August is one of the peak months at Cambo as we put a special emphasis on the late season. Many of the key prairie plants flower this month and next so it is a good time to visit. The pace in the garden eases giving the gardeners time to study the plants and plantings, developing their understanding and appreciation of the garden.
Starting at:
The front of the Potting Shed (1)
The yellow daisies of Helenium autumnale combine with the red spikes of Persicaria amplexicaule ‘Firetail’ and the brown flowers of the upright grass Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ named after one of the German pioneers of the naturalistic style.
Going through the Garden Gate and turning right on the left is:
The Calendar Bed (2)
The steppe planting was designed last autumn and is still filling out. The aim was to produce a long-lasting border. Mostly grown from seed, it is a diffused natural planting in a pastel colour range.
Steppe Planting (3)
This planting brings together plants from drier habitats. Rhythm and colour are supplied by the bluish purple spikes of Salvia nemerosa whose bracts provide interest for several months after flowering, giving it a very long season. Along the front, the salvia mingles with the fluffy spikes of the grass, Pennisetum orientale. Nearby the white balls of Echinops sphaerocephalus ‘Arctic Glow’ contrast with the softer textures of the grasses. Additional colour is supplied by Sidalcea neomexicana.
The Annuals (4)
After a beleaguered start this summer, the annuals are finally getting under way. We have introduced a different range of plants this year, putting emphasis on cool pastel colours. Pink cosmos drifts through the border contrasting with the blue spikes of Salvia Farinacea ‘Strata’ and Agastache. Verbena bonariensis provides the upright transparent element.
Traditional Border (5)
Planted last autumn with well-loved traditional plants such as delphinium, monarda and phlox, parts of this border already look well established.
Cut Flower Area (6)
This area is still being developed and we are currently evaluating it with a view to making changes in the autumn. The aim is to create a cutting area which is carefully colour-themed integrating it into the rest of the garden but remaining practical. The tall oat-like grass is Stipa gigantean planted alongside the red daisies of Helenium autumnale and the orange Achillea ‘Walter Funke’
Early Flowering Area (7)
The mingled style of this area is suitable for smaller gardens. Pink spires of Lythrum virgatum bounce through the planting, the white and yellow spikes are Verbascum nigrum and the key grasses are the lime green Muhlenbergia mexicana and the waving buff tones of Stipa tenuissima. The large pink daisies are Echinacea purpurea.
Naturalistic Potager (8)
The potager (ornamental vegetable garden) starts to fill out this month. We change the design each year, using some 2500 vegetable perennials, annuals and tender perennials. This year we have moved away from a predominately yellow/orange colour scheme to veer more towards red and purple.
Double Prairie Borders (9)
These plantings feature many North American prairie plants such as monarda, lythrum, eupatorium and Echinacea. The terrific depth of these borders allows us to use large drifts of colour.
Potager Entrance Beds (10)
Thee borders were designed this spring by our student, Jennie Sinclair and have proved very successful integrating the potager with the nearby plantings.
|