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Welcome
CONTRIBUTORS
Liz Ware
Liz is a garden
writer, historian,
I f you visited the Chelsea Flower Show
or watched any of its TV coverage, the
fact that several of its show gardens
featured weeds won’t have escaped you.
My garden is the second one I’ve had that
photographer, and the
founder of registered was chock-full of weeds when I took it
charity, Silent Space.
She has an allotment on. Anyone who, like me, has had to hack their way through
in South Oxfordshire
and visits the garden
bramble thickets and doggedly remove bindweed, thistles and
of Dreamers Cottage docks just to be able to plant a few things they actually want to
on page 51.
grow may well be looking on with faint horror. Gardening is
intervention, and if we want to grow cultivated plants, getting
on top of dominant, invasive ‘weeds’ is necessary. That said,
attitudes are changing – note the apostrophes around the word
weeds! After all, they are plants too, just growing somewhere
inconvenient for us gardeners and given the label of weed as a
result. Many of them provide food for wildlife and are often
inextricably linked to the survival of certain species.
Heather Edwards
Heather is a garden With the worst offenders under control, I’ve left others to it – a
designer and garden
photographer based
patch of nettles by the shed, some jack-by-the-hedge around the
in Somerset. She has edge of my mini-meadow, which contains enough green alkanet
been photographing
gardens for 18 years and dandelions to make me feel uneasy, but the bees love their
and regularly works
with designers. Her
flowers so I’m trying to stay my hand. It seems the battle to
images of New House control my ingrained gardener’s urges might be just as hard as
Farm are on page 33.
the battle to control the weeds! For more on this, see page 129.
CLARE FOGGETT, EDITOR

IMAGES JAYNE LLOYD; PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHANTEL; DEREK ST ROMAINE
ON THE COVER DIGITAL

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JULY 2023 THE ENGLISH GARDEN 3

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Classic Boat, Sailing Today, Yachts & Yachting and Popshot. JULY 2023 THE ENGLISH GARDEN 5
July 2023
CONTENTS
33 Gardens
22 Cow Close Amid the wild, sweeping
landscape of North Yorkshire’s Nidderdale,
William Moore and John Wilson felt a
compelling obligation to make their garden
complementary to its powerful setting.
33 New House Farm Wishing to respect

their garden’s bucolic Somerset location,
these owners enlisted Fi Boyle to design a
space that exudes vitality and serenity while
prioritising an ecological approach.
40 Abbeywood Gardens The gardens of

this Cheshire estate burst into life in high
summer, when exuberant tropical planting in
red-hot colours proves a real hit with visitors.
51 Dreamers Cottage A change of focus

in their vintage tool business has let Louise
Allen and Piers Newth follow their dream of
spending more time in the garden of their
aptly named Oxfordshire home.
61 Cheshire Garden Tasked with linking a

rather modern and open cottage garden to
the surrounding countryside, designer Janine
95
Crimmins has thoughtfully restructured and
68
punctuated the space to create cohesion.
68 La Seigneurie Overlooked by a fairytale

tower, these magical gardens on the island of
Sark have been developed by generations
of a feudal family since Elizabethan times.
Plants
95 Top 10 Plants Ian Limmer of Peter Beales
Roses suggests ten favourite climbing roses.
101 Plant Focus Easygoing hardy geraniums

are a favourite of Sue Clarke, holder of two
Plant Heritage National Collections, who
recommends species and varieties to try.
129 Weeds and Weeding Hardy, pretty,

floriferous and wildlife-friendly: there’s a case
for learning to love our native weeds while
keeping them under control in the garden.
Miscellanea
85 Lazy Summer Days Enjoy the fruits of
your labour from these comfortable and
19
stylish outdoor lounging options.
111 Summer Heights Reduce visual

monotony with an obelisk or arch left stylishly
bare or covered with colourful climbers.
6 THE ENGLISH GARDEN JULY 2023

22
129 101
117 Kitchen Gardens Create a vegetable plot
IMAGES HEATHER EDWARDS; NICOLA STOCKEN; GARDEN WORLD IMAGES; CAROLE DRAKE; ANNAÏCK GUITTENY; SHUTTERSTOCK
that’s both pretty and productive.
125 Trade Secrets Take clematis cuttings

with Andy Jeanes from Raymond Evison.
135 The Nation’s Favourite Gardens Find out

how to nominate a worthy garden this year.
137 Parterres Two very different gardens

experiment with box-free parterre design.
Regulars PLANTERS GARDEN FURNITURE F O U N TA I N S
9 This Month Plants, people, news and OBELISKS SUNDIALS BESPOKE
events, books and beautiful things to buy,

plus Jim Cable’s diary.
19 Shopping Everything you need for an

elegant meal in the garden under the stars.
146 To Conclude Non Morris recommends

fern varieties to enliven any garden situation. GARDEN ORNAMENTS
& I N T E R I O R I N S P I R AT I O N S
Offers
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145 Subscribe & Save Subscribe to

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This Month
Our guide to plants, people, gardens and events, tasks and shopping in July
IN FLOWER NOW
Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus
J uly is the month when daylilies begin to bloom. plant to convert you. Its lemon-yellow, lily-shaped
IMAGE GAP/HOWARD RICE
Each flower may last for just 24 hours, but flowers are quite small compared to some of the
they are produced in such profusion over so many large-flowered hybrids. Combined with its fine
weeks that this doesn’t matter at all. If you are yet grassy leaves, this gives the plants a more dainty,
to fall for these perennials’ charms, the species less clumpy feel. What’s more, the flowers are
daylily, Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus could be the sweetly scented. Try them in a sunny spot.

People to Meet
Introducing the gardeners and public figures we most admire in British horticulture
epiphany about growing RECOMMENDED

