Discover the beauty of winter gardening with Tom Coward in an illustrated talk and garden tour
Tom is the Head Gardener at nearby Gravetye Manor, where for the past 15 years, he has led the restoration of its historic William Robinson landscape, transforming the gardens into spectacular year-round displays. Winter is his favourite season, when plants show their most honest forms and gardens reveal their true structure.
Taking place in the cosy setting of Borde Hill House, Tom will share how to get the best from your winter garden in a fascinating illustrated talk – from essential tasks to imaginative planting ideas, along with the plants he values most at this atmospheric time of year.
Following the talk, enjoy an out-of-season tour of Borde Hill, offering exclusive access before the Garden reopens on 14th February. Experience the tranquillity of the winter landscape as you explore with both Tom and Borde Hill’s Head Gardener, Mark Bobin. Together, they will guide you through the Garden at a moment when its structure, renowned tree collection and distinctive planting styles are revealed in their purest form.
The tour will celebrate plants that shine all year round – sculptural evergreens, including Borde Hill’s National Collection of Rhododendrons, stately conifers, camellias and early-flowering treasures such as Helleborus and Hamamelis (witch hazel). With leaves fallen from the deciduous trees, enjoy uninterrupted views and fresh perspectives across Borde Hill’s heritage-listed landscape.
Join us for a morning of seasonal beauty, inspiration and expert insights to take back to your own garden.
Itinerary
10.00am – Coffee and bakes on arrival inside Borde Hill House
10.15am – Talk to commence in the Animal Room
11.30am – Tour of the Garden with Tom Coward and Mark Bobin, Borde Hill’s Head Gardener
12.30pm – Guests depart
About Tom Coward
Tom Coward became Head Gardener at Gravetye Manor in 2010. Since then, he has led an extensive renovation of the garden and regularly writes for leading horticultural publications, including Gardens Illustrated, Country Life, and BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine.
Before joining Gravetye, Tom worked as Assistant Head Gardener to Fergus Garrett at Great Dixter, and also spent time gardening in New Zealand, the USA, and France. He trained at RHS Wisley and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Tom has a passion for sharing plants and ideas with neighbouring gardens, including Borde Hill.
