Stonyford Cottage Gardens

About the garden

Owned by

Tony Overland

The gardens are family owned and were created from a wetland area around a tranquil lake in a sheltered valley on the edge of Delamere Forest. This is an informal garden where shade and moisture-loving plants, including orchids, primulas, astilbes and hostas grow among natural wooded areas. 

Paths lead the visitor over bridges, to an island where groups of alder and willow grow through the water, reminiscent of the 'everglades'. Many unusual woodland plants reside here including Rodgersia, Trillium and Brunnera, along with poolside trees such as the swamp cypress and the dawn redwood. 

Beautiful views across the lake to the cottage gardens lead the eye over the waterside iris, giant marsh marigolds and borders of summer-flowering perennials, set around rarer trees and shrubs. The gardens open up along a Monet-style bridge to an island setting, which leads onto the private cottage gardens, and a boarded walk through an area of wet woodland, which is a site of biological importance.     

Visitors enter the gardens through the Plant Nursery, which offers a good selection of perennials, shrubs, alpines and garden ornaments. Mail order is also available via the online shop. There is also a tearoom that serves light lunches and homemade cakes.

Please note: this garden is partially accessible.