plants that are happy because
they’re in the right place.
Dan’s favourite
I studied at Kew and then gardens to visit
did another scholarship at
Jerusalem Botanical Gardens. Tokachi
I designed Frances Millennium Forest
Mossman’s garden at Home Hokkaido, Japan
Farm and had fun working on We should encourage
a grand scale and planting people to create
naturalistically. By then I was Millennium Forests in every
23 with my training behind me country. It’s a tangible
and the connections and real- idea that gets them
world experience Francis had thinking about landscape
facilitated. I started a mobile in the long term through a
gardening business with a connection with place and
number of new clients and horticulture. tmf.jp
put my ideas into practice.
The Tokachi Millennium
Forest in Japan has been
my benchmark project.
Mitsushige Hayashi, a
newspaper magnate, bought
the land in the 1990s to
offset his carbon footprint.
It had been deforested and
he was rewilding it to redress
the balance. In Japan, they
connect to the landscape
through literature and art, and
Rousham House
I learned about the principles
and Gardens
Dan Pearson
of satoyama, which is only
Oxfordshire
taking as much as you need
Rousham has a very strong
from the land, and living in
sense of place and allows
The visionary garden designer on a career harmony with the landscape.
you to be somewhere in
INTERVIEW NIAMH COLLINS IMAGES CREATE ACADEMY; DAN PEARSON; KIICHI NORO
spent working meaningfully to enrich our I have 20 acres at my home
a wholehearted way. It’s
landscapes and increase biodiversity in Somerset, and I love the
a piece of theatre that
process of enriching it on all
changes, articulates and
We were a family of makers: I trained at Wisley, but I levels, especially biodiversity.
works on so many levels.
my parents taught art and didn’t find my tribe until Every job that comes in
It’s very cleansing for the
they were always gardening. I joined the Royal Botanic is a chance for us to work
Mum grew vegetables and Garden Edinburgh. A group meaningfully. We want to learn
my dad was good with colour. of us secured an alpine and work on an increasingly
They spent a lot of time with garden scholarship and went large scale to effect positive
us as kids talking about how across the Pyrenees and the change through what we do
to get the most out of it. It was Picos de Europa in northern with the environment.
never just a hobby, and when Spain to see plants in their • Study ‘Naturalistic Design
I was five we moved down the natural communities. I saw Masterclass’ and ‘An Expert
lane to a house with an acre erythroniums growing on Guide to Planting Design’
of overgrown garden, which the slopes and astrantia in with Dan Pearson at
became my project. the woodland, and I had an createacademy.com

Victorian Lodge | Poland
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Out & About
Unmissable events, news and the very best gardens to visit this month
RHS Hampton Court

Palace Garden Festival
4-9 July, London
This year, 15 beautiful ‘Show’ and ‘Get
Started’ gardens can be enjoyed by visitors,
along with expert talks, demonstrations and
workshops. Highlights include a feature
garden by Carol Klein, this year’s RHS Iconic
Horticultural Hero, whose design offers six
different habitats, while Jo Thompson is
showcasing the idea of ‘accidental’ landscapes
that can be utilised to create green corridors
for wildlife in our urban spaces. Adult all-day
tickets from £28.85. rhs.org.uk
A Midsummer Night’s Dream

1 July-22 August, East Sussex
A revival of Peter Hall’s lavish 1981 production of
A Midsummer Night’s Dream graces the opera
stage at this year’s Glyndebourne Festival. It
tells the story of four lovers lost in a magical
wood on an intoxicating summer night, and
Glyndebourne’s own gardens, which can be
explored by theatregoers before the curtain
rises, offer a similarly enchanting spectacle.
A rose garden, lakes, a croquet green and
a garden where plants are grown to make
natural dyes for the costume department, are
highlights, and can be enjoyed with a picnic.
NGS Garden
Old Bladbean Stud
Tickets from £146. glyndebourne.com
Kent
These gardens were created
by the garden owner on
Chorley Flower Show three acres of grassland
28-30 July, Lancashire between 2003 and 2011.
Now in its eighth year, the ‘Chelsea of the They include a walled garden
WORDS NIAMH COLLINS IMAGES KIRILL TS; JOYCE NELSON
North’ is back with a packed weekend of with over 90 old fashioned

events. A professional exhibitors’ marquee rose varieties, a yellow and
will showcase gold-medal winning entrants white garden, a square
from some of the country’s biggest garden with a tapestry of
shows, there will be trade stalls to browse, perennials and a Victorian
celebrity gardeners offering expert advice greenhouse. Old Bladbean
and regional competitions hosted by the Stud, Bladbean, Canterbury,
National Sweet Pea Society and Begonia Kent CT4 6NA. Opens
Society. Music and picnics can be enjoyed Sunday 9 July and Sunday
in the parkland of Astley Hall. Adult: £20. 23 July, 2-6pm. Admission:
chorleyflowershow.com Adults £6, children free.

The RHS Portico
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The Classic Six The RHS Hyde Hall Planthouse The Classic Grow & Store
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The Classic Freestanding Greenhouses are now available to buy online.

Our Coldframes and Accessories are also available online.
See us at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival (3rd – 9th July)
and the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park (19th – 23rd July).
®The Royal Horticultural Society. The Royal Horticultural Society, and its logo, are trade marks of The Royal Horticultural Society.
(Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262) and used under licence from RHS Enterprises Limited. May 2023
Jim’s Garden Diary
This month, Jim Cable adds accent plants to the flower garden, harvests early-
summer crops, divides bearded irises and tidies up tired perennials and shrubs
he Deanery garden is reaching that will soon wash away is acceptable. If there
peak abundance. Amid the hazy is insufficient root to anchor the sections, I use a
froth of plants, I appreciate the U-shape of stiff wire as a staple, pushing it into the
‘vertical accents’ as designers like soil over a rhizome. Cutting the leaves back into a
to call spike-shaped blooms. They fishtail also helps by reducing wind rock. Finally, I
serve to punctuate the borders and break up the give the replants a good water.
mounds. By giving the eye somewhere to rest, they Other early-summer performers that benefit from
slow down our visual assessment of a garden and attention now include Alchemilla mollis, a useful
thereby increase our pleasure in it. Hollyhocks groundcover for shade. When the foamy lime green
and acanthus are classic examples of this. I grow flowers and pleated leaves are beginning to look
Veronica longifolia ‘Marietta’, which is smaller tatty I cut the whole plant right back. Fresh new
in scale with densely packed purple spires, and foliage soon appears if the ground is kept moist.
Verbascum blattaria f. albiflorum – a biennial Aquilegias get the same treatment along with any
that self-seeds. My plant of the moment is hardy geraniums that are looking scruff y.
Sanguisorba hakusanensis ‘Lilac Squirrel’,
not quite a ‘vertical’, since the flowering ‘tails’
that inspired the wonderful cultivar name are
Amid the hazy froth of plants,
somewhat droopy. It is definitely an accent plant I appreciate the ‘vertical accents’
as designers like to call spike-
though by virtue of its flowers’ cerise-pink hue.
Harvesting from the garden has begun with
the first courgettes. I no longer fear a glut since I
equipped my kitchen with a spiraliser that devours
shaped blooms
them and churns out a vegetable spaghetti, healthier
and, to me, tastier than the real deal. I savour the I also tackle the deciduous shrubs that have
first broad beans picked whole, blanched recently finished flowering; plants such as deutzia,
and served with butter and a light philadelphus, weigela, kolkwitzia and kerria. I aim
sprinkling of finely chopped thyme. to remove around one stem in three, targeting
It is time to stop pulling rhubarb so the oldest and weakest first and keeping the
the plants can build up strength for bush well-furnished and balanced. It helps
next year, but the red and blackcurrants to keep standing back from the plant to
are ready to pick. Time for the first assess its shape from all angles. Pruning
summer pudding of the year, which encourages vigorous new shoots from the
marks the return of al fresco meals. The base of the plant that will flower next year.
outdoor dining table resembles an exhibition The common butterfly bush, Buddleja
bench laden with sweet peas. They will keep davidii does not belong in this pruning
on coming if I water daily through dry spells category. I cut that back to the ground in
and obsessively cut or deadhead the blooms March. However, there are a couple of
before pods form. lesser-known but gardenworthy buddlejas
Another job is to divide and replant our that do. B. alternifolia can become
bearded irises. I grow ‘Carnival Time’ for its rusty a small tree of around 7m tall. It
tones, and pale blue ‘Aigue Marine’. The contrast stands out in June with its cascade
between the two is striking, but the show is over of branches bearing lilac-coloured
for another year. I lift each clump of flowers. Buddleja globosa is sometimes
ILLUSTRATIONS EMMA LEYFIELD
rhizomes with a fork and use a knife called the golfball bush. The name alludes to
to slice out the central ones which look the orange-yellow flowers that form tight balls
tired and shrivelled. These are discarded and clustering at the tips of arched stems. It forms a
the plump stock replanted on a slight ridge. The semi-evergreen shrub to 4m in height with crinkled,
rhizomes need a good baking in the summer sun dark green, lance-shaped leaves. Both are useful for
so must not be buried. A very thin covering of soil filling large gaps in borders quickly. n

