EVER GREEN
Although inspired by the traditional gardening style of his English grandmother, Simon lends a more contemporary approach to the outdoors. “Gardens are a product of their age, so there is no point trying to recreate Downton Abbey if you don’t also retain an army of garden staff to husband it,” he says. “I prefer to work within the scope of my climate, and create something new, which talks to the architecture.” Influenced by Trentham’s cooler climate, the garden is awash with berries and plants from the high altitudes typical of cooler Mediterranean climates such as the Andes mountains in Chile and the Drakensberg mountains in South Africa.
“I HAD TO MATCH THE PLANTS THAT I WANTED TO GROW TO SUITABLE POSITIONS WITH THE SHADE OR SUN” ~ SIMON
TRANS-SEASONAL TREASURE
Simon’s eclectic mix of plants is a sight to be relished all year round. Throughout summer, the privy garden, inspired by Baroque palaces such as Hampton Court, is designed to be chest-deep in bold flowers. In the cooler months, Simon’s favourite spot is his front garden, where
Nyssa sinensis and Cotinus ‘Grace’ combine with ornamental grass seed heads, rosehips and autumn-flowering bulbs for an exuberant last hurrah before winter. “The space was naturally divided by the house, driveway and utility areas, and I applied my plantsmanship skills to making those spaces either beautiful or productive,” says Simon.
SHAPE SHIFTER
As guests move about this garden, the rich diversity of textures and forms whisper a story of life and renewal. “I wanted the garden to feel lush and exuberant, with seasonal highlights of flowers, autumn colour and winter twigs and forms,” says Simon. He designed the front garden based on plant forms and foliage textures, using flowers as a garnish rather than the main event. “I think shapes are more important than colours in gardens,” he explains.