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.
Denne historien er fra April 2020-utgaven av Homes & Gardens.
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Denne historien er fra April 2020-utgaven av Homes & Gardens.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
THE NEW SHANGRI-LA
Across the globe, garden designers are creating paradise-like spaces by embracing the flora and heritage of indigenous landscapes
A QUIET PLACE
The beauty of this restored Mallorcan villa is its stillness, both inside and out - and it makes whoever comes to visit completely relaxed
THE HOUSE OF FUN
Fearlessly flamboyant is the best way to describe every space of this 1960s French Regency-style mansion in the hills of Los Angeles
HEART & SOUL
A sophisticated use of fresh colours and playful patterns has ensured this modern Singapore apartment is full of character
IT'S WARM INSIDE
In designer Stephanie Barba Mendoza's home, everything was chosen to make her feel cocooned, looked after and full of joy
Shopping trips
This month, Joy Moyler details her strong desire to travel and the pieces she loves collecting along the way
A step ahead
A staircase has a dramatic impact on an interior and a great one is both beautiful and practical
Make an entrance
Tiffany Duggan of Studio Duggan opens the door planning and styling a small hallway
STATE OF THE ART Collector's piece
Six interior designers tell us the artists we should be investing in right now
Mexican revolution
Creatives are restoring abandoned homes from the Yucatán's golden era and there's lots to learn from these historic houses