The gardens of this magnificent Tudor manor have been neglected for many years.

The challenge is to create a garden in keeping with the style of the house, and also to take inspiration from the surrounding countryside. The main tasks are to create a sense of arrival, by planting large topiary yew domes along the drive, and a geometric lawn that sits between the house, oast house and pool.

The sunken lawn will be surrounded on three sides by beds edged with box and planted at specific points with more topiary, to add a sense of grandeur and drama to the garden. There are also the remains of a kitchen garden, bordered by ancient trained fruit trees, and the aim is to replant where necessary, filling in the gaps where trees have been removed, and restoring the kitchen garden to its former glory. Further away from the house, a wild flower meadow is planned.