The Walled Cottage Garden

Cottage gardening is always in fashion, and takes centre stage in the walled plot behind Hilary Fossey’s delightful Warwickshire home, says Sue Bradley.

- Sue Bradley

THE walled garden tucked away behind Hilary Fossey’s cottage provides the perfect canvas in which to combine a love of colorful flowers and fondness for producing fruit and vegetables.

Every inch of space within this gently sloping plot is put to good use, with plants carefully chosen to suit the variety of microclimates found within the enclosed space.

Closest to the cottage, the oldest part of which was built in the 18th century, are deep borders filled with colorful perennials that create an attractive display and they also beautifully frame a view of a Victorian church.

“I like shades of pink, and I’m nuts about hardy geraniums,” says Hilary, who balances her floral displays with groupings of hostas and ferns.

The ornamental section contrasts with the productive kitchen garden at “It was full of the largest weeds in Warwickshire” the far end of the plot, with its fruit cage, cold frame and neat rows of crops.

A big project

Sandwiched in between is a small lawn that provides the perfect spot in which to sit and enjoy the garden throughout the seasons, while several sections of the walls are brightened with climbing plants such as clematis.

Hilary moved to her cottage way back in 1973, at which time her outside space was considerably less attractive than it is today.