Oldbury Farm main house
This weekend I stumbled across my ultimate dream house and garden. I casually attended another open garden, as I typically do most weekends, and was absolutely blown away. Admittedly the Georgian, 1820s house is all part of the attraction, but the gardens themselves were exquisite in their own right. They have been developed over 185 years and recently Chris and Charlotte Webb have done an amazing job redesigning various aspects. Generally, I much prefer gardens in spring, when there is bright, fresh, perfect, new foliage everywhere, or summer, when everything is full to bursting and not yet too tired, but I think every season here would be stunning.
Glimpses through the Japanese anemones
Every section of the garden is stunning, with a very wide range of cold climate styles, from formal parterres to woodland gardens, native plantings and topiary.
Simple topiary at Oldbury Farm
Despite it being a gloomy, autumnal day, the garden breathed life from every corner.
Autumn trees behind the roses
I also loved the stone work, both on the house and garden walls.
Climbing roses are the perfect choice to clad these old stone walls
Dry stone walls complemented the stone house
There were stunning views to the surrounding countryside and the landscaping blended perfectly, using native plantings at times, clever colourings at other and had a great mix of open areas and framed views beyond.
View of the countryside from the verandah
Native grasses and shrubs gently tie garden to the surroundings
Lavenders and grasses beyond the hedge with glorious peeling bark in foreground
A glimpse out past the tennis court to the green hills beyond
Gorgeous autumn colours beyond the gate
The most formal areas were close to the house, both at the front and the rear.
Topiary and immaculate lawns at the front of the house
Buxus parterre and pruned bay trees at the rear of the house
Wisteria covered pergola with outdoor dining area
The native garden with ornamental rustic balls was towards the back of the rear garden, quite separate to other plantings and much more naturalistically planted. Some other favourites spots are also shown below.
Natives with ornamental rustic balls
Love the ducks by the back door. Assume the tree is surrounded by bulbs in spring
The cistern is carved from a single piece of stone
Spectacular autumn colour accentuated by the simplicity of white petunias
A potting shed to die for!
Pretty, mass-planted white nerines
Orchard with mixed fruit trees, including lemons in the foreground
The foliage colours work so well with the stonework
Woodland areas with thriving plantings and winding pathways
Frankly, a garden can never have too many hydrangeas, especially in a peaceful setting like this
Interesting mixed garden filling the corner of the L-shape cottage, simply and neatly
All in all, it doesn’t get much better than that. I just need to save up and hope it goes on the market soon!
Janna Schreier Garden Design 