Since beginning the garden three years ago the larger planting areas alongside the house have always occupied a fragment of intrigue at the back of our minds- what would captivate these spaces and how would they feel once they had been planted up and would it represent what we first imagined? Thoughts that felt so distant but of course crept up on us with celerity. The scheme itself was both difficult and effortless to finalise, on one hand scrutinising over each species and variety and their association with their neighbouring selections felt tedious, to second guess if they represented the ‘feeling’ we wanted, but on the other hand we had built up a palette of plants that we adored and planting plans from previous projects had simply revealed collections and atmospheres we were happy to incorporate in parts. A scheme that builds on prior experience whilst still allowing an air of exploration and further development as the planting matures.

 It was the end of September when the delivery van negotiated the narrow track leading down to the house, a phase we had planned so that the soil was still warm and in being so would encourage the establishment of new roots before Winter, ready for the growing season. Unloading the plants into their species with the help of Harry’s daughter Indi was a moment we greatly enjoyed - the chance to excite a new generation into the joys of scent, flower and texture, something she will grow up exploring.

Before the planting arrived, the beds were prepared - the ground cleared of weeds and soil forked over to loosen any compacted ground that had become compressed over time. Once complete, we added top soil to the beds, mixing in some well-rotted manure to ensure an open, well structured soil. It was key for us to provide a good foundation to stand the plants in good stead and once planted we top-dressed with another two inches of well-rotted horse manure, starting a process that will be replicated every year.