large rural garden on a hill in Fife

• recently converted farm cottage on a windy one acre site with magnificent views over Fife and the Forth estuary
• major challenges included: lack of privacy when seated on the existing patio, wind, wildlife, being overwhelmed by the size & emptiness of the outdoor space
• Phase One: planting a shelterbelt of native trees & shrubs on the boundaries  (5-10 years to mature), areas of grass were left unmown to soften the boundary lines & conceal sewage treatment installation
• Phase Two:  sweeping borders were created around the front of the house & planted with a mix of ornamental grasses, herbaceous perennials & bulbs for a long season of interest
• Phase Three: additional planting areas will be created in the main body of the garden along with  additional tree & shrub planting on the boundaries
• photos show the newly planted naturalistic borders around the house - once the bulbs have been planted in the autumn a gravel mulch will be applied over all the beds to help to suppress weeds & to retain moisture
   

“We are very happy with the garden developments so far ... if only we could turn down the wind and keep hares at bay!"

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