Mike Greaves, Ashmore House (NN6)

Styles: Conservation and restoration, Rural, Water, Wildlife, English cottage

Soil types: Clay

Soil drainage: Moisture-retentive

Soil pH: Alkaline

Light: Partial Shade

Aspect: South

Exposure: Sheltered

Hardiness: Hardy (H4)

Created eight years ago, this small garden is divided into rooms, each with a different character - which oddly makes it feel bigger! Plants are chosen for site, foliage and succession as well as colour. Near the house is a formal garden containing a rectangular lawn with an unusual iron well-head, surrounded by old flagstones and mixed borders. At one end, the formality breaks down into a more intricate herb garden. The south-facing house wall is clothed with climbers. Opposite is a long formal pool, flanked by smart clipped box eggs in pots, and the "gin and tonic terrace", sited to catch the last of the sun, backed by a clipped yew hedge. Passing through an arched opening in the hedge, you enter an restful sheltered area of flowing lines and herbaceous planting, centred on a weeping birch tree-arbour. Beyond that is a wildlife pond, surrounded by lush big-leaved jungle plants.