Hi all.
We’re back after a bit of break from the blog with a new series about how to design for a small garden. Some of you that have been following us for a while will know we moved from a ¾ acre plot in Hampshire to what is a tiny garden nestled on the banks of the Misbourne river in Buckinghamshire.
We bought the house last year as a renovation project as it had become a little neglected. We knew it was going to be a hard slog but we held on top the thought that one day we would get around to creating a new garden which is what I love.
I knew I wanted to create a cottage garden, after all the house is over 500 years old and we’re not brave enough to try anything too contemporary. Also classic english gardens are my favourtie.
As you can probably see from the images the garden was neglected and basically a slightly overgrown backyard. Well we were determined to breathe new life into it and restore it to something that would be a beautiful outdoor space.
The plot is approximately 14 meters long and 3 meters wide and pretty much down to grass. It has the regular path down one side a small shed plonked at the end and beyond the shed is a lovely stream which has trout and an abundance of crayfish. Have to say the stream is partly why we bought the house … it’s simply beautiful. 🙂
The boundary fences were rotten along with a couple of old gates that were falling apart. We had a massive concrete slab outside the back door which was hideous but functional. We inherited loads of bluebells which were stunning in the Spring and the odd crocosmia, a peony rose and a mix of daffs and the odd tulip. But it was sad and neglected … but we were determined to bring it back to life.
First job, clear the old shed as it has seen much better days. I kept the door as I had an idea for it. (Will share in my next post)
Next all the old paving and grass needed to come out so I could see what we were working with. Grass is fine but it meant I would need a mower but we got rid of most of our tools and machinery when we moved.
We knew we needed a couple of essentials like a shed and a patio for outside the back door for me to sit with my tea at the weekends! We’d also needed a way to get to the bottom of the garden as Angus (our little Westie) would need to get to the bottom of the garden in winter. (Needs must)
In my next post I’ll share how we went about putting this all together into a lovely little country garden.
Back soon.
Tania.