The garden was originally laid out in about 1970, and the larger trees date back to that time. We took over the garden in 1991 and since then have made a good many changes.

1) The drive area was extensively remodelled in 1994, when the garage was built, retaining a large number of shrubs and trees, most notably the ‘Picea Brewerana’, a very unusual specimen conifer at the edge of the front lawn.

2) Entering the rear garden through the picket gate, you will see our most recent project, the new paved area, pergola and associated planting. This will in time become the ‘Wisteria Walk’. To the left of this area is the ‘Blue Bed’. Note the flourishing hibiscus, delicate eucalyptus, majestic ‘Cedus Atlantica Glauca’ and the winter flowering clematis on the upright post.

3) Facing you at the end of the pergola can be seen the ‘Tulip Tree’ Liriodendron Tulipifera, now 30 years old, and flowering every year.

4) Turning right on the top lawn, passing the herbs on the right under the kitchen window you reach the main annuals area, with tuberous begonias to the right and impatiens to the left. In the centre of the begonia bed is planted a most unusual acer with peeling bark. The tall shrub just beyond the begonias with yellow flowers is a Moroccan Broom, nestling amongst a bed of mollis azaleas, now sadly over.

5) The path continues across stepping stones through a ‘Woodland Walk’. The new shrub border to the right is just two years old.

6) Continuing down the slope another set of stepping stones crosses a further area of woodland planting, which is themed with white flowing spring bulbs. Both woodland areas were planted in October 1999 and are just establishing.

7) The bark path takes you to the left with rhododendron bank to the right, backed with a laurel hedge. This whole area was planted in 1998, at the same time that the ponds were re-designed.

8) In the middle of the path the handsome weeping willow is surrounded by a tree-seat.

9) Carry on past the summer-house (constructed in 1999) to the small wooden bench, from where you can obtain our favourite view of the garden.

10) Ahead lie some stepping stones with a hosta collection to the left, interspersed with verbascam and ferns.

11) Retrace your steps to the tree-seat and follow the narrow winding path (Nb: not suitable for the infirm!) between the upper and lower ponds. As you go across look out for bamboo, ligularia, sundew, saracenia, day lillies, rodgersia aesculifolia, peltiphyllum peltatum, rheum palmatum and of course the magnificent Gunnera manicata on the far side of the upper pond.

12) Crossing the stream the path leads you to the terrace, bounded by lavender and decaisnea - a real sun trap from which to enjoy the ponds. The fish are mainly golden orfe which have successfully bred this year.

The water is circulated round the ponds and stream by means of two high capacity electric pumps. This keeps the water well oxygenated and clean.

The pond planting, though still establishing, now provides good cover for the water, protection for the fish and the habitat necessary for a balanced eco-system.

We are particularly proud of the water lillies, which only open in good weather. We hope you will be lucky enough to see them!