SOLVED. Juvenile book. About a man who lives in an abandoned house with a magical garden full of small magical creatures. [s]

[Jenna]

The book is set in the UK if i recall correctly
I think it won some form of a children literature award but i can't recall which one

I recall small things like there was a bronze mask in a tree and that the book starts with a mail man delivering letters at the gate of this run down mansion that's on the plot with the garden.

I read it roughly 10 years ago so it isn't an overly new novel.

the cover (if i recall correctly) had a gate with a green to purple gradient and parrots flying above it... I wish i could remember more about it

[Kris]

A long shot - Through the Magic Gate by Jiří Trnka?

[Jenna]

@kris Sadly no, it didn't have pictures or anything it was a normal novel :) I probably should have mentioned that in my description

[Mary]

It could be The Valley of Secrets by Charmian Hussey. Were the animals a bit like caterpillars?

[Jenna]

Oh my goodness that's the book!!! Thank you so much this made my evening! I have no idea where I thought I saw parrots xD

[Mary]

You're welcome! Very happy to help :)

[Rainbowheart]

This one always sounds so trippy!