Rose Cottage is entered through a wicket gate which leads you down a central path to Mr & Mrs Williams' charming 18th century home.

Mr & Mrs Williams have lived in Rose Cottage since 1981 and have worked tirelessly with loving hands (or should I say "green fingers") to create their present picturesque cottage garden from one that was dominated by roses. The garden is shielded from the road by hedges, making it quite secluded.

On either side of the pathway, the Williams's have cultivated flower beds in which they have juxtaposed shrubs, perennials and bulbs to produce a year-round colourful and contrasting plant theme. A myriad of flowers ushers in the spring, including snowdrops, crocuses, primroses, daffodils, narcissus, violets, grape hyacinth, bluebells, camellias and forsythia. As the seasons progress through summer to autumn, the glorious swathes of colour displayed by the plants continue to delight the eye and must enchant the passer-by. Towards winter, the berberis and pyracanthus add their own flash of vibrancy, and we must not forget that little gem, the Christmas rose. Pots and planters are placed strategically to form bold and structural points of interest.

When you enter the rear walled garden from the conservatory, to the left is a wall some 10 foot in height which is curtained by one of the original climbing roses "American Pillar." Its deep pink blooms enhance this area for months. The damson tree which Mrs Williams said was brought many years ago gives shade on a sunny day and a generous crop of fruit for jam.

The wall on the right-hand side is clothed with forsythia, climbing hydrangea and clematis. A small archway reveals some steps which seemingly melt into mysterious oblivion but lead to theWilliams' garage.

Mr Williams said "Although the entire garden is some 40 foot by 30 foot in size we are constantly pruning to keep the plants petite: it's rather like floral topiary". There are small flower beds in various sizes, visible from different angles so consideration has obviously been given to the height, mass, texture and sequential interest, conveying a riot of colour and fragrance. It must be a little haven for bees, butterflies and ladybirds.

Mrs Williams explained that most of the plants such as lilies, iris, dahlias, pinks, aquilegia, peonies and black-eyed Suzies to name but a few, have been sourced from village fetes, the Totteridge Garden Club, the Totteridge Horticultural Society and from friends. One of MrsWilliams's favourite flowers is the Michaelmas daisy, and these - like the hollyhock and phlox stand tall with their slim spikes acting like giant colourful exclamation marks. "Any hole or gap and it will be filled!" chuckled Mrs Williams. The plants all vie for a view of the sky and in some parts thrive in a mere foot of soil.

In the middle of the garden is a 3 foot circular pond area. The water container is an old wash boiler! Yes, and it even hosts a water lily.

Terracotta pots, tubs and urns act as a perfect foil in selected positions to add structure and character to the garden. They are filled to capacity with hydrangeas or evergreens, whilst flowers cascade down to the ground. Benches and garden seats are positioned around the garden enabling the Williams to relax and appreciate their floral treasures and the fruits of their labour.

At the far end of the garden there is a well-stocked rockery and a gangway of steps apparently leading nowhere. Now for the surprise! When you alight from the last step you walk on to the concealed roof garden situated over the garage. From here the vista extends to the Village Hall and to the fields beyond. They can sit here shielded beneath a sun shade consuming a cream tea with Mrs Williams' damson jam and dream away the hours.

Eileen Eskenzi