After building a new farmhouse-style home with Rod Hannah Design, the owners of this Mornington Peninsula property went to Ashley James seeking a complementary cottage-style garden.

They came to the right place. Ashley specialises in creating ‘wildly romantic’ gardens that achieve a densely planted British-style look.

‘They draw inspiration from traditional cottage gardens, the Arts and Crafts movement, and naturalistic planting styles,’ says Ashley. ‘The result is a layered, slightly untamed look that feels abundant and full of life.’

In the case of this garden, the clients were worried that the Red Hill environment (cold winters, windy conditions, hot dry summers) might pose issues. Ashley explains, ‘My clients were on tank water and concerned about whether a lush, romantic garden could work.’

In the end, the greatest challenge of this project turned into its greatest triumph, resulting in a diverse plant palette of Mexican, South American, and Asian plants, which still achieve a distinctly British look.

‘I use these plants often, as they are accustomed to extreme heat but can also withstand frosty winters, making them perfect for creating a garden that is both abundant and resilient,’ he says.

Plants including Salvia hybrida ‘Mystic Spires Blue’, Agastache mexicana ‘Forever Summer Berry’, purpletop vervain (Verbena bonariensis), and Mexican fleabane (Erigeron karvinskianus) come almost right up to the house, creating the appearance of a natural meadow.

Scale is important in achieving this look, ensuring the planting complements the architecture, rather than overwhelming it.

‘I like to use softer, layered plantings near the house to help blur the transition between building and garden, while still allowing the architecture to remain the hero,’ says Ashley.

‘Practically speaking, you also need to think about airflow, access and maintenance. Plants should not be placed so densely that they trap moisture against the house, and it’s important to leave space for windows, pathways and general access.

‘I also carefully consider mature plant sizes to ensure the garden will still sit comfortably with the home many years into the future.’

The wildly romantic aesthetic is owed to the layered planting that feels abundant, but still intentional. ‘

I usually start with the structural elements of the garden such as small trees, shrubs and evergreen forms that provide the backbone of the planting,’ says Ashley. ‘From there, I layer in softer perennials and grasses, allowing them to weave through the space and create movement and seasonal interest.’

‘The key is density and repetition. By planting generously and repeating certain varieties throughout the garden, the planting begins to feel immersive and cohesive rather than busy.

‘I also like to allow plants to gently mingle and spill into one another, which softens the overall look and creates that slightly untamed, romantic feeling that my gardens are known for.’

The garden quickly felt established, and two years on, continues to thrive.