Village Garden, Urchfont

Over the course of four months, the south-facing front garden was transformed into a charming, welcoming space, making full use of natural level changes to create a series of intimate garden rooms. A stepped pathway, softened with planting spilling over its edges, now leads to the front door, guiding visitors through a sunken terrace, a relaxed dining space that connects effortlessly to the kitchen and main garden. Antique limestone pavers blend seamlessly with the existing Yorkstone slabs, maintaining the timeless character of the setting. At the heart of the garden, a raised dining terrace, reached via stone steps, unfolds onto a  formal lawn framed by generous cottage-style borders bursting with seasonal colour.  Brick-edged gravel paths lead to a potager garden, where raised timber vegetable beds provide space for homegrown produce alongside companion planting. Nestled beneath the shade of old apple trees, a more laid-back seating area invites quiet moments of rest. Here, paving slabs are arranged informally, gently merging into gravel pathways, giving the space an organic, settled-in feel. A specially commissioned zinc water feature, simple yet striking, adds a gentle trickle of sound, reinforcing the garden’s tranquil atmosphere. A key addition was the construction of a new greenhouse with a brick base, its presence anchoring the rejuvenated vegetable garden and small orchard. Surrounding pathways meander naturally, encouraging exploration and pottering. As the garden matures, plants will tumble and sprawl over edges, creating the informal, abundant feel that defines a true cottage garden.