.

Plenty of colour in the Bennetts Water Garden Dorset.

Once bricks were the end products of the pits and now beautiful water loving plants are sold from the business directly or by mail order which is a very popular way of buying them at the moment.

Touring the complex now with Covid19 changes is very easy.  Some sections are one way as the paths that skirt the ponds are at times narrow.

Shady seating at Bennetts Water Garden Dorset UK.

Spring/Summer are certainly the best times to visit as the floating flowers burst through the expanse of lily pads to show off their blooms that sit proudly just above the surface.

From plain whites and creams to deep reds and purples the flowers provide a great show especially when they are in full sun on those lovely warm summer days.

French artist Monet made the lilies a subject of a very popular painting of the Giverny Gardens which was exhibited in England in 1899.

Distant view of the Monet lilies and bridge at Bennetts Water Gardens Dorset .

Bennetts Have Their Own Monet Lilies And Bridge

The Bennetts team have created their own living version of that painting too. It was installed in 1999 a 100 years after the original painting was done.  With a perfectly placed reproduction of that famous wooden bridge and a sea of flowering lilies covering the lake completes a perfect picture for the visitors to capture on camera or even canvas.

Amazing colours on show…Bennetts Water Gardens Dorset.

A picture that attracts not only lovers of the lilies themselves, but also of the artist.  Plus, the many photographers that want to capture that Dorset version at the former Chickerell clay pits.

Water level view at Bennetts Water Garden Dorset.

Not only are the extensive lakes of interest the grass paths will take you on woodland walks or nature trails as well. Plenty of places to sit down and enjoy the views. There is also a small local museum and a Tropical House.  That contains some more exotic water plants that would not survive the winters in the UK.

Dorset Apple Cake Too!

Their online shop is full of information in order to help newcomers to water gardening.  Ensuring that they buy the right plants for their home pond or its situation. They have an excellent selection of easier to grow British native plants that will thrive in the UK climate.

Warmed Dorset apple cake and clotted cream.

Bog and water margin loving plants are on sale too.

A gift shop and the Café Monet.  Giftware, collectables, jams and chutneys. Here, there are lots of local products to pick up including Dorset ciders and beers!

The café staff will look after you.  However, you have to try their Dorset cream tea and the Dorset apple cake of course, with a ‘dollop’ of clotted cream to accompany it.  A pure ‘Dorset experience’!

Current curator is James Bennett and he is the third generation to run the gardens.  Currently because of Covid19 bookings have to be made online.

Prices are Adults £10 Children £4.50 Family ticket 2 adults 2 children £27.00 Under 5’s free.