A Country Garden at the Cusp of Summer

It’s no secret that Stiles and Jonathan have a spectacular garden, and on a recent Saturday, Jonathan gave me a tour, which we’re sharing with you. It was a perfect day, sunny, with some fluffy white clouds scudding across the sky. There was a nice breeze and it was in the 70’s. We were accompanied by darling Sophie, whom you can see below.As we walked in from the drive, one of the first things Jonathan pointed out were some great old urns filled with a variety of flowers and plants.

A little bit further along, there was another massive urn with a huge yucca plant in it. At this point, I should probably mention that Jonathan is an amazing gardener and he and Stiles have an impeccable eye for how the gardens should be laid out.

As we wandered into the main gardens, Jonathan pointed out the parterres that will become the cutting garden later in the summer. There were dozens of dahlias grown from tubers that are waiting until some hedge trimming is done to be planted.

Jonathan knew I had paid an outrageous amount for peonies last week, so he offered to cut some of theirs for me! They have two rows of white and hot pink ones, which were just at their height.

In addition to growing flowers, Stiles and Jonathan also grow a wide variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, squash, beans, chard and lettuces. All are arranged in tidy tows with straw and hay between the rows to keep down on the weeding and to conserve moisture.

There are also copious herbs including these chives which have just gone to flower.

Stiles and Jonathan also have fruit trees, which they have espaliered in the traditional European style.

The trees alternate pear and apples, and you can just see the fruits which have formed on this tree.

I was playing around with my camera and captured this panoramic view of the vegetable gardens.

As we headed back towards the house, I captured some more images.

Gorgeous purple clematis

Last year’s gourds on a trellis, waiting for this year’s plants to grow.

Another urn, this time with a banana plant

A cast iron bench tucked in below the stone wall and old hedges

Outside the kitchen of the house is a small shaded patio which brims with plants and flowers!

One of the spectacular pieces is this tree fuchsia. While commonly seen in hanging baskets, these trees make a stunning showpiece in the patio.

Another stunner was the espaliered tree against a plain wall. This is a great technique if you don’t have room for a huge spreading tree.

Thanks to Jonathan for the tour of the gardens!