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Beautiful & Useful
New plants, books, tools and creative designs, plus shopping inspiration
Green Revolution
If you like the idea of leaving grass to grow longer but don’t
want to give up your lawn entirely, Husqvarna has come
up with a novel idea – a robotic lawn mower with a built-
in rewilding mode. Limited to specific Automower models,
rewilding mode uses satellites to determine the size of your lawn
and lets you set and position a percentage to leave uncut: the
company suggests 10 per cent as a starting point. Husqvarna
points to ONS figures indicating that 520,000ha of residential
garden exist in the UK. If 10 per cent of that figure was left
uncut, an area a little less the size of the New Forest (56,600ha)
would provide additional habitat. From £1,899. husqvarna.com
Chalk It Up
Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint has earned a solid
reputation. Launched at RHS Chelsea, Capability
Green is a new on-trend neutral. “I’ve taken
inspiration from the 18th century, when English
country style and English country homes came
into their own. Gentle and soothing to the eye,
Capability Green works well with most other
colours in the palette,” says Annie. Use Chalk Paint
on exterior surfaces with a top coat of Chalk Paint
Lacquer. From £7.95 for 120ml. anniesloan.co.uk
Grasses for The Hidden The Biodiversity

Gardens and Company That Gardener
Landscapes Trees Keep by by Paul Sterry
by Neil Lucas James B. Nardi Princeton University
Timber Press, £40 Princeton Press, £25
Feathery, bold, University Press, £25 Paul Sterry has
textural or As huge organisms been writing about
IMAGES JESSE WILD WORDS VIVIENNE HAMBLY
groundcovering: if with a vast surface and photographing

ornamental grasses – and their names area, trees host a wildlife for over 20 years. For the past
– still feel a bit unfamiliar, take heart. great range of ecosystems, from those ten he’s nurtured his half-acre Hampshire
Neil Lucas, owner of specialist nursery we can see with the naked eye, to less garden into an island of biodiversity.
Knoll Gardens, offers a compendium visible networks that are as essential This title draws on that experience and
of them here. With advice on planting as they are difficult to know. This title the result is an informed, practical guide
palettes for different sites, suggestions from research scientist James B. Nardi is to unlocking the biological potential of
for container growing, and a directory of ideal for naturalists and examines these your garden. It’s a superb book every
suppliers, this is an essential handbook. relationships in an insightful way. self-respecting gardener should possess.

WORDS NIAMH COLLINS. ALL PRICES ARE CORRECT AT THE TIME OF GOING TO PRESS.
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The Call
OF DUTY
Amid the wild, sweeping landscape of North Yorkshire’s
Nidderdale, William Moore and John Wilson felt a
compelling obligation to make their garden at Cow Close
as complementary as possible to its powerful setting
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS CAROLE DRAKE

A stream runs through
Cow Close, with astilbes,
mimulus, ferns and other
moisture-loving plants
lining its banks.

Above The dusky pink idderdale in North Yorkshire is
and purple colour a powerful setting in which to
scheme includes plants
make a garden: great sweeps of
such as Salvia nemorosa
‘Ostfriesland’ with silky upland heath flushed purple in late
grass Hordeum jubatum. summer, giant rock formations
Right Geranium ‘Patricia’, carved from millstone grit by the action of glaciers,
provides a vivid splash
and small fields shaped by dry stone walls and
of magenta flowers.
Far right A cylindrical isolated field barns more than earn its designation
terracotta pot houses as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. For
Hosta ‘Frances Williams’. William Moore and John Wilson, gardening
here brought with it “an almost moral sense of
responsibility to make something that didn’t jar
with the surrounding landscape.”
William and John bought Cow Close, an
amalgam of 19th-century farm labourer’s cottage
and barn, in 2008 while working full-time as a head
teacher and a hospital consultant respectively. “We

“We drove over in drove over from East
Yorkshire in February,
February, in sleet, and in sleet, and even on that
gloomy day we liked
the look of it,” William
we liked the look of it” recalls. “One of the
things we wanted was
the potential to develop
Above Sheltered by a garden. As it was on a south-facing slope and had
banks of planting, this a stream running through it, the place seemed even
terrace of flagstones and
gravel next to the house more appealing.”
is perfect for dining. Over the intervening 15 years, William and John
Below Hylotelephium have not only made a beautifully designed and
‘Karfunkelstein’. planted garden, but have bought adjoining fields
expanding their plot to three acres. They’ve sown
a wildflower meadow and planted an orchard of
local fruit varieties, including ‘Ribston Pippin’
apples and the ‘Hessle’ pear from Hull. Their
interest in gardening began when they moved into
their previous house, a new-build with a flat area
of turf for a garden, and found the practice
a welcome relief from their demanding jobs.
William in particular, became interested in
designers such as Piet Oudolf and Dan Pearson,
and discovered Dove Cottage Nursery, near
Halifax, where Kim and Stephen Rogers grow
choice perennials and grasses suited to the northern
climate. Other inspirations include Oudolf’s design
for the walled garden at Scampston Hall near
Malton, and York Gate on the edge of Leeds, a
renowned 20th-century Arts & Crafts garden. “By
the time we came to Cow Close I had a clear idea
of what the garden could be like,” says William.

“The colour scheme complements
the moors, bogs and rocks, and
of the surrounding landscape”
The most recent

addition, a wildflower
meadow, is filled with
knapweed and tufted
vetch and thrums with
the sound of insects.

