The clients envisioned a charming cottage-style garden – featuring easy-to-manage plants, a low-maintenance gravelled area, and a summerhouse designed as a tranquil retreat with picturesque views of the garden.

A soft and delicate colour palette was chosen for the planting, accentuated by the deep, dramatic tones of Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’ and Sedum ‘Jose Aubergine,’ adding a striking contrast to the garden’s overall serenity.

To introduce vertical interest, natural wooden obelisks were strategically placed in three of the flower beds, adorned with perennial and annual sweet peas, Clematis, and Solanum laxum ‘Album’ These structures create a sense of height and visual depth within the planting scheme.

A fragrant herb bed, rich with aroma, was thoughtfully positioned to the right of the summerhouse, and a raised bed constructed from sleepers on the left offers ample space for cultivating vegetables and fruit, catering to both beauty and functionality.

We installed three wooden trellis panels to conceal an oil tank elegantly covered with the dependable climbing Rosa ‘Iceberg,’ blending utility with aesthetic appeal.

Classic cottage garden favourites, such as Erigeron karvinskianus, Lupins, and Delphiniums, are interspersed with modern additions like Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ and Phlomis italica, creating a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary planting.

A low-growing County Rose hedge artfully divides the cottage garden from the lawn area, and we used Cotswold Stone gravel to enhance the sense of light and space throughout the garden, adding to its welcoming atmosphere.

Following the decision to downsise, our client expressed a desire for a garden that exudes romance while requiring minimal upkeep, showcasing its beauty during the early and late seasons when they are in residence.

The planting palette is predominantly white, softened with delicate pink accents, creating a serene and timeless aesthetic, with an abundance of spring and summer-flowering bulbs – offering striking winter interest through the textural appeal of dried seed heads and flower heads. Raised beds enhance accessibility and harmoniously complement the adjacent Outdoor Office.

White climbers and roses have been trained along the fencing, adding vertical interest and elegance. The patio, laid with light-coloured sandstone, serves as a generous and sophisticated space for family gatherings, further elevated by ambient lighting that ensures the area remains inviting well into the evening.

Honeystone chippings soften the transitions and complement the sandstone paving, adding to the garden’s charm. Two smaller seating areas have been strategically placed near the home office and the house, offering distinct perspectives and intimate spaces to enjoy the garden’s beauty.

Ambient lighting has been discreetly installed throughout the garden – to enhance the overall atmosphere, ensuring it remains a captivating retreat day and night.