This small garden, at the entrance to the main house was first laid out in 2003. It comprises classical knots of Japanese holly (Ilex crenata), dwarf Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea Nana') and box (Buxus sempervirens). Within the compartments, Alchemilla erythropoda and Allium christophii become contrasted with both knot structures and the silvery foliage of pearl everlasting (Anaphalis triplinervis ‘Sommerschnee’). In early spring, a subtle display of Tulipa turkestanica and Tulipa urumiensis welcomes the new growing season. The wider area around the knot garden includes some specimens of pollarded black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Bessoniana’) and Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’, with the latter providing great seasonal interest through brightly coloured stems and autumn leaves.
