Garden Exploration: A Secret Garden in the English Countryside

Photography by Gina Dover-Jaques

When florist Brigitte Girling of Moss & Stone discovered her house deep in the English countryside 18 years ago, much of the surrounding land had been sold off, and the remaining one-acre garden was overgrown. But after a few years of plotting, she got to work creating a fairytale garden, complete with a wildlife pond. Come with us on a tour.

The mismatched brick walls of the house were softened with climbers including Hydrangea petiolaris.

Floral designer Girling runs frequent floral arranging workshops in her garden.

In addition to perennial and annual flowers, florist Girling is a fan of stalwart shrubs such as philadelphus, lilac, spirea, and physocarpus.

Fans of Brigitte’s Instagram posts (@mossandstonefloraldesign) will already know she has a thing for vintage pots, urns, and garden furniture.

Over the years the vegetable beds slowly have been commandeered for growing flowers for cutting.

Post-bloom, poppy seed heads add texture to floral arrangements.

An elegant seating area, shaded by trees.

Brigitte Girling’s floral studio.

A workshop in progress.

The biggest challenge here is the light and sandy soil that makes high-summer gardening a serious undertaking.

A mossy tabletop.

For More Garden inspiration, Head to Gardenista: Garden Visit

Check Out More Mobile Web Stories From Gardenista