Stuart Cottage

This ½-acre partly walled garden has evolved over several years rather than being planned as a whole. It is a very floriferous garden from May to September, with the focal point being an octagonal fountain set within a circular lawn and surrounded by flower beds filled mainly with herbaceous plants.

Leading from here is a short, winding wisteria walk, which continues to a small paved garden featuring white, yellow and variegated planting, together with a wall fountain. Walk past the summerhouse and lavender-edged terrace to the rose walk, which is clothed with many clematis. To the left is a cool, grassy area with some unusual small trees. Cross over to the main lawn and enjoy an overall view of the garden looking towards the cottage.

The planting in the main body of the garden is of soft and gentle hues, but this does not mean there are no exciting colours elsewhere. Outside the wall is a border with succession planting, beginning with hellebores, followed in June by lovely blowsy paeonies, then the yellows and oranges of hemerocallis, before bursting into full colour with cannas, dahlias, heleniums, salvias and many other vibrant shades that continue to look good into late summer.

There is a decorative organic vegetable garden with a central arched bower supporting six apple trees, as well as a cutting area for house flowers. Pop into the greenhouse, which is used mainly for overwintering tender plants and nurturing cuttings for the following year's plant sale.

A small orchard features grass mown in a chequerboard pattern, where camassias and cowslips naturalise in spring and early summer. Home-made teas are served in the shade of apple and prunus trees at the front of this C16 cottage. A border of hydrangeas, a shrubbery and old brick paths lead round to the stone-flagged garden room, thus completing the tour.

Although not a large garden, there is much detail to enjoy. Take time to admire some of the more unusual plants, appreciate the fragrance and colour combinations, and relax on one of the many benches, from where you will probably spot something missed on your first circuit.

Refreshments: Home-made teas included.