Opposite the potting shed in the woodland edge planting (1) you will find the deep pink, heart-shaped flowers of Dicentra spectabilis, whose flowers, when upturned and pulled open, slightly resemble a lady in a bath! Notice also the pure white one. Euphorbias are in flower this month, mainly green, but most eye-catching is the lovely Euphorbia griffithii ‘Dixter’, a bit of an oddity with its red leaves and stems. To the right are the pink spikes of Persicaria bistorta and the pale yellow spikes of Tellima grandiflora. The sharp linear leaves of Iris sibirica help to provide contrast and rhythm within this section of the planting. Two small trees which look striking by the entrance to the Walled Garden are Acer palmatum ‘Senkaki’ (pale green with red stems) and, to the left, Acer griseum, the paperbark maple with its lovely peeling brown bark. Both these trees are ideal for a small garden.
Just to the side of the entrance to the Walled Garden, Andy, our new assistant head gardener last year redesigned what was originally a Victorian Fern Garden with a selection of small plants suited to dry shade.
Going through the Garden Gate and turning right, on the left is:
The Calendar Bed (2)
This steppe planting is fairly new and is still filling out. This month will see further fine tuning. The linear leaves of next month’s alliums make their appearance felt this month but as the perennials develop the balance will restore. Interplanting bulbs in the spaces between perennials adds interest and can extend the season.
Behind the long hedge of prunus cerisifiera is the main vegetable production area for the house which means that our wonderful vegetable potager can remain unscathed
Steppe Planting (3)
This is a more mature version of the calendar border. This heavily diffused border style is easily adapted to smaller gardens offering a long flowering season (June to October).
The Annuals (4)
The annuals have been partially planted with perennial grasses and tender perennials. Annuals will be added next month. This year’s annual plantings are designed by Elliott, Andy and this year’s student, James Sharpe.
Traditional Border (5)
This border is a modern reworking of a traditional flower border incorporating some traditional cottage garden flowers such as delphiniums, penstemon and geraniums with a backdrop of climbing roses. We will continue to adjust it this month.
Cut Flower Area (6)
This function based natural planting is based on an offset geometric layout which is designed to make picking easier, slow the visitor down and enclose them with flowers. Having made adjustments last October, we are now looking forward to watching it as the season progresses.
Woodland Border (7)
This long term project enters its third year and is starting to show itself. Based on a North American deciduous woodland for inspiration, we decided to include plants also from China and Japan. This month epimediums jostle with the elegant yellow hanging flowers of Uvularia grandiflora and contrast with the fresh leaves of Luzula nivea and emerging Dryopteris ferns.
The Mixed Border (8)
This new border has been designed by Elliott and Andy. The shrubs were moved in March and we started planting it late April, finishing early this month. We have tried to incorporate some traditional plants together with prairie perennials to give it a modern twist.
Early Flowering Area (9)
Two new borders were incorporated this year, featuring early perennials such as camassia, asphodelus, astrantias, thallicturms, erodium and euphorbia. The mingled style of this area is suitable for smaller gardens. The aim is to create an early planting which also looks good later in the season.
Naturalistic Potager (10)
We planted the hardy perennials and grasses last month, followed by the vegetables as they are ready. The grid relates to a gridded plan and is an aid to laying the plants out quickly and accurately.
The Prairie Borders (12)
These borders start to bulk up in May with an emphasis on leaves and plant form giving us an interesting long-lasting display.
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