Arden sanctuary”

The ‘busy and crowded’ planting style works wonders in this classic cottage garden, using pinks, apricots and purples. Tim and Olivia Payne show us around

Tim and Olivia Payne

AT Batts Cottage, Witney, Oxford

GARDEN SIZE One third of an acre

SITE East-facing

SOIL Loam

FEATURES Traditional cottage garden comprising garden rooms divided by structural planting; evergreen hedges and statement shrubs; small trees; collections of herbs and grasses; winding brick and gravel paths lead between distinct planting areas; herb garden for fragrance; loose plantings of shrubs, herbaceous perennials and grasses for cottage-garden feel; gravel terrace; greenhouse; veg patch; oval lawn; outdoor seating and dining areas; planting for sun and shade