Heulwen Davies' Evocative Modern Planting and Sympathetic Restoration Echo the Roots of her Historic Elizabeth Garden
Pink hydrangeas stand guard at the embattled gateway of the walled courtyard, where symmetry and formal planting create a tranquil atmosphere.
When Heulwen Davies moved into her medieval home in Pembrokeshire nearly 20 years ago, the gardens were rather unassuming. Two rectangles of grass were bisected by a narrow path up to the front door, and the borders were fairly minimal, but from the outset Heulwen suspected hidden depths.
The neat edged beds of the potager’s lower terrace are complemented by topiary, wirework arches and a salvaged water fountain.
‘It was a simple layout, but I knew there had been something more interesting because there was a nine-foot wide embattled stone entrance. It was a bit over the top for an ordinary garden and I wanted to discover the original design and put it back,’ she says.
However the garden didn’t yield its secrets easily. ‘I couldn’t find plans of the historic site no matter how hard I researched,’ says Heulwen, who also looked at old paintings searching for information. ‘In the end, Monty Don was my inspiration. He presented a television programme about a garden restoration, where a dowser was enlisted to help define the site. At first, I thought it was a load of nonsense, but I was willing to try anything.’
What makes this garden so special...
‘The birds are wonderful; the cacophony of bird song is like little children at playtime. It makes us feel that we are surrounded by nature’
この記事は Country Homes & Interiors の August 2016 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Country Homes & Interiors の August 2016 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Sowing the seeds for a life of abundance
The perpetual rhythm of planting, tending and harvesting brings a feeling of hope and fulfilment to Diana Yates, and it extends beyond her Greenfields garden to all of her life
Cabin fever
Offering cosy, doll's house-sized country retreats, cabins combine modern comforts with an immersive experience of nature
'Building boats has become my passion'
Wooden boat builder, Obioma Oji
Cover-up job
Durable and decorative, cladding is a brilliant way to protect your home's exterior without compromising its aesthetics
Flights of fancy
Replace or refurbish your staircase and you'll elevate the appearance of your home at every level. Here are the steps to take...
TRUE BLUE
A firm favourite for decorating, blue is one of the most restful, mindful shades in the colour spectrum. Stylist and interiors expert Sara Bird shares how to use it in your country home
COUNTER INTELLIGENCE
Practical and inspiring ideas for selecting the best kitchen worktop for your space
A GARDEN GLOW-UP
As late summer days begin to shorten, extend your time outdoors with a blend of practical and decorative lighting
TRÈS BELLE
Sharon and Tony Dallas have turned their dilapidated Grade II-listed house in Essex into an enchanting home with a considered colour palette and French treasures galore
HOME AT LAST
Having often walked past their dream property over the years, Rich and Emma Proud finally became its owners and turned it into a comfortable home for three generations of their family