‘We turned a wasted plot into a wildlife haven’

A sloping site didn’t stop Liz and Tim Hoad from creating a garden full of charm, character and clever spaces

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Stumbling upon their Dorset cottage, once the village shoemaker’s home and workshop, nearly two decades ago, Liz and Tim Hoad were enchanted by its history and coastal setting, but the garden was a wild tangle. ‘There were trees growing right up to the front door,’ Liz remembers. Over time, the couple reimagined the garden completely, transforming the once-neglected outdoor space into a much-loved extension of their home. It’s full of clever details and heritage charm, and the space is a testament to creative thinking, teamwork and a love of gardening.

THE PROJECT

The original garden was overgrown, shaded and lacked any structure. ‘It was just a slope with brambles and weeds, really,’ says Liz. ‘But we always knew it had potential.’ With their cottage being quite small, Liz and Tim saw the garden as a crucial part of how they could live comfortably, especially with frequent visits from family. ‘We wanted to create areas that worked like outdoor rooms, with spaces for cooking, sitting, and even sleeping in summer.’