Charm in abundance

Above: 1, Dering Road, Ashford

Above: The Medusa fountain adds soothing sound to the garden

Above: .

A visit to One Dering Road in Ashford is an inspiration for garden lovers. The tiny front garden just gives a hint of what lies beyond in this suburban oasis that has been created from scratch by true plant enthusiast, Claire De Sousa-Barry. The result is a synergy of scent and colour imbued with Claire’s passion and personality.

There are delightful discoveries around every corner, with many rare and unusual plants mingling with traditional favourites. As you are welcomed beyond the metal gates by Claire’s smiling greeting, you enter her hidden world that cosily wraps around the outside of the house.

A corridor bordered by a shady canopy of trees and shrubs leads to two intimate courtyard spaces, a small lawned area, raised beds, an array of borders and containers billowing with profuse planting.

This very personal, effervescent garden

There is something to draw the eye on all levels, from cascading blooms to tiny specimens peering out from under foliage. Quirky sculpture dotted through the garden provides further focal points. This is a garden to stop and take time in – it isn’t seen in one glance – but rather one where you can increase your knowledge of plants through careful observation and delightful conversation with Claire.

Her joy is quite infectious as she describes the connection to the garden as “My heart, my soul…my life’s blood…my plants and flowers.”

This very personal, effervescent garden has completely transformed a neglected space, once covered mostly in Tarmac and discarded debris with ivy and bindweed strangling what life remained.In 1994, when Claire and Peregrine moved in, they started by completely clearing the space.

“We removed all the concrete and rubble. Then came the hard labour – digging over the ground and incorporating plenty of leaf mould and manure,” she recalls. “It took many years of consistent poisonings and removing to finally nearly completely eradicate the ground ivy and bindweed.

“There were so many shards of glass in the soil in certain places. A real hazard we are delighted to have overcome, although not without war wounds!”

Although this is the third garden Claire has developed from a blank canvas, it is her largest project. After assessing the neutral soil and the shape of the garden, planting began.

Hard landscaping was constructed with mainly natural materials to give an harmonious effect and microclimates created by using trees to shade and protect where necessary. To allow a wider range of plants, raised acidic beds were constructed in set places to give woodland borders.

The sunny, south wall was designated for hot coloured plants needing good drainage and warmer conditions. Cooler blues, greens and violet shades were chosen for the east-facing border.

Plants were carefully researched and sourced to provide a long season of diversity with interesting textures, scents, colours, shapes and forms. Consideration was also given to their soil and position needs along with the level of hardiness.

“The plants were gathered over time, not always adhering to the master plan. Occasionally, instant attraction won over planning. A carpe diem (or plant!) moment. The more unusual were added once my confidence had grown in my ability not to cause an upsetting almost instant or lingering expiration,” says Claire.

Layered focus
The main focus is to provide layered, dense, successional planting. “Every plant I allow space to is an excellent performer. In a small garden you need to try a bit harder to ensure things harmonize and are clean and attractive to the eye. By providing the right conditions, the plants reward you,” explains Claire.

Just some of the wonderful palette includes arisaema, stripy tulips, stately cardiocrinum, vibrant clematis, fragrant roses, towering delphiniums and blowsy lilies, all taking their star turns.

Planting densely also has an advantage of smothering weeds and reducing the amount of water needed. Ever conscious of the environment, Claire catches and recycles water with large rainwater tanks within the garden, and mulches carefully. Birds and insects are not forgotten, with both their habitats and natural food needs catered for.

From an early childhood, awareness of and joy in nature and gardening has developed a deep interest that Claire enjoys sharing with many others. “I appreciate the complete therapeutic value. Gardening is both relaxing and interesting. Combined with developing additional knowledge by research it has enthralling results, sometimes unexpected ones, including watching nature scatter seed and enjoying the surprises,” she enthuses.

Visitors add comments such as “A beautiful garden – one of the most informative yellow gardens I’ve visited over the years” and “Wonderful use of small spaces and clever colour combinations.”

Make sure you add One Dering to your must-see National Garden Scheme outings this year.

Opening times

One Dering Road, Ashford

March 21, 22, 23 and 24 

April 5-6, 12, 13, 19 and 20

May 3, 4, 5, 17, 18, 24, 25 and 26

June 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22

July 5, 6, 12, 13, 26 and 27

August 9, 10,16,17, 23 and 24

2pm to 5pm

Visitors also welcome by appointment, tel: 07979 816104

Admission £2.50. Regret, children not admitted

Delicious home-made cakes.  Plants for sale, subject to availability.

The National Gardens Scheme

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