Above Bobbly pink John was always more interested in growing food,
flowers of Betonica and now looks after the vegetables, orchard, and
officinalis ‘Hummelo’
stand out at the front
beehives and does most of the grass cutting.
of a curvaceous border. For over a year before retiring, William and John
Left The grey stone were weekend visitors to their new house, so they
farmworker’s cottage got to know its garden before moving in. They
and barn date from the
19th century.
saw how light moved across it and which areas
Below Next to the were vulnerable to the strong winds that whip
vegetable patch cared across surrounding fields from the south-west. The
for by John is a smart previous owner had boasted he could “get round the
cedar greenhouse.
garden and do everything in an hour and a half,” so
unsurprisingly there was little in it worth keeping
besides a couple of corkscrew hazels, an acer, a
purple-leaved elder and a black-stemmed bamboo.
William developed planting plans for the main
borders with Kim and Stephen at Dove Cottage,
using “a narrow colour palette of dusky purples,
pinks and blues, thinking that it would blend in
with any future wildflower garden that we made”.
Ornamental grasses introduce touches of buff,
gold and russet. The colour scheme complements
the moors, bogs and rocks, and the sometimes
brooding skies of the surrounding landscape. When
impatience got the better of William and John and
they planted the first large border before moving in,
a hot, dry period of weather immediately followed
necessitating “several three-hour round trips
midweek to water so we didn’t lose our plants”.
Designed to peak in late summer, the undulating
borders that spill from the base of hedges on the
west boundary of the garden are a rich tapestry
of planting. Edging the lawn are deep purples
and pinks, including spikes of Salvia nemorosa
‘Ostfriesland’, sprawling Geranium ‘Patricia’ with

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A cloud of deschampsia magenta flowers veined
dark red, and Betonica
A combination of the crimson buttons of Allium
sphaerocephalon popping up amid a fluffy cloud
connects with the meadow officinalis ‘Hummelo’
bearing stocky spikes
of Deschampsia cespitosa ‘Goldtau’, connects with
the meadow below, echoing knapweed floating in a
of tubular, mauve-pink haze of grasses. Stand in the right place and the beds
ating in a ha e grasses flowers above serrated
leaves; foxtail barley,
appear to merge into a continuous field of planting,
an effect that William particularly enjoys: “I think
Hordeum jubatum, the sloping nature of the site has lifted the planting
Above A path carves threads itself in and out, its feathery, shell-pink because you see more parts of the garden at once
its way through a dense, awns quivering in the breeze. Mid-border blocks of than you would if it were flat. Having the landscape
planting of geraniums, echinops, veronicastrum and phlox surge upwards, as yet another layer beyond makes it even better.”
Actaea ‘Queen of Sheba’, backed by airy Thalictrum ‘Elin’, its tiny lilac Fleshy sedums adding a contrast of texture among
sedums, sanguisorba,
persicaria and Allium flowers topping deep purple stems, and the glittering the perennials and grasses include Hylotelephium
‘Summer Beauty’. awns of Stipa gigantea, golden oat grass. ‘José Aubergine’, whose deep purple leaves echo

those of elegant Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ at
the back of the border. Around the sundial on the
lawn, the sedum mixes with Hakonechloa macra,
Japanese forest grass, and a claret astrantia. On
the east side of the garden, blocks of sedums frame
the top of steps leading down the slope beside the
stream fringed with astilbes and large-leaved bog
plants such as rodgersias. Planting is lower on this
side of the garden, unprotected as it is from the
prevailing wind, and focuses “as much on foliage as
flower”. Geraniums, sedums and low grasses knit
themselves tightly together forming a dense matrix
on each side of a path leading toward an urn framed
with a pair of wirework seats.
Throughout the garden there are many
enjoyable small details:
sempervivums sprout
out of walls; chicken-
wire cloches are neatly
Geraniums, sedums and
lined up below the low grasses knit themselves
kitchen window; a
big copper is planted
tightly together forming
with miscanthus and a dense matrix
surrounded by pots
of hostas and a bell
jar; and Allium ‘Summer Beauty’ pops up like Above The wild meadow
a repeated phrase in a song in wall troughs and creates the perfect
transition from garden
containers.
to the dales beyond.
William and John made their wildflower meadow Right Tufted vetch, Vicia
in 2016, spraying off the coarse pasture and cracca, just one of the
harrowing the ground before sowing it with a seed meadow’s wildflowers
that are loved by bees.
mix reflecting local flora, including Yorkshire fog,
Below The ha-ha
Holcus lanatus, yellow rattle, Rhinanthus major, between garden and
and knapweed, Centaurea nigra. In late summer the meadow ensures an
meadow hums with life as bees visit great flowery uninterrupted view.
mounds of tufted vetch, Vicia cracca, dense with
pea-like flowers that give off a haze of blue-mauve
from a distance. Despite the couple not removing
its topsoil first, the meadow has been remarkably
successful; the knapweed and yellow rattle are
spreading into surrounding paddocks and orchids
have started to appear. When docks and nettles pop
up, William digs them out with a small spade.
“There had been a hedge at the bottom of the
garden which blocked the view of the meadow
from the house, but by building the ha-ha there’s
now a seamless flow down the garden across the
wildflower meadow and into the wider landscape,”
he says. The meadow has slotted into this carefully
constructed and thoughtful garden like the final
part of the puzzle, firmly anchoring it into this very
special landscape. n
Cow Close Cottage, Stripe Lane, Hartwith,

Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG3 3EY. Opens by
appointment for the National Garden Scheme in
June and July. Email cowclose1@btinternet.com
or visit ngs.org.uk for details.

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Working
with Nature
With a blank canvas and no specific ideas beyond a wish to be sympathetic to its bucolic
Somerset setting, the owners of New House Farm enlisted Fi Boyle to design a space that
exudes vitality and serenity while putting an ecological approach first and foremost
WORDS MATT REES-WARREN PHOTOGRAPHS HEATHER EDWARDS

