From Derelict Farmyard to English Country Garden

Picture an 8 acre farmyard, expanses of concrete, massive tin sheds, machinery stores... this was Home Farm, near Winchester, in 2002. The same 8 acres is now transformed into a classic english country garden, already looking mature and established. The picture shows abundant herbaceous planting luxuriating in a deep south facing bed backed by a brick and flint wall. Climb the circular steps through the planting onto a stone terrace punctuated by multistem Tibetan Cherries: ahead of you a perfect green croquet lawn is revealed, framed by pleached Hornbeams on one side, and a line of impressive old Holm Oaks on the other. Beyond, a generous flight of steps rises to a further stone terrace running the full width of an old brick and flint lodge, perfect for parties.

As the tour continues, more delights are unveiled: here a long grassy avenue between coppiced Hazel leads the eye to an oak and pantile gazebo overlooking a lake, waterfall and meadow; elsewhere a richly planted central axis links a series of terraces featuring oak arbours and pools, continuing with a vista out over the parkland surrounding the garden. A square pool feeds a long rill edged with immaculately tailored stone, enlivened by pairs of bubble fountains. Long banks of Lavender flank a path and breathe the fragrance of Provence across the garden. A series of more intimate spaces, each with their own distinct character surround the listed Hampshire farmhouse, enclosed by the original low brick and flint garden walls. Moving away from the house, the garden relaxes into wildflower meadow, woodland, and a lake criss-crossed by dragonflies and swallows.

It’s hard to believe that just three years ago this beautiful two hectare garden was mostly derelict. The garden’s less than glamorous history raised many challenges but also gave designer Rose Lennard of Chameleon Design, working in collaboration with CPM, Cirencester, a virtually blank slate to work on. Creating a new garden of this scale from scratch illustrates the wonderful transformation which it is possible to achieve in a relatively short space of time.

It’s been hard to choose amongst all our photos of this lovely garden. Many more can be seen in our portfolio, which we would be delighted to show you if you are interested in creating a similar style of garden, of whatever size.