A love for nature
When we first arrived at Fen Lodge, we were presented with a blank canvas. There was just a field fringed by mature trees. The first thing we did was to choose the hut locations and then lay out the paths and plant the hedges and trees to create each secluded enclave.
Our aim was to design a space full of nectar rich plants to attract the maximum number of bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
At the height of summer our garden buzzes with life, especially the area just outside the washrooms.
The formal garden
We created the formal garden to complement the architecture of the house. While the layout is structured, the plants are less so. Evergreens, structural and herbaceous plants combine to create rhythm and harmony. From April to October, the garden is full of colourful flowers while in winter seed heads and silhouettes ensure extended interest.
The meadow
The meadow at Fen Lodge is constantly changing. We allow it to grow tall and wild with an abundance of native wildflowers and grasses. We’ve planted yellow rattle to reduce the vigour of grasses, and encourage plants like cuckooflower, ragged robin and buttercup to thrive.
The huts
Around the huts, we’ve planted hedges of native hornbeam to give maximum privacy. In fact, for most the year, you won’t see any other hut from your own. Willows grow very fast here and to keep them in check, we pollard them every couple of years. We’ve used the branches to create a living willow dome, a great play area for younger guests.
If you’d like a tour of the formal garden, we’d love to show you around. Just ask Neill or John.
