A 3/4
acre Romantic garden created in a rick-yard within an old farm building
complex in a conservation area. Tempted by the magnificent views and the
'built-in' garden ornament of the village church, the derelict farm
buildings were purchased in 1990 and the garden started in 1991.
Over the years the garden has built-up gradually to
consist of a main patio - hidden under a roof of roses, clematis, jasmine
and honeysuckle, and underplanted with herbs - backed by the main lawn,
and surrounded with herbaceous borders, shrubs and a heather garden.
Beyond, through a rose-covered arch, is a patio descending onto a terrace
where a bronze Dolphin-fountain gently spouts into a small pool; and
beyond that, another small patio forming a quiet oasis, overshadowed by
the magnificent church.
Either side of the main path to the house is a mass of
plants perfuming the air, inviting one to peer through the hundred or so
roses - over half of which are 'old' varieties.
The right side of the drive is grass with a
stepping-stone walk through some of the old roses to the main patio, which
is surrounded by herbs.
The other side of the main drive leads through a small orchard, nicely
maturing, to a wild-life pool and marvellous views over the surrounding
countryside.
A small productive vegetable garden is in a work area with the greenhouse
and potting shed, hedged by pink and rugosa roses.
The plants are mostly old and well-loved varieties set
in a garden for relaxing and strolling around, not full of the latest
trends but a garden for the 'old-fashioned' and the Romantic-at-heart.
