Spaxton, Somerset

To one side of the property, closest to the kitchen, a herb garden was created to be surrounded by yew hedging. The design needed to have a strong axis viewed from the kitchen window. Similar to Arts and Craft gardens, the layout was formed in a complicated square and circular pattern which offers planting areas that are readily accessible from the paths. This allows for planting of many herbs and cut flowers in an informal way but the intricate paths through the garden keep a tight structure to the informality of the planting. Most of the paths have been constructed with reclaimed bricks laid in basket weave and stretcher bond patterns. The two focal points are a square path of stone paving which surrounds a square oak raised bed and a brick edged circle of local gravel. Planting of the herb garden and the main herbaceous borders to the back of the house will be in phase two of the project.