Restoring a cottage garden on the edge of a Marlborough vineyard

Landscape architecture by Louise Dunning Morrow, Noble Fox

Satis Garden sits on the edge of a vineyard, around 10 minutes from Blenheim, Marlborough. It’s the home and garden of Rod McLeod and Robyn Gifford, shared with Mackie, their working cocker spaniel.

After more than three decades living and working in central London, the couple returned to Robyn’s hometown in late 2019. What began as a move to spend more time with family quickly became permanent, and they committed to restoring a run down 1920s cottage and its once productive garden. The land had a history of vegetables, fruit trees and flowers, but years of neglect meant it needed a full rethink.

With no previous hands-on gardening experience, Rod and Robyn were keen to grow food and flowers but needed guidance on how to bring the garden back into working order.

landscape architecture by Noble Fox, Marlborough Garden

A garden shaped by history & habit

Louise of Noble Fox was engaged to restore the garden’s original structure where possible, with naturalistic planting that reflected a relaxed cottage style. Robyn was particularly drawn to an English aesthetic, adapted to the local climate.

The brief also called for new spaces to enjoy the garden, and for a stronger connection between the house and the orchard beyond.

Reworking the bones of the site

The desire to keep the original shape of the beds informed the layout of the new garden. On the southern side of the house, now the main entry, an existing stand of Lophomyrtus Obcordata / rōhutu with native ferns beneath formed a natural island. Paths on either side create a calm approach to the house and Rod’s daily route to the office, often accompanied by tūī and kererū.

Raised vegetable gardens were added on either side of this entry. Beneath the original water tower, a corten steel water trough fountain was introduced, balancing the structural ‘Blobarium’ concealed behind newly planted Hornbeam hedges at the entrance way

At the edge of the garden, three mature beech trees were underplanted in a contemporary naturalistic style. Steps lead down through a swale, planted with native grasses and flax, offering an alternative way into the garden.

At the front of the house, original beds with dahlias were retained, flanking a grass path. Borders to the east and west were refreshed with roses and perennials, while established camellias, flowering shrubs and old roses were kept to provide structure.

Removing an overgrown barberry hedge on the western side opened a clear link between the house and orchard. A new verandah and outdoor kitchen now face this space, creating a practical entertaining area.

Living season by season

The garden remains a work in progress, shaped by ongoing use rather than a fixed end point. Rod and Robyn have embraced gardening and the rhythm of working the land, moving easily between productive and restorative spaces.

There are places to sit throughout the day, in sun or shade, near the house, under trees, or even beside the vegetable beds to contemplate what to have for dinner…