In the footsteps of giants

After decades of thoughtful restoration, the gardens at Folly Farm offer a masterclass in maintaining an historic garden and simultaneously celebrating the best in contemporary planting, finds Tiffany Daneff

- Tiffany Daneff

Folly Farm, Sulhamstead, Berkshire

TODAY,' Lanning Roper, wrote in COUNTRY LIFE, May 15, 1975, after visiting Folly Farm near Sulhamstead, in Berkshire, 'such a garden is beyond the realms of possibility in this country.' He cited the expense not only of upkeep but of repairs and ongoing maintenance: the photographs accompanying his article show badly cracked paving stones around Sir Edwin Lutyens's canal.

Fast forward to 2022 and not only have all the flagstones been repaired, but the historic Arts-and-Crafts house and garden, designed by Lutyens in 1906, refreshed in 1912, and planted by Gertrude Jekyll, are in the best of good health. Indeed, they are glowing, thanks to decades of careful restoration, thoughtful replanting, and inspired expansion with the help of designer Dan Pearson. The day-to-day care of the gardens is ensured by an expert team headed up by Tim Stretton and overseen by estate manager Simon Goodenough.

Originally, one entered through a gate in the wall directly into one of three small formal courtyards, laid out geometrically in 1906 with flagstone and herringbone-brick paths to balance the rural setting. Now, the approach is via the drive and the forecourt into Barn Court, a private area outside the half-timbered Tudor building that was the original house. Planting here is cool and mainly green, with beds of herbaceous perennials laid out by Mr. Pearson in 2010 and since added to with cottage-garden favourites, such as nigella, salvia, euphoria, and thalictrum. The Italian oil jar that once stood on a pedestal has been replaced by the present owners with a terracotta beer pot from South Africa, before the thatched barn that gives this garden its name.