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In contrast to its lush green parkland, Rousham’s hidden walled gardens are planted with colourful cottage-garden classics

MALUS DOMESTICA

The apple trees at Rousham are over 100 years old and still productive. Planting will give pleasure for years; most start fruiting after two to three years. The ‘Family Apple Tree’ has three varieties grafted onto one stem and can be grown in a big container. Grow in a sheltered, sunny site and feed and water regularly in the first year.

From thompson-morgan.com

ALCHEMILLA MOLLIS AGM

A cottage-garden staple that works brilliantly edging a path and disguising the stems of taller plants. Its soft-green, hairy, scalloped leaves look magical dotted with dew, and its acid-green flower heads are exuberantly frothy. It’s tolerant of almost any soil and aspect, but doesn’t like to dry out. Cut back fading flowers for a repeat show.

From sarahraven.com

ROSA ‘VEILCHENBLAU’ AGM

This fruity-scented rambler grows within the sheltered walls at Rousham, and bears clusters of semi-double, deepmagenta flowers that fade to pale lilac. Fast-growing, it flowers abundantly in full sun or light shade, in fertile, well-drained soil, and has a height and spread of 2.5-4m. Train over a wall, fence or arch.

From crocus.co.uk

GERANIUM X MAGNIFICUM ‘ROSEMOOR’ AGM

This hardy geranium delivers a blast of intense violet-blue in early summer. Its saucer-shaped flowers bring pollinators in, and its mounded form quickly spreads to make an attractive ground cover. Virtually maintenance-free (you can remove old leaves if desired), it’s happy in part shade, but will flower best in sun.

From crocus.co.uk

CENTRANTHUS RUBER

Red valerian is a no-fuss perennial that flowers non-stop from July to October. It thrives in poor soil, tolerates drought and copes with coastal conditions too. Its nectar-rich, red-pink flowers are born on tall fleshy stems, and are a great draw for bees and butterflies. Deadhead regularly to keep flowers coming.

From crocus.co.uk

LYSIMACHIA PUNCTATA

Another cottage favourite, golden loosestrife brings a swathe of joyful yellow to the garden from July to September. Its upright, elegant form (90cm high) contrasts well with rounded shapes, and it does well in sun or semi shade, as long as the soil does not dry out. It’s a good contender for heavy clay, damp borders or a pond edge.

From thompson-morgan.com