Country Cottage Garden, Somerset

Nestled in the hills south of Bath in Somerset, this cottage garden offers wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. The owners, Jane and Andrew, first approached local garden designer, Tom Eaglestone, to help enhance the outdoor space at the back whilst keeping in harmony with the traditional style of their beautiful cottage. Paths of sandstone cobbles and a terrace were carved out of the hilly site and retaining walls were built with random rubble Purbeck stone. Beds were created and planted with swathes of white Brunnera as well as Valeriana pyrenaica and Allium 'Purple Sensation'. The collaboration between owners and garden designer was renewed when the couple decided to tackle the front of the garden. Craftsmanship was once again key, reclaimed pennant stones were used for the paths, these are interspaced with creeping thyme and a beautiful bench installed. For the planting they opted for a woodland style with a cool palette, drifts of Cirsium rivulare ‘Atropurpureum’, Valeriana pyrenaica, Persicaria bistorta, Tellima grandiflora and Centranthus ruber alba as well as clumps of Lupins. These thrive in the dappled shade created by the neighbouring trees.