Cotswolds Cottage Garden

Nestled in a picturesque valley of the Cotswolds, this cottage garden has seen major transformations since its current owners have moved in. Five years ago, they created a long rill bordered by a Beth Chatto inspired gravel garden and planted with sun-loving shrubs and perennials including Eryngiums, Euphorbias as well as clipped Phillyrea and Osmanthus. The rill leads to an outdoor dining area which is surrounded by a curved wall. Their latest project was a major revamp of a once-derelict circular sunken garden. Designed by April House Garden Design and incorporating two existing yew topiary trees, its dry stone wall terraces are bordered with mediterranean plants such as Cistus, Rosemary and Linum perenne. They sourced a reclaimed water feature and installed on the lower level which is covered with gravel. Keen plantsmen, they regularly visit nurseries on the hunt for new plants to fill the borders of the garden and in late May, these are punctuated with cool tones thanks to the large blooms of peonies, a collection of Irises which includes 'Benton Nigel' with its deep purple hues and the pale yellow 'Benton Apollo'. These are combined with clumps of Geraniums and Amsonia. Further along, the garden becomes wilder with large areas left unmown, with narrow paths traced to wander around and discover the wider landscape.