Tilford Cottage

About Tilford Cottage

You are invited to come, visit and photograph the gardens. There is all year interest to be had at Tilford Cottage Gardens. We are keen to raise the awareness of these beautiful gardens which have been designed by artist Rod Burn. The gardens are open to the public to raise money for the NGS on open days.

Tilford Cottage Gardens are situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty in the conservation area of Tilford near to the well known Tilford Village Green and Barley Mow public house. The two acre plot was a blank canvas in 1992 when work began. At the outset there were no trees, shrubs or planting on the site. The land had been used for grazing as long as anyone can remember.

During the years following 1992, sections have been planned and planted to give interest with every step taken. The gardens have been arranged to make numerous areas of different interest and diverse planting, each linked to the next and yet clearly defined to give a degree of surprise at every turn. The land stretches to the river Wey that forms a boundary on the side of the property. Within the garden is a wildflower meadow, willow arches and live structures grow well here. Most of the plants have been grown from seed.

The formal box hedges were responsible for more than 1000 plants alone, all grown from cuttings. A huge number of features have been included in the garden. These range from a delightful herb garden hidden by closed doors and clipped yew hedging. A knot garden with box and topiary figures joining the herb garden.

A wildflower orchard is edged by a low apple fence. The Japanese garden is complete with a slate river and water features. A Victorian glasshouse and cedar wood greenhouse are in daily use. The garden also has hosta beds, rose arches, fruit arches, willow arches, herbaceous borders, numerous examples of topiary, pleached trees, and formal lawns.

Water features are numerous including a Monet-style bridge, a river walk and bog gardens. A fish pond has been created from a Victorian rubbish tip near to the old stables which are now used a holistic treatment centre. A dovecote was once a children’s playhouse and a tree house remains hidden but still visited. A Mediterranean terrace is sited near to the house and a wealth of carefully chosen bedding grown in pots is planted each summer.

Placed in the gardens are many examples of Rod’s art work, these are designed to blend in with their surroundings but also to give the garden a contemporary edge. Rod specialises in live sculptures and uses his garden as an artistic project. Pam Burn is a spiritual healer and colour therapist, many visitors comment of the garden’s aura of tranquillity.