Things to see at Tintinhull Garden

Magnolia on the lawn of the Cedar Court at Tintinhull Garden, Somerset — Magnolia on the lawn of the Cedar Court at Tintinhull Garden | © National Trust Images/Carole Drake

Created last century around an attractive 17th-century manor house, Tintinhull Garden is one of the most harmonious small gardens in Britain. It features secluded lawns, pools and imaginative borders. You can also explore the attractive kitchen garden and arboretum.

Eagle Court

The blues lias pathway leads the eye from the house from this small courtyard area, through the Middle Garden and down to the Fountain Garden at the far end. The stone eagle sculptures on top of the original gate pillars give the courtyard its name.

Middle Garden 

This garden area is dominated by shrubs and small trees. Originally established topiary box domes flanked the path through Middle Garden and Eagle Court. Unfortunately, due to box blight these were replaced in 2017 with yew, which are being trained into domes as they grow over time. In the summer, the striking flower heads of the hydrangeas that grow along the wall offer long-lasting colour.

The Fountain Garden

Virtually hidden until the last moment, the central feature here is a circular lily pool with a simple fountain enclosed by yew hedges. The borders surrounding the pond were rejuvenated in 2017 and are filled with white roses and other flowering plants.

The Pool Garden

This area was designed as a reflective space, with contrasting borders of strong and pale colours facing each other. As well as the borders, containers play an important role in this garden, with large planters in the corners of the pool that provide even more colour and structure through the seasons. The summer-house provides a relaxing vantage point from which to enjoy the water.

Cedar Court

Although named for the cedar trees, the taller walls of Cedar Court provide shelter for a small collection of magnolias. When these are not in flower in the springtime, there is a wonderful range of leaf patterns and shapes to provide interest.

Kitchen Garden 

During Mrs Reiss's lifetime, visitors were not allowed into the Kitchen Garden. She believed that vegetables were for eating not looking at; hence the views through the kitchen garden were planted with flowers. Today this productive garden grows a range of vegetables and cut flowers. As it is a relatively small space, crop rotations are not strictly followed, and this more random approach gives a very cottage garden feel to the area.

The Arboretum

Behind the formal garden is the peaceful arboretum; a beautiful area of woodland that provides a contrast to the formal garden.  Today it is a secluded oasis where people can enjoy a walk or spread a blanket for a picnic.