he modern English country garden is and provide structure. Explaining her planting style,
evolving, and awareness of the role Fi says: “I start with structure such as box balls, or
large gardens play as pieces in the key shrubs, then move on to the heroes, which in
patchwork of the wider countryside this garden are peonies and roses.” As the borders
is increasing. New House Farm, in give way to raised mounds, the planting becomes
the heart of Somerset, is a prime example of this more expansive, with drifts of ox-eye daisies leading
change of perspective. From its humble beginnings the eye up towards the swimming pool terrace. Fi
as working farmland, New House Farm has grown explains: “Moving further out into a garden, I often
in tandem with its bucolic surroundings without reduce the number of species within an area to create
sacrificing its sleek modernity and style. drifts of planting that can be blended to create a
Nestled among rolling hills, the garden’s different more natural feel.”
levels rise and fall between flat terraces of grass and a In transitioning from the formal pool area to the
stunning swimming pool. Classic country plantings more natural long-grass meadow, the design of the
of soft pastel perennials give the garden a relaxed garden begins to be driven by structural elements.
and unassuming air, while box balls and trimmed “Beech hedging defines the outer edges, while
beech hedges add an element of sophistication. yew divides the inner sections of the garden,” says
Large areas of grass grow wild and shaggy, while Fi. “Hedges create a strong horizontal emphasis,
majestic mature trees coexist and trees break this up by
alongside newly planted
saplings. The garden merges “I often reduce the creating vertical interest.”
This technique of contrast
seamlessly with the green
fields beyond its boundary,
number of species adds depth and texture to
the garden. Fi’s attention to
perfectly exemplifying the within an area detail also extends to how
contemporary philosophy of
working with nature rather
to create drifts of she selects trees. She seeks
to blend the garden into its
than against it. planting that can be surroundings by shifting the
On buying the farm, the
owners’ initial focus was blended to create a species selection of trees from
ornamental to indigenous.
on the house itself. They
moved earth to create a
more natural feel” “Within the pool garden I
used silver-leaved Sorbus
liveable space around it, aria ‘Lutescens’ and Pyrus
resulting in piled mounds. This was Below Cheerfully salicifolia that connect with the border
contrasting Euphorbia
when their friend, garden designer Fi planting. Closer to the boundary
wallichii and Salvia
Boyle, took up the reins and set about nemorosa ‘Caradonna’. I’ve used native species, such as
transforming the bumpy canvas into Clockwise from top right Prunus padus (bird cherry) and
the beautiful gardens we see today. Expansive drifts of Acer campestre (field maple).”
planting; silver-leaved
Fi remembers her first impression: Fi’s approach to garden design takes
trees frame the formal
“The levels created were quite steep pool; box balls add into consideration the importance of
and challenging to work with, and sophisticated structure. ecology, since she believes it is crucial
certain changes were too to work with nature
expensive to implement. instead of against it.
But this sort of thing In her words, “Being
challenges you as a conscious of the
designer and keeps you environment around the
on your toes creatively.” garden is critical.” This
With the parameters of ecological approach is
the brief established, Fi evident in her creation of
sought to highlight the a wildlife pond in a low-
garden’s idiosyncrasies. lying area of the garden,
Her approach involved where excess water
working outwards from from the fields above the
the house, creating long, house is used to create
narrow borders filled a habitat for wildlife.
with hard-working “The pond water then
perennials and bulbs. naturally drains down
Clipped topiary and into the dell, which
shrubs were then used already had a seasonal
to punctuate the borders stream running down

its centre,” Fi explains. By incorporating the natural
water runoff into the pond, she has successfully
transformed a damp area into a thriving ecosystem.
This is a perfect example of how garden design can
be used for both aesthetic and ecological purposes,
creating a sustainable and harmonious environment
for people and wildlife.
With the flow and foundational design in place,
Fi could take a deep dive into the nuance and detail
of the composition and especially the use of colour,
texture and successional interest. Every country
garden worth its salt needs to be the peacock among
the chickens in midsummer, and New House Farm
is no exception. Fi’s brief was to create a garden with
soft colours, including blues, pinks and whites with
enough strength of colour in high summer. Iris ‘Jane
Phillips’, Astrantia major ‘Roma’, Nepeta x faassenii
‘Junior Walker’ and Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’

Clockwise from top
Looking up to the pool
house through a border
packed with roses,
euphorbia and nepeta;
Astrantia major ‘Roma’;
Nepeta ‘Junior Walker’; a
wooden painted obelisk
adds height in the front
border, set amid Rosa
glauca and alliums.

are used to great effect to wash the garden in the
required impressionistic shades.
To ensure succession, Fi combined species with
different flowering windows: “I always underplant
roses and peonies with early-flowering shorter
perennials such as Corydalis flexuosa ‘China
Blue’ or Lathyrus vernus, both of which have
their moment before the peonies and roses come
out.” Next to these lower-growing perennials, she
incorporated taller cottage garden favourites like
Thalictrum ‘Black Stockings’, white foxgloves
and Allium ‘Purple Sensation’ to add height and
interest. Throughout the garden, Fi seeks to extract
maximum visual effect from each species, using trees
like Cornus kousa ‘China Girl’ and Prunus ‘Ukon’
to provide several seasons of interest with beautiful
spring blossom, leaf shape and texture in summer,
followed by fruits and stunning foliage in autumn.
Species selection is where designers earn their
spurs, and New House Farm is testament to Fi’s This is a modern garden Top The imposing
structure of the
skill. Her garden exudes vitality and serenity thanks farmhouse is softened
to a harmonious blend of cool colours and verdant on all sides by banks of
greens, especially in midsummer. This is a modern c i ate an esires perennial planting.
Above right An elegant
garden, with a pool and summerhouse reflecting the
changing climate and desires of garden owners. But
gar en wners t it sti twist on a cottage
garden classic: Digitalis
it still retains a classic English country charm that retains a c assic ng ish purpurea ‘Alba’.
Above left Thalictrum
harks back to a bygone era of bustling villages and
abundant cottage gardens. Blending seamlessly into c ntr char ‘Black Stockings’.

FIVE KEY
DESIGN
METHODS
For modern
country garden
perfection
1 Allow areas of
grass to grow
long, with mown
paths cut through
for contrast and
to reflect the
countryside beyond
the boundary.
2 Create looseness
and drifts by
using a more limited
choice of species in
plantings that are
further away from
the house.
3 Incorporate
indigenous
“Working with the

species like crab
apple, ox-eye daisy,
and foxgloves
to create a more
fighting what’s there can natural feel to the
make the garden incredibly garden.
high maintenance” 4 Use structural

plants such as
box, yew, and beech,
but don’t make them
its surroundings, its Above Banks of planting too rigid and formal.
openness is refreshing, include euphorbia, Let hedges grow
Centaurea montana,
and Fi and the owners’ loose and create
Dicentra spectabilis
desire to retain mature ‘Alba’ and thalictrum. different shapes of
trees, dig wildlife ponds Right Cupped pink topiary.
and plant indigenous
5
blooms of Rosa ‘Olivia Plant copious
Jane Austin’.
species is more than amounts of
Below A mown path cuts
heartening to see. through a grassland bulbs, especially
New House Farm meadow studded with drifts of crocus,
could be the blueprint purple alliums. under trees or add
for any aspiring garden daffodils on banks
owner with a blank canvas and an empty tank of and slopes to bring
ideas – although not everyone will gain the skills a sense of maturity
of a talented garden designer to guide them! This to a new garden.
garden’s journey shows the value of embracing happy
accidents and turning obstacles into opportunities,
and of taking the time to understand the
environment a garden sits within. As Fi simply puts
it: “Working with the landscape is so important;
fighting what’s already there can make the garden
incredibly high maintenance in every way.” n
Fi Boyle Garden Design, tel: 01747 840202;

fiboylegardendesign.com

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Blocks of colour
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Thuja ‘Smaragd’.

