We’ve lived here at Middle Beeny Farm for just six years now, and the ancient farmhouse and outbuildings lie along the contour of the valley,  below the windswept ridge, just as they have done for centuries. But take a closer look and we have made some changes.

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The old house was built into a sloping bank at the back, which we had to dig out when we extended the house.  We terraced the slope behind the house to create two tiers of garden, using stone from a local quarry. 

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Almost all of the plants were raised from seeds, cuttings and favourite plants moved from previous gardens.

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Any planting plan that I began with for these beds has fallen by the wayside. Some carefully chosen plants have died, other often less likely candidates have made themselves thoroughly at home and happily spread around.

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I had initially expected that the house would provide shelter from south-westerly gales, whilst still allowing full sun to reach the south-facing slopes. This is all true up to a point - but we are so near to the coast and on many days the wind still funnels around the back of the house, drying and even flattening the more tender specimens. It is a good test to discover those plants which are hardy and resourceful, keeping the beds full and bursting with life. 

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It is always a work in progress, a source of cut flowers for the house, food for the butterflies and bees, hiding places for birds, frogs and toads, and a view from our kitchen that changes with the seasons.

 

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