Jessamine Cottage Gardens

Lee and Pamela Wheeler returned from New Zealand in 1999 with the specific intention of creating a garden. Starting with almost three acres of bare paddocks, they have created a garden that complements the surrounding landscape. It shares many of the attractive features of gardens that they admired in New Zealand: an idyllic rural setting; a fluid, open and relaxed style that fits well within it; and plantings that include some interesting antipodean specimens.


The visitor is tempted seamlessly from one feature to another – with a few surprises on the way. The majestic native oaks and ashes that are dotted around the perimeter provide a perfect backdrop for the ornamental trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials with which the garden is planted. The garden includes two large mixed island beds whose mingled planting style lends an informal feel to this part of the garden. Other features include a lime avenue, a vegetable garden, wildflower meadows, an extensive wildlife pond, a formal parterre, a rose walk and a shady spinney. There are many seats dotted throughout the garden, offering ample opportunity to relax and enjoy the views of the garden and the countryside.


Another New Zealand influence is the new timber tearoom, which as well as selling teas and preserves, contains an exhibition of pictures showing the development of the garden. Afternoon and cream teas can be enjoyed in the tearoom or outside in your favourite location in the garden. Pam prepares all cakes, scones and preserves and the plants that are for sale are all sourced from the garden.


The gardens have been featured nationally in the Modern Gardens Open Days 2004 and 2005 and locally in both the Shropshire Star and the Shropshire Magazine.