After four years planning and 18 months of construction, RHS Garden Hyde Hall will open a spectacular new edible garden in July...

The Global Growth Vegetable Garden will challenge perceptions of conventional kitchen gardens and will grow a range of edible plants, from the everyday to the exotic. It aims to inspire gardeners and foodies alike with its vast array of extraordinary vegetables from around the world: from sword beans and edible dahlia tubers to oyster leaf and tarwi (lupin beans).

RHS Horticulturist Matthew Oliver who will look after the garden said: “While I’m sure there’s lots of gardeners out there growing curious edibles, I’m not certainly not aware of anyone doing it on the scale that we are attempting here at Hyde Hall. It’s hugely experimental and I’m sure our visitors will be watching with interest.”

The new garden has an unconventional design, circular to represent a globe. At its centre is a bespoke 14m (46ft) wide, 7m (23ft) high, octagonal glasshouse manufactured by Hartley Botanic. Designed by Suffolk-based garden and landscape designer Xa Tollemache, the Global Growth Vegetable Garden will be divided into four quarters, representing Europe & the Middle East, Asia, North & Central America, and South America.

Hyde Hall garden manager Ian Bull said: “Most people associate a veg garden as being a collection of square or rectangular beds with a glasshouse in the corner, but we’ve thrown out the rule book and have created something that is both functional and pleasing to the eye.”

Following the official opening, there will be a weekend of public celebrations on Saturday and Sunday, 16–17 July 2017. Attractions include food demonstrations and taster sessions with Hyde Hall’s head chef, James Curtis, and using produce freshly harvested straight from the garden.

Hyde Hall Curator Robert Brett said: “The opening of the new edible garden is a major achievement for staff at Hyde Hall. It’s the result of a lot of hard work and effort, and they should be proud of what has been achieved. It will help us explain to visitors where in the world vegetables come from, how to grow them, and how to cook them. This is a wonderful addition to the garden and I’m sure that our visitors are as excited about the Global Growth Vegetable Garden as we are.”