Let the Fireworks
COMMENCE
The gardens of Cheshire’s Abbeywood Estate burst into life in high summer,
when Harry and Lynda Rowlinson’s exuberant tropical planting in a scorching
palette of red-hot colours proves a real hit with visitors
WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHS JOE WAINWRIGHT

Cordylines, bananas
and cannas lend their
bold foliage to the
Exotic Garden, along
with the flowers of
salvias and abutilon.

xotic planting that blazes with the Above Spiky phormiums much of the structure of the garden we see today.
colours of the tropics; swathes of and trachycarpus Many changes have since been made, and large new
contrast with the
perennials and grasses that merge areas have been added by our head gardener, Simon,
paddle-shaped leaves
into hillside views; and bold, broad of a purple canna. who joined the team in 2009.”
herbaceous borders. It is no wonder Below Fiery scarlet Simon, who had worked in various nursery and
that Abbeywood Gardens has become one of Begonia boliviensis and head gardener roles since moving to the UK from
vibrant blue agapanthus
Cheshire’s top garden destinations as well as a South Africa in 1999, could immediately see the
in terracotta containers.
popular wedding venue. potential of the garden. Relieved to find its sandy,
While the six-acre garden may appear to be acid soil to be perfect for his plans, he set about
long established, it is in fact the relatively recent transforming an existing vegetable plot into the
creation of its owners, Harry and Lynda Exotic Garden. Inspired by the Exotic
Rowlinson, with help and inspiration Garden at Great Dixter, this area has a
from head gardener Simon Goodfellow. scorching colour palette that transports
It all looked very different when Harry visitors from the often windy and cool
and Lynda moved into the Edwardian Cheshire hillside where Abbeywood is
property here in 1987. As Harry located. Reds are provided by Canna
explains: “There were some beds but no ‘Red Velvet’ and Begonia boliviensis
plants to speak of, and at the rear of the ‘Firecracker’ in terracotta pots.
house was a narrow terrace and a set of Phormiums burst upwards adding
feeble steps down onto the lawn. Lynda height and texture, while salvias such
and I set about planting the existing as ‘Hot Lips’ spill over paths. The
beds, and we spent most weekends showy yellow trumpets of brugmansia
and evenings working on it when the hang over the borders, and extra
weather was fit. I thought the garden height comes from cordylines and
was looking good, but Lynda felt we trachycarpus with their fan-like leaves.
could do better, so we commissioned “Maintaining this part of the garden,
designer David Stevens, who created with its tender species, can be fraught

with difficulties,” explains Simon. “Many of the amplexicaulis ‘Firetail’ and Miscanthus ‘Gold Bar’,
plants are overwintered in heated greenhouses, but with terracotta urns providing striking focal points.
those that remain have to contend with a climate From here, passing through a gap in the hedge,
that, due to the elevation and exposed nature of the the garden opens up into a grand vista of herbaceous
site, is often colder than the rest of Cheshire.” borders, woodland and fertile farmland that recedes
During the shortest days of the year part of the into the summer haze. Here is the Pergola Walk, two
Exotic Garden is in constant shade, so frosts may sets of double herbaceous borders that run the width
not melt for weeks on end. Abbeywood is also of the garden. As Simon explains: “In the original
exposed to north-west winds that have the potential plans the borders were quite narrow. I doubled their
to do damage. Despite all this, Simon has lost few size and planted them with perennials. The original
plants. “Even when they’re badly affected by freezing scheme was that of a traditional herbaceous border,
conditions, plants like cordyline can send up new but we found that by July, much of the interest had
shoots from further down the stem,” he explains. gone. The Pergola Walk has now been replanted in
From the exuberance of tropical colour, a serene a more naturalistic style. I’ve also aimed to widen
calm takes over in the nearby Pool Garden. Once a the season of interest, introducing spring bulbs and
tennis court, the area features a large rectangular plants that flower until the first frosts.”
pond, crossed by a wooden bridge. It was once In high summer, great drifts of colour fill the beds.
bordered by a parterre edged with clipped box, Below The Pool Garden Plants include Hylotelephium ‘Herbstfreude’; Salvia
but this was badly affected by blight. The new is perfectly symmetrical, nemorosa ‘Ostfriesland’ with its purple spikes; vivid
planting scheme features clipped yew and purple with purple sedum- red Monarda ‘Gardenview Scarlet’; and distinctive
edged beds along the
beech Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’ together with orange Achillea ‘Terracotta’. Clambering up the
long sides, plus golden
grasses and sedums. At the far end, a shrubbery miscanthus and pink supporting brickwork is soft pink rose ‘New Dawn’
has been replaced by a bold planting of Persicaria persicaria at the back. intertwined with a rich blue clematis.

Above left A grand
urn sits at one of the
garden’s main axes, with
a view along a pair of
herbaceous borders.
Above right Brugmansia
makes a glamorous
statement in a container,
with an underplanting of
plectranthus.
Right Upright rockets
of Digitalis ferruginea
punctuate the planting.

Above The Pergola At right angles to the Pergola Walk, leading
Walk’s herbaceous deeper into the garden, are herbaceous borders that
planting includes
form an avenue. Punctuated by the elegant, vertical
Achillea ‘Terracotta’
and Salvia ‘Ostfriesland’. conifer Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ for height,
Right A pretty the other planting here includes more red Persicaria
combination of pink amplexicaulis ‘Firetail’, purple Salvia nemorosa
daisy-like echinacea
and yellow Phlomis russeliana, which also provides
with spikes of Verbascum
chaixii ‘Album’. form and interest later in the season. All these are
complemented by the thrusting yellow-brown flower
spikes of the rusty foxglove, Digitalis ferruginea.
Beyond this is one of the more recent creations in
the garden. “In 2015 we created a Prairie Garden in
what was a large paddock overlooking the Utkinton
Hills,” explains Simon. “I particularly enjoy the
work of Piet Oudolf, and I was inspired by the
wonderful prairie planting at Lady Farm Gardens,
which I visited when I worked in Somerset. I think
sweeping, naturalistic planting particularly suits this
location, with the bold blocks of colour enhancing
the views out towards the nearby countryside.”
The Prairie Garden is formed from a series of
concentric, curved beds. The central borders were
created first, but Simon felt these seemed disjointed
and too removed from the rest of the garden, so
additional outer borders were added to unify this
area with the herbaceous avenue.
Height, form and movement come from grasses,
such as Stipa gigantea with its mounds of leaves

