The cottage garden is an oasis with terraced areas and viewpoints, softened by trees and climbing roses. Stone beds feature vibrant Heucheras and Allium, complemented by sarcococca topiary and shrub roses.
Historically a traditional cottage garden, lovingly maintained by its previous owner for 25 years, the garden had gradually become overgrown and lacked cohesion. Mature shrubs had outgrown their spaces, while overgrown trees were blocking valuable light. Invasive and self-seeding plants had begun to dominate, greatly reducing the diversity and variety of planting.
The garden lacked a clear relationship between its individual spaces, with curved, damaged paths leading nowhere and borders contained by high retaining walls that were difficult to access and enjoy. The redesign focused on opening up the garden and creating a stronger connection between the house and its surrounding spaces. Several high walls were lowered to make planting more visible from the house, while a stepped series of borders was introduced along the main upper lawn terrace. This opened up views from the lower terrace and kitchen, while creating greater depth and interest within the garden.
A perimeter listed boundary stone wall provided little privacy from neighbouring properties, while dilapidated trellis and plant supports contributed to an uncohesive overall appearance. Pleached Carpinus trees were introduced to provide privacy, enhance the historic boundary wall beneath them and visually link the two sides of the garden. Their lush green foliage creates a calm backdrop to the contrasting, deep and richly planted borders. New perennial planting was selected to suit the varying soil conditions and aspects of each border. Existing shrubs were renovated and clipped within the planting schemes, while stronger linear forms were
introduced to give structure and continuity. New terraced hoggin areas created additional seating spaces, encouraging movement around the garden and offering different viewpoints. Multi-stem trees and relaxed climbing roses were used to soften the boundaries and create a more natural transition between the garden and its edges.
A large, shady gravel drive previously offered little visual interest or connection from the house. Deep raised beds, constructed from matching stone, now provide a framework for a rich and varied planting scheme. Heucheras, Pittosporum nanum, Tellima, Astrantia ‘Shaggy’, Narcissus ‘Thalia’ and Allium ‘Mount Everest’ provide seasonal colour and interest from spring through summer. Large, rounded Sarcococca topiary creates a strong structural element, linking the new borders with the perimeter planting. Elsewhere, shrub roses such as ‘Desdemona’ are underplanted with Salvia ‘Nachtvlinder’ and geraniums to provide a long season of interest. These are complemented by airy scabious and Allium sphaerocephalon, creating movement and texture through the summer months.
The garden has been transformed from a collection of disconnected and overgrown spaces into a series of cohesive, layered planting areas and terraces. Historic elements have been retained and enhanced, while new structure, privacy and planting provide a garden that can be enjoyed from the house and experienced throughout the day, with enhanced vistas and new aspects of the garden.
