This initial woodland glade, backed by a large, black-stained, wooden cabin, would be a successful garden in itself. However, as the path continues, the space opens out. Large limestone slabs slow the pace, and a small seating area with a crisply rendered blockwork bench and outdoor cooking zone encourages you to linger. To the side of the cabin, a cedar wood pergola with a dining table below it has a view of a section of the garden previously hidden away. While the upper garden is beautifully considered and offers year-round interest, this further section hints at a wilder aesthetic.
A former lawn has become a space for Lulu to trial perennial planting combinations and colour palettes. This gives on to raised vegetable beds and espaliered fruit trees – a particular passion for Marcus, a keen cook, who plans each bed to provide produce throughout the year. Many of the plants in this part of the garden have been grown from seed or were left over from Lulu’s design projects. At the end of the garden is Marcus’s studio, which he built himself from corrugated cement board: reminiscent of rural agricultural buildings, it is set low to remain in keeping with the space.
Pennisetum ‘Hameln’ and a large rosemary showcase lofty pink Verbena hastata, yellow Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ and vivid pink Geranium ‘Patricia’ in a bed near the greenhouse.
Rachel Warne ©
As a personal project rather than a client commission, this has enabled Lulu to let ideas gradually evolve and to enjoy the process of tweaking. The next goal is to introduce some element of water, both for the family’s own pleasure and to encourage wildlife into the garden. As time and space allow, this leafy haven has indeed become a place of continuing connection and growth.
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The distinctive foliage of Tetrapanax papyrifer ‘Rex’ and Euphorbia mellifera soften the look of the Egyptian limestone paving in the outdoor kitchen, where pots of geraniums brighten the worktop.
Rachel Warne ©
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