JEWELS IN THE CROWN

In spring, this garden bursts into life with a treasure trove of glorious tulips woven through borders of topiary and gnarled old apple trees

- ZIA ALLAWAY

Spring in the garden at Common Barn is sure to lift the spirits. Tulips twinkle like gemstones among a froth of fresh leaves and sculptural topiary, banishing all memories of winter as April’s treasures emerge. Above the bulbs, gnarled old apple trees form a canopy of pale pink and white blossom, mirroring the clouds scudding over this windswept hillside.

The garden that surrounds the Victorian farmhouse and barn was originally designed in 2009 by renowned landscape designer Tom Stuart-Smith. The owners of the property, which lies a few miles from Henley-on-Thames, asked him to create a sheltered walled garden, formal lawns and mixed borders, plus a wildflower meadow to complement their newly extended home. Natural woodlands and pasture make up the rest of the 57-acre estate.

Three years ago, head gardeners David Richter and Beth Marshall came on board to help rejuvenate and refresh the gardens. ‘When we arrived, some of the planting had been neglected, with the more rampant plants running riot and pushing out less vigorous varieties. Tom and our client asked us to bring the gardens back to their former glory and they were also happy for us to add new touches of our own,’ says David. While Beth focused on creating an organic kitchen garden, David took charge of the ornamental beds.