Judith’s Site
The Grand Plan
The development of such a large amount of land was a daunting prospect, as there were many other demands on our time, so in 1978 we acquired a sheep called Rosie to look after the rear of the back garden. She came with two lambs, who were later despatched to the local butcher.
Situated in an exposed windy spot about 100 metres above sea level, the initial task was to create shelter. Over the next three years we planted trees and a beech hedge. Coming from a suburban garden in southern England we needed to plan on an entirely different scale so in 1982 we approached a designer, Kenneth Midgely, who lived locally. He was well known in horticultural circles as the author of Garden Design, a standard reference work. Although then in his eighties, he prepared a detailed plan for us with undiminished enthusiasm, taking into account the aspect, soil, neighbouring eyesores and our personal preferences.
Mr Midgley’s design still forms the basic structure of the garden over 20 years later. We laid out each area bit by bit over a period of about five years. It includes a pond, a scented garden enclosed by a yew hedge, a cottage garden with herbs and medicinal plants, lots of old-fashioned shrub roses and formal beds in the front garden. Some of the original trees and shrubs still remain, but many have been replaced as they grew too large or died. Our most recent projects are a summer ‘hidden’ garden, planted with brightly coloured perennials and shrubs, and a ‘rose walk’ at the rear of the house.
