Hilton is home to many fine gardens
and many fine gardeners, one of these being Nancy Gardiner who, although almost a year off ninety, still gardens vigorously with a little help once a week. The results of her careful attentions are truly lovely. The generous Hilton town house styled garden which Nancy took on just three years ago has flourished in her care so far and looks set to only get better as there are a few plans for it in the pipeline.
This author of thirteen books on gardening is a well respected authority on the floral kingdom. For Nancy gardening is a passion passed on by her parents from a very young age.
Having lived in Hilton since 1966, the Gardiner's spent some happy years at Monzali Estate enjoying hundreds of acres where their five sons could ride bikes and horses while getting a good dose of fresh air. Nancy recalls these family times as having been interspersed with many happy occasions and parties.
In 1971 the family moved to land bordering Hilton College where they lived very simply while building their dream home. It is from this home of 37 years that Nancy reluctantly moved after the death of her dear husband.
Nancy recently embraced technology by purchasing a digital camera which she has mastered and uses to photograph the many gardens that she loves, using techniques taught by her late husband Ian many years ago. Ian had trained in photography while in the Air Force and shared his knowledge with his adored wife.
Hilton is proud to be home to this doyenne of the garden realm who declares that there is no better place to live.