About the garden  - Completed in November 2002, the garden although quite young, gives the illusion of much greater age.  To start with there was nothing but a steep weed covered slope.  This gave me carte blanche to create whatever I wanted. I decided to give the design an Italian  feeling as it is a country both John and I love.  The garden slopes steeply away from the house in a series of terraces to overlook a lovely tree lined cricket ground, still used regularly in the season. The teams still wearing classic “whites” and having tea at 4 o’clock - terribly English! I adore water in gardens, so I included ponds and fountains on all the terraces. A selection of fabulous distressed cast iron urns and ornaments, handmade terra cotta pots and topiary shapes complete the Italian feeling. The garden also contains beautiful perfumed roses - a gift from the rose grower David Austin.  The whole idea of the garden is a very formal structure with very natural planting to almost look like a forgotten or “secret” garden.  Although relatively small the garden is dramatic and inspiring, feeling like a part of a much more grand design. 2008 saw the addition of a terraced French style lavender garden at the front of the house. 2012 has been a very special year at the garden. We have been celebrating it's 10th Birthday!!. We can't believe it!. It seems like no time since it was completed just in time for a party-literally-with just 4 hours to spare!. Finished 2002 the garden first opened in 2003 following a chance comment from Elaine, my glamorous assistant at the time. She said we should invite people in because it was 'fabulous' and really showed what could be achieved in a normal sized garden. The stage was set!. We put four dates in our diary. In a week they were full. We now hold a large number of events and regularly have the pleasure of hosting a special Birthday, anniversary or other celebration, often for people we've come to regard as friends through visits to the garden We love our garden and feel privileged to share it with you. Thank you for your support Carl and John

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