Above Echinops ritro, and oat-like seedheads
a prairie garden staple. that glow gold, and
Right Vast swathes of
miscanthus varieties
miscanthus and salvia in
the Prairie Garden, which ‘Silberfeder’, ‘Ferner
merges with the view of Osten’, ‘Gracillimus’
the countryside beyond. and ‘Malepartus’,
Below right Echinacea
which create a foil
pallida teamed with
yellow Verbascum for the blocks of
olympicum. bright perennials.
These include
exquisite combinations, such as pink Echinacea
purpurea ‘Bressingham Hybrids’, with the vertical
lavender-blue spikes of Veronicastrum virginicum
‘Lavendelturm’ and the small deep red flowers of
sanguisorba. Elsewhere, elegant Echinacea pallida,
with its reflexed pink petals, grows alongside upright
yellow verbascum. Waves of deep orange Helenium
‘Moerheim Beauty’ mix perfectly with the deep
purple foliage of Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea
Group) ‘Brunette’.
Beyond the main garden, a Rose Garden was also
created in 2015 in front of Abbeywood’s popular
café and restaurant. “Originally the work in the
garden was for our own satisfaction, but as it
progressed Lynda and I thought it would be good
to share with others,” says Harry. “Opening the
garden and creating the café, as well as undertaking
weddings, happened almost by accident, but I know
it gives lots of people great pleasure. I look forward
to seeing what the coming years bring in terms of
fresh planting and new features – gardening is a
constant process of change and experimentation,
and that’s why Lynda and I enjoy it so much.” n
The Abbeywood Estate, Chester Road, Delamere,

Cheshire CW8 2HS. Opens Sunday to Thursday, 9am
to 5pm. Tel: 01606 888251 abbeywoodestate.co.uk
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Idyllic, thatched
Dreamers Cottage is the
former gamekeeper’s
cottage to the nearby
estate of Haseley Court.
Sweet
DREAMS
Louise Allen and Piers Newth dreamt of spending more time in their beautiful
and sustainable garden at the aptly named Dreamers Cottage in Oxfordshire,
and a change of focus in their vintage tool business let them do just that
WORDS LIZ WARE PHOTOGRAPHS ANNA OMIOTEK-TOTT

Above Box balls and
hedges bring structure to
loose, informal planting.
Below right Vintage
gardening tools for sale.
Below left Piers Newth
and Louise Allen, owners
of Dreamers Cottage.
ardening with the future Part of the attraction of Dreamers
of the planet in mind Cottage, formerly a gamekeeper’s cottage
is important to many to the nearby estate of Haseley Court, is
of us. It’s something its location. “It’s on the village green but
horticulturists Louise Allen set well back from the road,” explains
and Piers Newth have been practising for Louise. “We were drawn to the borrowed
two decades at Dreamers Cottage, in the landscape outside the garden gate. A
Oxfordshire hamlet of Little Haseley. “We previous owner of Haseley Court had
were aware that the world was heading for the power lines around the green buried
an environmental ‘car crash’,” says Louise. underground.” Today, anyone visiting the
“We wanted to live a more sustainable life, couple will cross the green to reach the
but to do it in a beautiful way.” Evidence front door. It’s rather like stepping back in
of sustainable beauty can be found time – a fitting introduction to a business
throughout the third of an acre garden selling old tools and garden ephemera.
surrounding their thatched cottage. From Offering a colourful welcome to the
the paths, gates and fences to the rescued cottage is the vibrant Rosa ‘Illusion’.
and renovated tools that tend the produce, “Pastel shades don’t work against these
everything plays a part in their vintage tool stone walls and ‘Illusion’ is a strong
business, Garden and Wood. enough red to be seen from the road,”
Louise and Piers met as students at observes Louise. “It came from a nursery
RHS Wisley. Years later, while working in in Belgium,” adds Piers. “We massacre it
Top Rows of brightly
senior management roles at Oxford Botanic Garden coloured flowers for every year and it seems to thrive. It has glossy leaves
and Harcourt Arboretum respectively, they began cutting fill this highly and great hips, but it does have huge thorns.”
to think about shifting their focus. “We wanted to productive garden. The garden was completely overgrown when
spend more time in our own garden, doing the things Above Bold red climbing Louise and Piers took it on. Today, well-managed
rose, Rosa ‘Illusion’,
we enjoy,” recalls Louise. “We started Garden and which Piers and Louise hedges and clipped box balls provide a strong
Wood five years after we moved here, and the garden grow for its contrast with structure, but one that doesn’t overwhelm. By July,
soon became a backdrop to the business.” their mellow stone walls. fresh growth brings a subtle softening to any sharp

edges. “We’re careful to keep the hedges at a height
that feels private when we’re sitting and relaxing,
but not so high that we’re shut off from the green
outside,” says Louise. “When we started to think
about hedging, we knew we wanted the garden to
relate to its surroundings. Yew around the boundary
would have been too severe so we’ve used it to divide
the garden instead. At the front of the house, we put
in a hawthorn and rose hedge. Piers dug up old rose
suckers from around the garden and planted one for
Left A tunnel of beans
and fragrant sweet peas. every three hawthorns. The dunnocks love it. I have
Below The couple a small desk by the window at the front of the house
inherited this huge old and sometimes they’re almost too distracting.”
plum tree, underplanting
The soil at Dreamers Cottage is quite heavy and
it with pink valerian,
geraniums, box balls and takes a while to warm up in spring. “This is a proper
beds of vegetables. productive garden,” Louise points out. “The flower
“We had a traditional training, but we’re

taught one thing but to try something else”

borders are almost Above Vintage terracotta
incidental. We grow pots are neatly stacked
around a large wooden
flowers in beds where planter containing a
nothing edible wants to gnarled olive tree that’s
grow. There were a lot underplanted with a
of fruit trees when we carpet of bushy thyme.
Right Many old fruit trees
moved in, but we are were already growing in
quite callous. If a tree the garden when the
doesn’t feed us well, couple moved in.
it’s out.” Piers declares
the best to be an old plum: “We think it’s 100 years
old. It has the most delicious fruit. Early and dark
skinned. No one has identified it conclusively yet.”
“We’ve both had a traditional horticulture
training, but we’re shifting to ‘no dig’,” continues
Louise. “It’s exciting to have been taught one thing
but to try something else. Last year we grew potatoes
and then squash in a no-dig bed by the workshop.
We also grew squash traditionally. The squash in
the no-dig bed didn’t need watering even in last
summer’s heat. We were really impressed.”
The most floriferous part of the garden is
the border around the old plum. By July, faded
euphorbias have been upstaged by geraniums,
valerian, Alchemilla mollis, and Lychnis coronaria.
As anyone who plants for succession knows, the
seemingly effortless cottage garden feel is deceptive.
“This is a very needy border,” says Louise. “It’s more
work than anything else in the garden. The straight
lines in the vegetable borders make everything much
easier to care for, so we grow a lot of our cutting
flowers like peonies, salvias, dahlias, zinnias, and

