Rozy and Philip Barnes embarked on a journey to create their dream home and garden in the heart of the Cheshire countryside. Their story is one of passion, dedication, and a deep-rooted love for gardening that has been passed down through generations.
Rozy’s background in gardening, inherited from her mother, Jane Johnson, who won the Cheshire Farm Garden of the Year competition in 1996, provided her with the knowledge and skills to design the new garden herself. With qualifications in Garden Design and RHS horticulture, Rozy was well-equipped to bring her vision to life.
The process of building their new home and garden began in 2021, with careful consideration given to the layout and design of both. The garden was planned to complement the architecture of the house, with views from different rooms carefully curated to showcase the beauty of the outdoor space.
The inner garden, inspired by the formal designs of Arley Hall, features a circular lawn surrounded by deep borders filled with herbaceous perennials and grasses. The color palette of blues, pinks, and purples creates a soft and inviting atmosphere, with signature plants repeated throughout the space to create a cohesive and ever-changing display.
As the seasons change, different plants take center stage, from hardy geraniums and nepeta in early summer to echinacea and aster in late summer. Even in winter, the garden remains interesting with the texture and wildlife-friendly seedheads left in place.
To protect the garden from the elements, native hedges have been planted, creating distinct garden rooms that lead to a kitchen garden and cut flower beds. A Hartley Botanic Greenhouse adds a touch of envy-inducing luxury to the space, while a pond and bog garden provide a habitat for wildlife and a cooling spot for Pringle, the family dog.
The garden also pays tribute to Rozy’s mother, with a copper beech tree planted in her memory. It is a fitting tribute to a woman who inspired Rozy’s love of gardening and whose legacy lives on in this beautiful space.
As the garden continues to mature and evolve, Rozy’s journey can be followed on Instagram @mynewcountrygarden. Her recommended perennials for a new garden, including geranium ‚Rozanne‘ and echinacea ‚White Swan‘, offer a starting point for those looking to create their own outdoor oasis.
In just two years, Rozy and Philip have transformed a blank canvas of land into a stunning garden that is sure to inspire others to embark on their own gardening adventures. With passion, dedication, and a love for the land, anything is possible in the world of gardening.