Foxington

About Foxington

The front patio has open views towards the Chiltern Hills. It is planted with a variety of herbaceous perennials and bulbs including peonies, irises, verbena, alliums, grasses and dierama. There are shrubs and climbing roses, and a variety of evergreen flowering shrubs.
There is a heather garden to the side of the house, and a gravel garden with Mediterranean type planting.

The back garden is much cosier. It is divided into areas with different colour combinations ranging from vibrant hot colours to soft pinks and purples. The vegetable garden is completely enclosed with raised beds, a small greenhouse and a potting shed. It is usually very productive.

The garden was first planted in about 1980 when Mary moved here to run the family farm. It was completely remodelled in 2012 with the help of Sarah Massey, a local garden designer. Apart from a holly tree in the kitchen garden, everything has been planted since 1980.

The wildflower meadow and a small wood were planted in about 1985 and a small orchard created in 2009. Both the wood and orchard have recently been extended. Mown paths lead through the meadow and orchard, which harbour a wealth of wildlife.

A very large apple tree blew down in the spring of 2022 and has been replaced by a summerhouse. This has resulted in a major revision of the planting. The garden is in the process of maturing and settling down, and demands constant attention as the planting develops.

There is an orchard and a flock of white doves. Well behaved dogs are welcome, but they must be kept on a lead at all times as there are many wild animals in the garden, wildflower meadow, wood and neighbouring fields.