Take a tour around a traditional garden with a contemporary twist

This large garden in Essex combines classic elements with more unusual features to create impact. Take a look around some stunning real-life gardens for inspiration

The rill, which runs right through the walled garden of this stunning outdoor space, gives the space a sense of order. In the bed at the end, an abundance of lime-green Alchemilla mollis bloom from June to September.

1/7 Rill

grey villa with grey roof top garden white window and plants

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Mark Bolton)

The conservatory is by Westbury Conservatories

2/7 Bright flowers

red flowers plant in garden

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Mark Bolton)

Fiery-red Helenium 'Moerheim Beauty' makes a bold contrast to a border of lime-green Euphorbia seguieriana and purple aromatic Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant'.

3/7 Structured borders

purplw and yellow flowers plant in garden

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Mark Bolton)

Allium giganteum gives structure to the garden borders, while Sedum 'Purple Emperor' and daisy-like Anthemis 'E C Buxton' add interest at a lower level.

4/7 Geranium

purple and red flowers with plant

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Mark Bolton)

The perennial Geranium 'Rozanne' provides ground cover from early September.

5/7 Grasses

flowers with plant and grass

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Mark Bolton)

Compact Stipa tenuissima helps to link the garden with wild grasses in the meadow beyond.

6/7 Yew trees

plants and trees in garden

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Mark Bolton)

Set in a chequerboard pattern, yew squares give sharp formality to the walled garden. Each corner is planted with Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea'.

7/7 Meadow

grey villa with brick wall and plants at gate

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Mark Bolton)

The wrought-iron screen provides security yet ensures an open view from the back of the house to the meadow.

Want more? Check out our garden channel page. Plus, take a tour around a dramatic outdoor space in Sussex, and a classic English country garden.

Contributor

Tamara was Ideal Home's Digital Editor before joining the Woman & Home team in 2022. She has spent the last 15 years working with the style teams at Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, both now at Future PLC. It’s with these award wining interiors teams that she's honed her skills and passion for shopping, styling and writing. Tamara is always ahead of the curve when it comes to interiors trends – and is great at seeking out designer dupes on the high street.