Somerset garden, UK
Private garden
The gardens are built around a grade I listed 18th century house and a collection of former farm buildings in Somerset, England. The pre-existing walled garden was redeveloped with three terraces introduced, divided by retaining walls clad in a local stone. The top terrace is host to the glasshouse and has been designed for eating and entertaining with a new pergola built next to the renovated barn. A pool terrace occupies the middle of the garden with the pool and jacuzzi immersed in planting. The bottom terrace has a tennis court set within tall perennial planting including miscanthus, eupatorium and asters.
To the north of the house a formally arranged garden was laid out, planted with a more traditional romantic collection of plants including cut flowers for the house. The garden is enclosed by new ornamental railings and gates dividing the garden from the grazed parkland beyond.
The south garden adjoins the kitchen of the main house and enjoys a more sunny aspect. A new terrace was added for outdoor dining set within planting. A stone retaining wall separates this kitchen terrace from the topiary lawn where some twenty clipped Yew beehives are planted. The Yew topiary are in staggered rows creating filtered views to the lake from the kitchen and axial views down the rows looking south to the meadow from the drawing room.
A vegetable and herb garden was built enclosed by the guest accommodation block and a cleft chestnut fence. The central beds contained within a lavender hedge produce salad, herbs and vege for the house. The perimeter beds are full of flowering shrubs and climbing plants offering more cut flowers for the house.
The garden was designed by Tom Stuart-Smith Ltd while Andy worked with the practice, Andy's role was the lead landscape architect.