Modern take on a Cottage Garden
Set within the historic fabric of a Grade II listed property, this garden redesign reflects the character of its setting while offering modern function and deeply personal charm. The brief was to refresh and rationalise a series of outdoor spaces, each with its own mood and purpose — from heritage rose planting to productive corners, from quiet retreats to practical daily use.
The front garden was reimagined to complement the client’s love of roses and Mediterranean herbs. This area now offers a warm welcome.
To the side of the property, a simplified garden plan was introduced, using hedging to create privacy and draw attention to the architectural elegance of the cottage’s chimney breast. Storage for bins was neatly tucked away, and clear, direct access was established to the back door — balancing beauty with utility.
The rear garden opens into a grassed area with a sculptural, multi-stemmed tree — a focal point that both anchors the space and conceals a functional soakaway. This cool, contemplative spot offers a place to pause and breathe.
Enclosed by a raised retaining wall — carefully clad to harmonise with the paving — this outdoor seating area room is a flexible space for dining, hosting, or simply relaxing. The seating area is nestled into the slope, creating a sense of enclosure and calm while stabilising the soil behind.
Steps from the terrace rise through a series of garden levels, including planting terraces and lawned platforms surrounded by lush, immersive planting. Much of the existing plant material was reused and reintegrated, enriching the sense of continuity and maturity. From the new kitchen door, steps ascend to these upper zones, with the gentle sound of falling water from a pumped feature enhancing the sensory experience.
Beyond, a wildlife haven was created, complete with wildflower meadow, log piles made from felled trees on site, and a sunken vessel that serves both as frog habitat and a vital water source for birds and pollinators. This part of the garden celebrates wildness and ecology, in quiet contrast to the more structured areas.
Beyond the lawn, the garden transitions into a working space — a flexible growing area for fruit and vegetables, with water provision and a new shed discreetly screened from view by dense, informal planting. Here, the garden’s productive spirit can flourish, providing seasonal harvests and a deeper connection to the rhythm of nature.
