When it comes to homes that date back hundreds of years, the gardens accompanying them are likely to have one or two historic features to work around. This has certainly been the case for Ian and Anna-Liisa Blanks-Walden of Long Ashton near Bristol, who have spent the past nine years making their outside space their own, while respecting the legacy of those who went before them.
In particular, they've worked hard to look after the eye-catching low box hedges that frame the front of their 600-year-old cottage. Newspaper cuttings from bygone years show that a previous owner filled these geometric shapes with colourful bedding plants, but Anna-Liisa has gone for a cleaner look, filling them with bark chippings and statement planters, while a gold peacock provides a bold focal point.
"The box hedge was laid in the 1820s by William Gough and understandably gets a lot of TLC, having survived over 200 years,' says Anna-Liisa. It used to take a previous owner a day to trim the hedges by hand. We cut it with a petrol hedge trimmer that's used only on this one area to avoid box blight.'
Bu hikaye Country Homes & Interiors dergisinin June 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Country Homes & Interiors dergisinin June 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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