The garden at Kerscott has evolved gradually over the years since 1984 on land surrounding a redundant dairy farm and 16th century farmhouse. There was no garden. Conditions were at best challenging - many old buildings had been demolished previously leaving consolidated ground and stretches of concrete, both visible and buried.
For the first few years we planted woodland, excavated ponds and began propagating plants to fill the new borders. "Harmonious" would probably be the best word to describe the planting style as the garden progressed. Trees, space, plants, ancient boundaries, land form all woven together to create a harmonious whole. Circles, curves and swathes of planting merging into the surrounding countryside.
The creation of wildlife habitats is integral to the overall design and layout of the six acres now under various levels of cultivation. In 1995 we planted two and a half acres of native woodland, and two further ponds were excavated at the wet edge of the hay meadow.
The garden is still evolving, but it is now consolidation rather than expansion. As trees and shrubs begin to fill their allotted space, I am beginning to simplify existing planting. Less really can be more as the garden reaches maturity.
