Sunbeams Cottage

Cornwall 

Positioned just a mile from the storm battered cliffs on the north coast of Cornwall, this small yet humble fisherman’s Cottage required an ornamental cottage garden to match.

The planting needed to withstand intense salt-laden wind and rain, and thrive in the free-draining stony soil. Agapanthus, Knautia and Erysimum provide long lasting summer colour and form, combined with exciting hardy exotics such as Dicksonia antarctica, Trachycarpus and magnificent spires of Echium pininana. Combining these plants gave this traditional cottage garden an exciting exotic feel, taking advantage of the sub tropical climate that Cornwall boasts.

The garden layout extended the clients journey through the space, concealing the end of the garden, making it feel much larger. This layout included small intimate spaces to sit alone or in large groups, in full sun, dappled shade or full shade. Planted beds were carefully positioned to conceal two large fire wood stores, built to heat the cottage on colder winter nights.