Talk & Tour with Tom Coward: Making the Most of the Garden in Winter

About

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

Cost:

£35.00 to include refreshments on arrival, an illustrated talk and a guided tour.

Important info:

Pre-booking is required for this event.

Dogs are not allowed at this event.