Our Story
Our business is deeply rooted within a family heritage of florists, gardeners and landscapers spanning several generations, most notably working as Head Gardener at Highclere Castle and Gardens for the Earl of Carnarvon, which featured in the hit TV series Downton Abbey.
For five generations the Digweeds were responsible for maintaining the vast estate at Highclere Castle. In the early 1800s, the Digweeds had the honour of breeding a new plant to be named after them, Crinum x digweedii. The flower has since spread far and wide and is popular for its striking red stripes.
Today our team of horticulture experts and professional tradesmen continue to provide maintenance to the highest standard for a number of large estates and manor houses. It is the expertise and traditional hard-working values passed through generations which we continue to put into every project.
We are proud to work in Essex and serve its local community, sourcing from local suppliers and tradesmen and building connections with industry specialists to ensure you receive the best knowledge, product and value.
Matthew Digweed
Tilkey Garden Services was founded by Matthew Digweed, who obtained a Bsc in Horticulture at Writtle College, Essex. With a surname like Digweed and a family heritage in horticulture spanning generations, you could say gardening is in his blood.
Matthew lives in the historic village of Coggeshall, Essex with his wife, son and cat and spends his spare time restoring their Victorian cottage and maintaining a thriving vegetable patch. He is also a keen motorcyclist and enjoys cooking.
