Amwell Cottage near Wheathampstead has a traditional cottage garden and an ancient orchard with abundant blossoms this month. Philippa Pearson visits, as can you.
![Cottage industry](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/10290/213869/58cc80eada3cf/Cottage-industry.jpg)
‘THERE’S a sense of space in this garden, which we love,’ says Kate Birss of her garden at Amwell Cottage near Wheathampstead. The cottage was built in the 17th century but extended over the years, with the garden mostly laid out in the 1930s. ‘We haven’t changed much in the actual layout of the gardens from that period,’ says Kate who moved with husband Colin to the property from London in 1999. ‘But we’ve added different styles of planting and created more areas within the garden.’ The informal garden of two-and-half-acres wraps itself around the cottage and includes a large orchard, extensive lawns with herbaceous borders, a woodland area with pond, a productive garden with a greenhouse and raised beds, all framed with tall yew hedges and old brick walls. There’s also a fire pit garden area created by garden designer Fiona Green, which is a lovely sheltered place for the family to relax in and enjoy throughout the year.
The large orchard has apples, pears and plums, and is laid out with mown paths through long grass which wander past the gnarled fruit trees. The long grass has naturalised plantings of daffodils followed by cow parsley when the fruit blossom is out.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 2017 من Hertfordshire Life.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 2017 من Hertfordshire Life.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Explosive history
With bonfire night this month, author Harry Smee recounts the explosive story of his family’s firework company, Brock’s, creators of wonders and war-changing weapons
![A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10290/539332/5f9675971863e/crp_A-day-in-the-life-of-a-jewellery-designer.jpg)
A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer
Laurie McGrath, senior designer at Harriet Kelsall bespoke jewellery in Halls Green, gives an insight into her working day
![Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10290/539332/5f966c73d8038/crp_Sniffig-out-clues-in-THE-ASHES.jpg)
Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES
Meet the fire investigation dogs securing convictions against arsonists and murderers who otherwise may go free
![The greatest traveller](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10290/539332/5f966a6aca407/crp_The-greatest-traveller.jpg)
The greatest traveller
Exploring ancient civilisations and rising powers, Violet CressyMarcks became the most travelled woman of her age. Fifty years after her death we look at her incredible life
Return of the Queen of Romance
Twenty years after the death of record-breaking novelist Dame Barbara Cartland, Gillian Thornton talks passions, plots and a new audience with her son at the family home in Essendon
![In bed with CELEBS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10290/539332/5f965df3ef3fa/crp_In-bed-with-CELEBS.jpg)
In bed with CELEBS
Marking its 70th year, Welham Green soft furnishings company Ashley Wilde has grown from a pile-it-high, sell-it-cheap business into an industry leader with A-list partnerships
![Roam with a view](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10290/539332/5f9667ab48628/crp_Roam-with-a-view.jpg)
Roam with a view
We may not have coastline or mountains, but Herts has beautiful views all the same, if you know where to look
![Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10290/539332/5f96707eb48f5/crp_Saving-Mrs-Tiggy-Winkle.jpg)
Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle
The secret life of a much-loved British mammal and simple steps we can take at home to stop its extinction
A walk down Surreal Street
Paul Crowley draws on his graphic designer’s eye to capture scenes from the country to the street, all tinged with surreality
![5 minutes with](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10290/539332/5f966e7112591/crp_5-minutes-with.jpg)
5 minutes with
Carole Spiers, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce member and founder of International Stress Awareness Week