terrain

To visit a project, in this case a private garden, after planting is crucial. The first stage of planting happened here in late autumn of 2009 and was followed by that harsh winter. Spring was also cold so the second phase of planting was slightly dodgy too!

In this site, the areas around the main buildings are quite defined with a strong structure of hedging – some low that will remain as such and some that will be higher in a couple of years time. Above is a view by one of the main paths showing Eryngium tripartitum with an underplanting of Stachys. 

The sun so bright at 8 am! Here is Miscanthus ‘Grosse Fontaine’ in the foreground, which will make a lovely reedy sphere later in the summer, with Helenium ‘Moerheim Beauty’ and the inevitable Verbena. This perennial is hugely useful for newly planted areas – gives immediate impact  – height + colour – but can get quite dull if there’s too much. I think there is too much in this part of the garden !

Helenium with Sanguisorba tenuifolium alba and obtusa (pink bottle brush flower) and glimpses orf Persicaria amplex. ‘Atrosanguinea’ 

The exotic garden is still quite raw – the planting will rampage over the path edge.  The yew hedges need to be another 50% higher but already there is a good display of powerful colour and drama which was a requirement  from the client. He likes to spend ‘quiet’ time here. He likes plants with strong shape and form (loves kniphofias) – echiums will take centre stage in this part of the garden next year alongside Hedychium gardnerianum, Lobelia tupa and also Yucca recurvifolia. I am really taken with  a wonderful dark red Gladiolus papilio ‘Ruby’ and, of course, Ricinus communis.

The rose garden is structured and filling out. The group of Rosa ‘Lili Marlene’ in the foreground are destined for the exotic garden next year. Soft yellowy cream roses will take their place. Along the fence in the distance, the Chusquea are pushing up well ensuring that this boundary line will be screened by next spring.

The view to the south east – need more height in the border on the left – more delphiniums, I think. We always need to tweak things a little – move some plants and usually order  some infills – the first flowering after planting. The gardener here is totally hands on, reliable and knowledgeable and patient – this makes a huge difference to our job.

This where we need to add a few inky blue delphiniums and maybe a sprinkling of white as well. The deschampsia works well with the Digitalis ferruginea. Rosa ‘Celestine Forester’  will climb the green oak posts to give some floriferous height.

The path to the front entrance is lined with gaura – an old trick but still works really well – all the insects gather and hover here . .

  . . .  a gentle buzzing and movement of all sorts of wings. 

Like trains of cars on tracks of plush
I hear the level bee:
A jar across the flowers goes,
Their velvet masonry

Withstands until the sweet assault
Their chivalry consumes,
While he, victorious, tilts away
To vanquish other blooms.

His feet are shod with gauze,
His helmet is of gold;
His breast, a single onyx
With chrysoprase, inlaid.

His labor is a chant,
His idleness a tune;
Oh, for a bee’s experience
Of clovers and of noon!  Emily Dickinson