Railway Cottages gardens open day

A row of historical railway cottages, tucked away from the bustle of Wood Green nr Alexandra Palace, takes the visitor back in time.

No. 4 is a pretty secluded woodland garden, (accessed through the rear of No. 2), sets off sculptor owner’s figurative and abstract work among acers, sambucus nigra, species shrubs and old fruit trees. Within the pretty surroundings sits the owner's working studio.

Three front gardens at Nos. 14, 16, 22 and 24a, one nurtured by the grandson of the original railway worker occupant, show a variety of planting, incl aromatic shrubs, herbs, jasmine, flax, fig, fuchsia and vines.

A modern raised bed vegetable garden adds further interest. The tranquil country style garden at No. 2 Dorset Rd flanks 3 sides of the house. Hawthorn topiary (by the original owner) and clipped box hedges contrast with climbing roses, clematis, honeysuckle, abutilon and cottage plants. Trees incl mulberry, quince, fig, apple and a mature willow creating an opportunity for an interesting shady corner.

There is an emphasis on scented flowers that attract bees and butterflies and the traditional medicinal plants found in cottage gardens.