The first winter at Hillside I began the search for the palette of plants that would do well here. Brightly lit open ground with wind from all directions has been a strong influence, but a plant that feels right is just as important as one that suits the conditions.

I expanded the old vegetable plot and laid out a series of experimental beds to trial plants in order to find the ones that would work. In the case of the willows, it was an opportunity to learn more about a group of plants that I had long wanted to get to know better, but had never had the room to do so. I’ve planted a catkin wood for clients in Devon and grown a few trusted varieties where room permitted, but there is no comparison to growing something for yourself to find out what does well, what doesn’t and whether the character of a plant is right for your situation.