A long relationship with this garden over many years began with some planting plans for existing and new borders. In 2017, I designed a much more modern space for the Barn Courtyard and front drive. The new design had to reflect a contemporary approach but tie in with the existing traditional style. I used Yew hedging and Hornbeam cubes as well as tightly laid honed and stippled yorkstone paving to achieve the link – traditional materials used in innovative ways.

The design also had to comprehensively tie together six different site levels; the very complex solution now looks simple and well considered.

The Barn Courtyard, previously unloved and unused is now at the heart of entertaining in the garden.