WEALD OF KENT COUNTRY HOUSE

This early 20th Century country house sits within an extensive mature garden, which has been sensitively reinvigorated.

Around the house, large areas of hard landscaping have been softened with gravel, deep borders and abundant planting, creating a more welcoming sense of arrival. A dramatic bank of Hydrangea ‘Madame Emile Mouillere’ sweeps you down the driveway towards ornamental magnolia and stewartia trees and richly planted borders that bring year-round colour and movement. Clipped evergreen yew cubes and tall cypress trees provide structure and rhythm.

Elsewhere, generous new clay paver paths and steps, together with layers of seasonal planting, build on the garden’s existing character; from its dramatic changes in level and mature trees, to the long views across The Weald. Forgotten areas have been brought back into the garden and new seating and dining areas created.

The result is a garden that feels established and connected to the house, but is also softer, more colourful and much more inviting to explore.

Images: MMGI/Bennet Smith

Over the years we had made many improvements to our garden. But it was not until we engaged Rhiannedd that we were really able to pull everything together. In particular, she came up with a brilliant scheme for the front of the house that is both stunning on its own and links with the rest of the garden. Rhiannedd was very attentive to our wishes and we feel we have together created a garden that combines a traditional look with some experiments in planting to respond to changes in our climate.