RHS shows how to protect homes from burglars at RHS Garden Hyde Hall Flower Show this summer

The show, from July 31 to August 4, will bring together inspirational floral displays from specialist growers, nurseries selling hundreds of plants from succulents and roses to bonsai and exotics, and The Secured Garden, a unique project run by horticulturists, Essex Police and security experts. 

Designed and planted by the team at RHS Garden Hyde Hall, in Chelmsford, The Secured Garden demonstrates how “defensive planting” can protect homes and gardens from would-be criminals. 

The 15m by 6m show garden, sized as a typical one to two-bedroom back garden, uses spiky plants such as pyrocantha around a downstairs window to deter would-be burglars from breaking in. It also incorporates other prickly plants including roses, berberis, Mahonia intermedia and trees with open canopies such as birches. 

Other touches to safeguard a home include sitting a wheelie bin where it cannot be used as a ladder, a stout secure shed with mesh on the window to ensure that tools cannot be used to break into the house. There will also be a secure cycle storage unit there for those with smaller gardens, and plenty more to see. 

Produced in partnership between the horticultural charity, Essex Police, the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst and Secured by Design, an official police security initiative that works to improve the security of buildings and their grounds, it is the third time that the RHS has worked with the force at the show. 

Ben Julian Harrington, Chief Constable of Essex Police, will be attending the show on the opening day of July 31. 

The police force has been keen to attend the show because community engagement has been strong, with nearly 3,000 conversations with the public about how to prevent crimes in the home at their last appearance across five days in 2022. The force says that the show provides an interactive method of delivering crime prevention advice to all members of the community attending the show, reaching a broader audience than traditional social media platforms. 

Ian Le Gros, head of RHS Garden Hyde Hall, said: “Well thought out defensive planting as part of garden design can provide an element of security, whilst at the same time provide a pleasant environment to live and work.” 

Chief Constable Harrington added: “Gardens are a place to relax, unwind or spend time with loved ones. They can also be purposeful and help make your home more secure. With a few small changes to your garden, you can help protect your home and reduce your chances of being a victim of crime.” 

RHS Garden Hyde Hall Flower Show will feature a range of displays, talks and workshops. Visitors can shop from around 50 nurseries and trade stands, gain practical gardening tips and expert insights from The Potting Shed Garden Theatre and see flower displays from specialist growers while sampling a range of food from sit-down meals to a pop up barbecue. 

Entry to the show is included with a ticket and is free to RHS members. Tickets can be bought on the door or online at https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall/plan-your-visit  

For more information about making your garden safe and secure visit: Secured by Design - Home Security Advice.

Find out more about The Secured Garden and its crime prevention features here.