Posted on February 28, 2020
Whilst we're in the business of selling properties, more often than not it is in fact the gardens and land in which a home sits that really sell the property. Whether you are a lover of a 'classic country garden' planting scheme, or you want to create a modern outdoor living room space - we have The Cotswolds' garden companies to help you this spring:
A Cotswolds' institution since 1975, Nigel Johnson and family launched the Burford Garden Company as a one-of-a-kind destination store for a curated edit of plants, home decor, furniture, clothing and food - the 15-acre site is an emporium of creative, beautiful displays and hand-picked collections - including 'Le Souk' a showcase of sculpture, art and design pieces by local and international makers. We love their painted mango-wood Indian furniture and original Kadai firepits for a cosy focal point to an outdoor living space. The Burford Cafe, housed in one of their glasshouses serves amazing cakes from their in-house craft bakery too - a great destination in itself!
Waterperry Gardens (main picture)
The eight-acre ornamental gardens at Waterperry were established by Beatrix Havergal in the 30s; renowned for one of the country's most beautiful herbaceous borders, the rose gardens, white and lavender wisteria arches, water lily canal and riverside walk really come alive in spring. The Garden's plant centre is housed within an ancient walled garden, where plant connoisseurs can seek out unusual and heritage shrubs and perennials - making the most of the amazingly knowledgable staff on hand if you are less green fingered. They have a great range of herbs and vegetable plants too in season, if you're hankering after a touch of 'The Good Life'. Their five acres of apple orchards grow 50 different varieties of apple, from which the estate juices and bottles their own apple juices and ciders, available in the garden shop. There you will also find all the tools, seeds and sundries you need to get planting.
A Shepherd's Hut is high on many home owners' garden 'lust list' - marrying the romance of their traditional design, with all the mod-cons, Red Sky Shepherd's Huts in Oxfordshire offer a range of garden retreats - from full one-bedroom suites, complete with hot and cold running water, shower, loo, kitchenette and bedroom (perfect for adding that extra bedroom when the house is at full capacity). They make great artist studios, writers' retreats and even therapists' rooms too - a great garden addition that adds a touch of nostalgic charm to any home.
Garden Solutions
Garden Solutions, based in Stroud have over 10 years experience in garden design and landscaping in the Cotswolds - we have recommended Phil and his team to a number of clients as his skill and craftsmanship have seriously impressed us. Showcasing a range of natural, Cotswolds stones and traditional skills - such as dry-stone walling in their landscaping designs, if you are looking to breathe new life into the bones of your garden this spring, we can't recommend them enough.
The treasure trove that is the Cotswold Reclamation Company in Little Rissington is the perfect destination for those seeking out something with character and charm for their garden. If you have a listed property, their selection of reclaimed building materials may be of interest - from floorboards to fireplaces, slates and bricks - while the range of weather-aged stone statues, troughs, planters and metalwork add history and interest to any garden. A great fun place to explore and have a rummage!
The Nursery at Miserden opens on 1 March, when their period glasshouses will come into bloom with a range David Austin roses, alpines, clematis and climbers, ferns, herbs, shrubs and bedding plants. The beautiful setting, high up in The Cotswold Hills makes it a stunning destination for a weekend visit - The Garden Cafe housed in one of the original glasshouses is also worth a pit stop, with cosy woodburning stoves for colder days, excellent coffee and delicious seasonal food.