Seclusion In Sussex

Paula and Ted Batt have created a compact but glorious cottage garden in the centre of a bustling market town

- Fiona Cumberpatch

Although their garden is at its peak in the summer months, crammed with old-fashioned roses, geraniums, salvias, honeysuckle and herbs, there’s still plenty to see in winter as Paula Batt and husband Ted have ensured that they can enjoy the view from their garden room all year round.

“The garden comes alive immediately after Christmas with spring flowers and two young cherry trees burst forth with pink blossom. I have three camellias under our ‘Bramley’ apple tree, as well as snowdrops pushing through ” says Paula “We then look forward to a show of brightly coloured tulips.”

The couple’s 17th century cottage is near the main street in a busy town but the garden is peaceful, “almost like a cloister”, says Paula. The pretty front area has a small lawn, a productive fig tree, climbing roses and a number of hollies.