Georgian Splendour
Following extensive renovations to this Grade II listed Georgian house, the garden was next for review. The property, from its elevated hilltop location, enjoys stunning open vistas across the Stour Valley and any design would need to sit comfortably within this commanding landscape. The decision was taken to re-lay and extend the existing Yorkstone terrace around the house to provide a more generous entertaining space and to design planting borders adjacent to the house, so as not to disrupt the views beyond.
A tired shrub border that had rather lost its shape was removed and space carved out for the creation of a 25m long herbaceous border. To remain in keeping with the property and to give presence within the garden the border was designed to be backed with a yew hedge and divided into three sections with classical buttresses. In contrast to the solidity of the yew the planting was to feel pretty, soft and relaxed with gentle, harmonious cool colours sitting comfortably with the tone of the house and quietly in the landscape.
The planting was designed to have a mixture of traditional English country garden favourites with Cardoons, Crambe cordifolia and Macleaya bringing height and stature early in the summer alongside the softness and romance of roses ‘Queen of Sweden’ and ‘Felicia’, with scented Pinks and Nepeta generously spilling over the edges. Late summer sees a greater depth of tones with Phlox, Penstemon, Sedums and Eupatorium contrasting with the lightness of the Gaura and gentle textures of Pennisetum ‘Karley Rose’, Miscanthus ‘Flamingo’ and Molinia ‘Transparent’. Nestled in the middle bed is a wooden bench where the clients can sit and appreciate the flowers, scents and insects all year round.
