An English Stumpery Garden

Taking inspiration from the stumpery nestled centrally in Biddulph Grange, which is the oldest in the country, the garden shares Victorian horticultural rarities with a wider audience. Oak stumps are stacked and arranged to create a formidable presence, reminiscent of a vertebrate rising high from the soil. These angular shapes create natural planting pockets to hold delicate shade-loving plants.

Also included is an upside down tree as Biddulph Grange’s designer, James Bateman, liked to display tree roots to inspire visitors. Beneath is a contrasting lush carpet of hostas.