TOP TIPS

Veronica says that topiary shapes refresh and entertain in the garden year-round but especially in winter. Incorporating such shapes into a design also lessens the risk of overplanting. Early on she inspired Anne and Ron to under-plant the entire garden with bulbs. The season kicks off with snowdrops, followed by aconites then tulips, alliums and gladioli. Three-thousand tulips are planted each autumn. Treated like annuals they are dug up at the end of the season to ensure an abundant display. Understated but elegant stone sculptures including an eagle, a heraldic lion, a collection of saddle stones and classic benches were introduced to surprise and contrast with the background of foliage. Ron feeds the birds in winter on a diet including crab/windfall apples and berries, leading to a healthy bird population that helps control pests.