‘It’s cottage a traditional with a garden twist’
With long plots at the front and back of their Georgian cottage, Joolz and Jonathan Abbs Woodd created a series of spaces for sitting, dining and working, all surrounded by lush borders and lawns
Joolz and Jonathan Abbs Woodd transformed their cottage garden in several stages over 20 years. ‘The garden was in need of some tender loving care. It was overgrown, with dead fruit trees that had to be removed, and a lot of general clearing needed to be done first,’ says Joolz. ‘Our vision was for a traditional English cottage garden, with deep borders either side of the path leading to the front door.’
They started at the bottom of the front garden: ‘We planted shrubs, but it’s been hard finding out what will grow. Even the south-facing sections were tough, due to the birch trees, which sucked up all the moisture. Every couple of years we have added mulch and now have a woodland area for ferns and euphorbia, which thrive there.’ Their plan to create separate areas, flowing from one to the other, has been a success. There are dining, seating and bar areas, built by Jonathan, each with planting that defines the space.
The structural work cost around £15,000, and planting £10,000. There’s also a studio for Joolz’s business,
Posy Flowers, too. ‘I grow flowers and foliage for arrangements and wreaths, supplying weddings and running workshops. Some plants are more successful than others. My rose beds have been particularly strong, especially a pink rose from David Austin called Olivia Rose Austin, which has been prolific. We’re addicted to the garden and spend hours tending it, but most of all we enjoy being outdoors and watching nature take its course.’
“We’ve lost lots of plants over the years – it’s important to ensure the right plant is in the right place. Eventually, you find what works. For us, it’s all about working with the seasons”