Coral Campbell & her husband Peter (now deceased) moved to “Dursley” 50 years ago, to a house built in the 1880s and the remnants of a garden overwhelmed with vinca, privet, ivy and blackberries. Inspired by a row of five majestic English elm trees bordering the property, Coral prioritised the planting of more trees. The challenges of cool-climate gardening in heavy black basalt soil became evident as some trees withstood the frosty New England winters better than others. Many of the native species planted succumbed to cold wet feet, however exotics such as poplar, beech, liquidambar, birch, maple and cypress survived. In the lower sections of the garden a strategy of building long mounds was developed to lift root systems and improve drainage. For a decade Coral also operated a retail plant nursey from the site. After experiencing a severe drought, a bore was sunk and an automatic watering system installed which has greatly supported the development of the garden. While the bore is reliable, the water is limey/alkaline which necessitates feeding to help lower the pH of the soil. What has evolved is a free-flowing garden over a variety of levels. Garden beds curve along the lay of the land punctuated with formal Buxus hedges and topiary, conifers and mature deciduous trees underplanted with bulbs, perennials, shrubs and Japanese maples. Coral with the help of her loyal gardener Reg, and her three children Aaron, Brant & Tamara continues to enjoy the surroundings and benefits of gardening.