Aynhoe Park

We worked at Aynhoe Park a few years ago when it was the dramatic and fabulous hedonistic party and wedding venue of its time. It had an extraordinary wild and unique assortment of furniture, architectural plaster work, taxidermy and circus fantasy.

The owners wanted to make the approach and entrance to the house more impressive and beautiful, and to hint to the surprises within. It needed to have an Alice in Wonderland fantastical twist and strong invitation to come in!

Working closely with the owners, we designed an avenue of large topiary pyramids along the drive, and the fairy tale volume was further turned up with huge, outsize plant pots, topiary and stone balls by the front door. A new flower border was made in the circle. We were particularly careful in the roses we chose and the bulbs we planted, all was a great success, with strong, vibrant and contrasting colours.

At the back of the house we planted enormous topiary balls, to add humour and a new exclamation of form and shapes in the foreground of the famous Capability Brown landscape, with country views stretching far away to the distance.

A great deal of fun was had, which is just how gardening should be!