In the heart of Dorset, the garden of this chocolate-box cottage had been left neglected, offering a unique canvas to draw out new colour and wildlife to complete the composition.

Tree planting adds height, form and structure amongst sweeping herbaceous borders full of cottage garden plants – Cirsium, Salvia, Digitalis, Nepeta, Perovskia, Helenium, Sedum, Crocosmia and Geraniums. A seasonal wetland has become home to dramatic foliage plants such as Gunnera, Salix and Cornus species along with Persicaria, Primula and Irises. Beyond, mown paths meander through a wildflower meadow, which provides a haven for butterflies and other pollinating insects.