An orchard-inspired cottage garden

This property was originally on the grounds of an old orchard that belonged to the village manor house. Most of the original trees have long since been removed, except one on the edge of the property. We have aimed to draw on some of that history and reconnect the new garden to the story of this lovely old cottage.

We changed the garden path so that it was no longer on the boundary wall, giving both neighbours a little more privacy, and introduced a pleached crab apple hedge to create a soft boundary by the terrace. We are also establishing two more crab apples at the head of the path, which will be shaped into a living fruit tree arch.

All the materials are humble, hardwearing, and appropriate for an orchard. The path is made of 50mm thick Cornish granite from De Lank quarry and the steel tank is made from Corten steel to resemble a drinking trough. The tank will catch rainwater and provide movement and reflection. It also has a small water lily and some recently added fish, making it a hit with the grandchildren.

Low beech hedging will screen the drive and create some other areas of privacy, along with a beautiful multi-stem hornbeam tree supplied by New Wood Trees.