Judith’s Site
When we moved to Great Ashfield in 1976 our garden was a large field of about two-thirds of an acre surrounded by a chain-link fence. It was a tremendous challenge to transform it to a garden that would fulfil our needs and aspirations.
Over the next 25 years we learnt a great deal about garden planning, plants, soil, local climate, and the problems of establishing a country garden. We have become familiar with the preferences of rabbits, pheasants, moles, herons, pigeons and other wildlife, and have devised a variety of methods for dealing with their incursions. We have spent a fortune on lawnmowers, strimmers, hedge trimmers, plants, pots, compost, and all the other paraphernalia required for maintaining a large garden. We have had successes, and failures, and suffered all manner of aches and pains, but our garden also gives us a great deal of pleasure. We have created a haven for wildlife, and a place to relax, surrounded by nature and beauty, that we enjoy sharing with our friends.
Now that the garden is mature, we do not rest on our laurels. Each year brings changes, and there is a continuing challenge to keep the garden looking fresh: making the best of shady areas, adapting to climate change, replacing worn out shrubs and perennials and creating harmonious plantings. Our work will never be done!
Our Garden
