Nicola’s Garden

My garden, designed by Andy Sturgeon, has a framework of 53 English oak cubes that run through a bed planted with evergreen box, pittosporum and hebes, chosen for their rounded winter forms.  Planted to be enticing in every season, winter flowers are a passion, especially hellebores, miniature irises and witch hazels. By summer, the garden is transformed into a froth of allium, Granny’s bonnets and lilies, whilst autumn closes with a Jimi Hendrix style purple haze of Verbena bonariensis, offset against a golden halo of grasses. The entire garden is visible from inside through a picture window, so tall planting is kept to the sides so as not to obstruct the view, and the garden’s style becomes more natural, the closer it is to the river.