Paul and Betty Lou Tilly have a secret, but the word is getting out. Hidden behind their home on Oak Street in Avon is a magical world of flowers, trains, and even a fairy house. This magical place is even a certified National Wildlife Habitat and a zero-emission zone.
The garden is an intriguing place for the young and the young at heart. The Tillys hosted a church group of 40 people for dinner in the garden last Monday — the most they’ve entertained yet. At least three classes of preschoolers visit the garden each spring.
One of their parishioners who lives nearby said “I had no idea this was back here”. Of course, that isn’t the first time they have heard that. The Tilly’s lot wraps around the back of a neighbor’s lot, secluding it completely in view from the street.
An operating toy train runs through the flower beds, a play cottage invites little ones to explore, and a homemade fairy house, constructed out of tree bark and other natural materials, charms visitors to the garden.
Visitors are welcome to visit the garden during Avon’s Corn Festival, August 8. Some of Mr. Tilly’s propagated plants will be given away at the Zion Episcopal booth at the Corn Festival as well. He often finds himself sharing extra plants with neighbor and fellow gardeners.
“Just like any gardener, you like to share your plants,” said Mr. Tilly. But it seems clear Mr. Tilly is not your average run-of-the-mill gardener.
Complete story appears in our July 26 print edition. Click on an image below to begin a slideshow.
