Discovering the Charm of Ordnance House: A Garden Q&A with Terry Winters

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Wiltshire, Ordnance House boasts a breathtaking garden designed and nurtured by award-winning gardener, Terry Winters. Since moving to the property in 2011, Terry has transformed the once blank canvas into a stunning space filled with lavender, alliums, and meticulously structured beds. His garden has garnered recognition from the Royal Horticultural Society and features regularly on BBC’s Gardeners’ World. We sat down with Terry to delve deeper into the inspirations behind his garden and how products from Harrod Horticultural have supported his gardening journey...

Image by Clive Nichols

Crafting a Garden Vision

Q: Your garden at Ordnance House has such a distinct personality, especially with its chalky, south-facing terrain. Could you share what your vision was when you first started designing the garden, and how the site influenced your decisions? 

Terry: I used to work in the advertising industry, where I directed countless photoshoots and selected thousands of images. I tend to see the world through an imaginary camera lens, which influences how I design gardens. When I started at Ordnance House, I viewed the garden as a series of interconnected scenes, framing views both from the house and within the garden itself.

The garden sits on a fast-draining, chalky hillside with stunning views of the surrounding fields and woodland. I borrowed elements from the landscape, merging the garden with the natural folds of the land. While the sunny, south-facing site was initially daunting, it turned out to be a blessing. More plants survive the winter than I expected, and the dry, hot summers allowed me to experiment with drought-tolerant plants like lavender and santolina.

A Love for Lavender and Alliums

Q: Alliums and lavender seem to be key features of your garden. What inspired you to focus on these plants, and have any Harrod Horticultural products helped you in growing or maintaining them?

Terry: Both alliums and lavender have been personal favourites for many years. Alliums add a pop of colour in late spring, while lavender truly represents the hazy days of summer. I’m especially fond of Lavandula x intermedia varieties like ‘Grosso’, ‘Sussex’, and the white ‘Edelweiss’, which are often used for essential oil production in southern France.

For these plants, I use tools from Harrod Horticultural’s Sneeboer range. Their bulb planters and spades are excellent for planting, and I often say that investing in well-made garden tools is essential. I’ve had some of these tools for over 20 years, and they still feel superb to use.

Balancing Structure and Nature

Q: You’ve described the garden as a 'living thing that changes by the season.' How do you balance the structural design of the garden with the evolving, organic nature of the plants themselves?

Terry: Structure is often overlooked but plays a crucial role in maintaining visual interest year-round. Shaped trees and shrubs form the ‘bones’ of the garden, creating coherence as the seasons shift. In spring and summer, they anchor the emerging blooms, while in autumn and winter, they add colour and shape as the landscape transforms.

This constant ebb and flow allows me to witness the beauty of each season up close. I find it sad that many people let the seasons rush by without truly experiencing the visual changes they bring. Gardens teach us to slow down and appreciate the moment.

The Practical Side: Harrod Horticultural in Action

Q: How have Harrod Horticultural's raised beds, planters, and other products helped you shape and cultivate your vegetable and soft fruit gardens?
Terry: My Superior Wooden Raised Beds not only look stylish but are incredibly durable. I’ve replaced my old scaffolding board beds with these superior ones in the vegetable garden, and they’ve made such a difference. They’re perfect for growing soft fruit and cut flowers. I also use Harrod’s Slot & Lock® Strawberry Cage and Autumn Raspberry Support in the same area—both practical and visually appealing.

Q: Your garden features a number of Superior Wooden Raised Beds from Harrod Horticultural. How have these raised beds contributed to the structure and productivity of your garden, especially in areas like your asparagus and cutting beds?
Terry: Productivity in the garden is all about organisation. Harrod’s raised beds make it easier to manage the space, allowing for efficient planting, watering, and harvesting. Their durability means they’ll last for many years, which is key for long-term productivity.

Q: You use a variety of plant supports, including the Lobster Pot and Peony Trumpet Supports from Harrod Horticultural. What role do these structures play in maintaining the health and aesthetic of your plants?
Terry: These supports are both practical and decorative. They prevent plants from flopping over each other in crowded borders, but they also add an ornamental element, even in winter. I often leave them in place, as their forms, dusted with frost, add interest to the garden on chilly mornings.

Q: The Harrod Vintage Wire Arch and other structural elements bring a lot of character to your garden. How do you integrate these decorative yet functional items into the overall design?
Terry: I use several of Harrod’s Vintage Wire Arches to create a sense of journey through the garden. They support beautiful plants like Clematis ‘Purpurea Plena Elegans’, which covers the arches with floral garlands by midsummer. I’ve also used the arches within beech hedging to create pathways between different areas, making them both practical and visually captivating.

Taking a Moment to Relax

Q: The Southwold Bistro Set in your garden looks like the perfect place to relax and take in the views. How does this seating area enhance your experience of the garden, and do you have a favourite spot or time of day to enjoy it?
Terry: Every day, no matter the season, begins with a cup of tea at my Southwold Bistro Set in the vegetable garden. It’s a lovely, durable metal set that weathers all seasons and adds to the overall design of the space. It’s where I take a moment to enjoy the start of a fresh new day and reflect on the beauty around me.

Reflecting on the Journey

Q: As an award-winning gardener and social media presence, what role has your online audience played in your gardening journey?
Terry: My gardening journey has been full of unexpected rewards. Gardening allows me to escape, stay active, and appreciate the changing seasons up close. Sharing this journey with an online audience has been incredibly fulfilling, especially the interaction with fellow gardeners from all over the world.

Q: You’ve achieved recognition from the RHS and featured on BBC Gardeners' World. What have been some of the proudest moments in your gardening journey?
Terry: Although the garden started as a private space, sharing it with others has brought me immense joy. It’s allowed me to connect with so many people who appreciate the beauty and creativity of gardening. As the garden continues to evolve, I’m excited by the endless creative possibilities it offers.

Terry’s garden at Ordnance House is a testament to his vision, creativity, and passion for gardening. With the help of Harrod Horticultural’s quality products, he’s crafted a space that thrives in every season—an oasis of beauty, structure, and tranquility. You can follow Terry’s gardening adventures on Instagram, where he shares daily insights and stunning views from his Wiltshire haven.