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Waterer’s Garden

A ⅓ acre plot within the village of Lightwater, hidden away behind the house built for George Waterer and his family in 1931. Garden designed and laid out in the 1930s by the Waterer family, who were nursery owners and now own Crocus. Restored and gardened by Trevor and Alison Millard since 1997.

Owner Info

Waterer’s Garden
Waterer’s Garden
Waterer’s Garden
Waterer’s Garden
Waterer’s Garden
Waterer’s Garden
Waterer’s Garden
Waterer’s Garden
Waterer’s Garden
Waterer’s Garden
Waterer’s Garden
Waterer’s Garden
Waterer’s Garden
Waterer’s Garden
Waterer’s Garden
Waterer’s Garden

About Waterer’s Garden

Moving here in 1997 as complete non gardeners we had to take out over thirty trees and tackle a lawn which was over our knees. The soil is Bagshot Sand and we were told that nothing would grow in the borders except gorse. Over the years the soil has been improved with many loads of manure and we can now grow many things, although the failure rate is high. The two towering wisterias didn’t flower for the first few years and then they rewarded our careful pruning by giving us fabulous displays most years. We both love roses and my husband particularly likes tulips, which the squirrels enjoy too, so we use various techniques to deter too much loss.

Trevor does the chopping back, weeding and clearing and Alison does the planning, planting and nurturing. An area we are constantly challenged by is the end where dry shade means limited choices and some luck to have things work. We have done little to the structure of the garden, save for building a wall on the terrace and putting a new water feature and patio in to take us to the office without muddy feet. The water feature is Victorian and as close to how we imagined George Waterer who built the house and garden would have chosen. Having experimented with colour schemes, yellow and pink work well in spring, pink in summer and autumn and whites in winter. We have seating in various places around the garden and will be serving teas on the terrace.

Waterer’s Garden features

Location details

Waterer’s Garden,
Lightwater,
Surrey,
GU18 5TA

Directions to Waterer’s Garden
Enter Lightwater via the A322, head to the r’about with estate agent on the corner. Waterer’s Garden is 200 metres on the LHS of Ambleside Rd.

Waterer’s Garden openings

For this open day you need to pre-book your ticket in advance. To book tickets please click on the book button below.

Refreshments Home-made teas.
Admission Adult: £5.00
Child: Free
Opening times 12:00-17:00

Accessibility

  • There are some steps, but wheelchair access to many areas of the garden.
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FAQs

Yes, cashless payment is accepted.

Sorry, there is no available parking for coaches at Waterer’s Garden at this time.

Sorry, no dogs are allowed in the garden at this time.

There are no plants for sale for the time being.

Sorry, Waterer’s Garden does not yet accommodate wheelchair users.

Yes. Waterer’s Garden seeks to offer a sustainable refuge for nearby fauna and wildlife. These sanctuaries host diverse habitats supporting indigenous flora and fauna and nurturing local biodiversity.