The Garden
Behind the cottage, the garden opens up far more than the compact rooms suggest. Flowers, shrubs, and established trees fill the space, with paths winding between them instead of cutting through in strict lines. It feels like a garden that has grown over time rather than one installed in a weekend. That suits the house perfectly. A clipped modern yard would look almost suspicious here.
Amy has kept the planting varied and informal. Pots cluster near the house. Taller plants soften walls and fences. Different textures overlap, so the garden changes depending on where you stand. It also gives the cottage a buffer from the outside world. From the back door, the view is mostly greenery rather than traffic, signs, or neighboring buildings. The house suddenly feels tucked away.
The garden also extends Amy’s love of collecting beyond the front door. Old containers, ornaments, and practical pieces can be reused rather than replaced with matching garden-store sets. Nothing needs to be flawless. A weathered surface actually helps. After rooms filled with dark beams and close walls, this is the cottage breathing out. There is sky overhead, room to wander, and space for the building to be seen from another angle.