In just a few years, Charlotte Hugh from @new.house.home completely transformed the new build plot of the sky into a riot of texture, colour and scent. Working with her husband Ben, she added greenhouses, pergolas, brick roads, several unique “zones” and a huge number of plants to her gorgeous outdoor space. Find out how she created her dream garden and what her biggest regret was…
Tell us about your current garden
Image courtesy of Charlotte Hugh
I love the aesthetics of cottage gardens that are too perfect. There are many distinctive touches and informal planting schemes. I’m not a huge fan of strict color schemes. I’m a very “If I like it, I’ll plant it” type person! Sometimes it works, but sometimes it’s not, but I think it certainly adds to the unique feel of the garden.
What inspires you?
Image courtesy of Charlotte Hugh
Building this garden has helped me learn to embrace the change, whether it’s a new season or a change in taste. I’ve learned that I love switching things, trying new things, and learning every day. The more I learn about my garden, the more inspiring it. From realizing which plants are thriving until those who are thriving, don’t, pay attention to planting combinations and plant combinations that aren’t going well. All of this is inspiring to continue working in the garden.
They always say, “The garden never ends” and I think that’s the biggest inspiration behind everything I do. And it’s the best excuse to always add one or two new plants!
What are you most proud of?
Image courtesy of Charlotte Hugh
I am proud of Ben (my husband) and I garden (my husband) how proud I am. It took us a few years, but we designed, built and planted everything ourselves. If possible, it grows more from seeds and bulbs.
We are also extremely proud of the answers we get from sharing our garden online. My goal is to encourage other new builders to change the space – hopefully it will shake up that “new build” stereotype – I’ll share some simple tips on how to do that.
What are your future plans?
Image courtesy of Charlotte Hugh
Ultimately, I want to take on the challenge of changing my old garden. So, one day we may move…if I can bear to leave this garden. But for now, my big goal is to tackle planting combinations and make them just right.
We are also considering adding trees for privacy. One thing I have is planting trees along the boundaries rather than accepting the idea that they have them throughout the garden. So I want to rethink my approach to trees, but take a look at this space!
Top Gardening Tips for Beginners
The image is courtesy of Charlotte Hugh
If you have a new building garden like us, it can feel completely overwhelming and start from scratch. Here are my three top tips:
Don’t be afraid of failure – you will learn the most by trying it. Don’t hurry to design your garden before you really live together. Learn where the sun appears at different times of the day, see how you use your space, and think about the types of “zones” you want to create to suit your family’s needs. Works in your soil! Especially if you’re in a new build. Add organic matter such as mulch, fertilizer, and compost to improve soil quality. Your plants will thank you.
Grows like Charlotte
Image: Allium “Millennium” from T&M
If Charlotte wants to buy plants on her Instagram page, here is a quick shopping list:
We hope you enjoy learning more about Charlotte Hugh from @new.house.home. For even more inspiration, our series of notable gardeners are full of highly knowledgeable producers.
The Thompson & Morgan Horticultural team produces a wealth of content on gardening and food production. Since the first seed catalogue was released in 1855, Thompson & Morgan has grown into one of the UK’s largest mail-order seed and plant companies. Through publishing catalogs and running an award-winning website, Thompson & Morgan is able to provide home gardeners with the highest quality products that money can buy.
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