Cottage Garden, Cumbria

Charmed by the beautiful vistas across the Cumbrian countryside and the surrounding wild flower meadows, Ian Kitson and Julie Toll decided to turn this listed 17th century cottage garden into a haven for themselves as well as the wildlife around. They used part of the paddock to widen the garden, located on a sloping site. Ian cleverly raised the lawn areas with corten steel edges so that they retain their curvaceous shapes. These are complemented by dry stone circles, encompassing some planting which includes various ferns and a clipped hawthorn as well as a water feature covered with waterlilies in summer. This results in a mix of traditional and modern materials, blending beautifully together. Paths were created using paving slabs arranged between existing cobbles stones as well as recycled roof tiles. Powder-coated steel gates featuring the garden's plan are dotted around, opening towards the wider landscape and painted in deep red, reflecting one of the original tones found inside the cottage. Beds have been carved out where Julie has been experimenting with the planting which needs to attract pollinators as well as be able to cope with the wet winters of the area. In late June, Knautia macedonica, Astrantias, Trifolium rubens, Geraniums and roses including Rosa 'Rushing Stream' are in full bloom providing nectar for bees and other pollinators.