Cottage in the Woods

This garden was created 7 years ago.  It started out as a small house in the woods and was converted into Belinda's retirement home.  One of the most difficult problems to contend with were the crows! In nesting season - a hat is a must!  They are also rubbish builders as most of the twigs end up flattening the plants.


With a garden in so much shade, planting is quite difficult.  The large Horse Chestnuts above take every drop of rain - this year will be the biggest test of all with the hose pipe ban.

End of the Builders 2005

First trees planted - Betula utilis jacquemontii 2006

The soil round the house was imported, but the beds further away from the house are yellow clay and full of ground elder.  Once these had been sprayed and dug over - we marked out the beds.

2007

In order to make the most of the woods in the background I created a meandering path leading the eye away.  The Birch trees with their lovely white bark stood out against the dark background and 7 years later the garden looks part of the woodland.  The trees have struggled a bit with the large Horse Chestnuts above.

2012

The result of going to Chelsea Flower Show 2012....





...... my new topiary shears!