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Louise’s love of colour is evident: “We
don’t cut anything that’s pastel toned.
I like bright colour in the house”
cosmos in straight lines too. It makes cutting them Above The sweet pea
for a second flush and for the house much quicker.” arches and twiggy
supports are made from
Louise’s love of colour is evident everywhere. hazel cut from plants in
Nasturtiums, calendulas, zinnias and the last of the the adjoining coppice.
poppies add bright splashes here and there. Pots Right Renowned
of orange kalanchoe decorate every outside table. self-seeders fennel and
Alchemilla mollis add to
The couple’s favourite sweet pea, ‘Cupani’, is one the relaxed, cottagey
of many climbing along the hazel arch through the planting, alongside
middle of the productive garden. “We don’t cut sedums and valerian.
anything that’s pastel toned. I like bright colour in
the house; I always have,” she maintains.
A well-worn gate, a woven willow fence and a
path of stones, collected while creating the vegetable
garden, lead to the coppice where the couple grow
hazel for pea sticks. “It’s useful and is a nod to the
village’s name – Little Haseley,” says Louise. The
hazel is heavily underplanted. Early snowdrops are
followed by hellebores, anemones, primroses, and
wild garlic. “It just keeps on getting better. What’s
more, the hazel hides the compost bins and a not
very beautiful summerhouse. One Christmas Eve we
rolled it here so that I could use it as a shed. There’s

Above Beautiful mauve a lovely canopy of
sweet pea blooms. Try green here in summer
modern grandiflora and we enjoy the
‘Heathcliff’ for similar.
Left The rustic porch to
seasonally changing
the cottage inside the underplanting.”
hedged front garden. There are many
Below Blue annual examples of
cornflowers and purple
clary sage provide horticultural excellence
bunches of cut flowers. at Dreamers Cottage,
but one deserves
special mention. Against the workshop wall, the
pear ‘Doyenné du Comice’, bought as a whip from
Waterperry Gardens, is trained to perfection by
Piers. What better way to prove the quality of tools
the couple sell, not just to keen gardeners but also to
avid collectors. “Look at catalogues from the 1920s,”
says Piers. “Gardeners had much more choice. There
was a spade for every task and different handle types
and lengths to choose from.” Louise adds: “We love
it when someone buys something that fits them.”
As the couple’s business grew, they travelled to an
increasing number of shows to attract customers.
Their dream of spending more time in their own
garden seemed remote – until the pandemic struck.
“Lockdown worked in our favour because people
connected with us online,” says Louise. “We’d given
up our horticultural jobs to spend more time in
the garden. Thanks to lockdown we can do that
properly now. Dreamers Cottage is a celebration of
gardening. We hope visitors feel inspired.” This is
indeed a garden full of inspiration – and for anyone
who loves old tools, a great deal of temptation. n
Garden visits can be arranged by appointment, visit

gardenandwood.co.uk. Follow Louise and Piers on
Instagram @gardenandwood

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A perfectly framed view
out to the fields beyond
this Cheshire cottage
garden, with a sweep of
wildflowers linking to the
borrowed landscape.
CONNECT
surrounding Cheshire countryside, designer Janine Crimmins has thoughtfully
restructured and punctuated the space to create unity and cohesion
WORDS ANN COOKE PHOTOGRAPHS DEREK ST ROMAINE

he creation of a garden is often about Above The pool is clients who share our ideas. When we meet people,
making connections. Forging links screened by yew we get a sense of where they want to go.” On this
hedging, while the path
between indoor and outdoor spaces comprises handmade occasion it was clear right from the start that
and the people who inhabit them. clay bricks in a soft designer and client had complementary tastes and
The point is perfectly illustrated by shade of terracotta. would work very well together.
Below Try Dianthus
this red-brick cottage set in the undulating Cheshire When Janine first visited the garden, it was
‘Purple Wedding’ for
countryside. Over the years in which they have lived similar scented pinks. very open with a tennis court and swimming pool
here, its owners have progressively dominating the space. She felt the style
renovated the house to create a much- of the garden didn’t link particularly
loved family home. But once their well with its rural location. “It wasn’t
children had grown and there was very ‘country’,” she recalls. Her brief
no longer any need to accommodate was to create a colourful cottage
trampolines and football pitches, they garden, adding structure to the space
felt it was time to turn their attention while enhancing its connection with
to enhancing the garden. the surrounding landscape. The clients
Local garden designer Janine also wanted the garden to look like
Crimmins was contacted following it belonged to the cottage and had
a recommendation that she might be always been there, so Janine set about
the perfect choice to help the owners breaking it up into rooms. “The idea
achieve their vision. “We promote was to reduce the expansiveness of the
ourselves as specialising in an English space and bring it more into scale with
country garden style,” explains Janine. the house,” she explains. “We also felt
“It’s important for us to work with it would create more interest.”

Top middle Bee-friendly
Nepeta racemosa
‘Walker’s Low’.
Top right Clipped bay
trees bracketed by low
box hedges in the formal
courtyard area, with
stonework by Janine’s
husband Andy Loudon.
Right Plump cushions
of Hebe pinguifolia
‘Sutherlandii’ and
catmint, overlooked by
silver Pyrus salicifolia.

Zesty Alchemilla mollis
contrasts with soft
lilac catmint, with rich
burgundy accents from
sumptuous old rose
‘Cardinal de Richelieu’.
Janine started by tackling the courtyard that links Hebe pinguifolia ‘Sutherlandii’. Pebble details add
the front of the cottage to the garden at the rear. It is further interest and contribute to a sense of craft
the first area people see when they arrive, so it needs and tradition. Many of these elements are repeated
to look good throughout the year. Janine works in elsewhere in the garden, creating continuity between
collaboration with her husband, Andy Loudon, a different areas to ensure they feel part of a whole.
Master Craftsman dry stone waller. For this reason The swimming pool at the cottage’s rear has been
stonework often features in her designs, and the screened with yew hedging to reduce its dominance,
courtyard offered up a perfect canvas. There was with gaps allowing glimpses of the garden and
already some York stone present on site, which has countryside beyond. Two Prunus lusitanica form
been integrated into the redesigned garden. Indeed, an entrance to the pool. “They give a sense of
using either reclaimed or locally sourced stone in separation while adding height,” notes Janine. Paths
a build is a key principle for Janine. “It’s about of handmade clay bricks and oak fencing harmonise
everything having a sense of place so it looks like the space with the adjacent buildings, and hard
it belongs and isn’t contrived,” she says. “Keeping landscaping is softened with clusters of Erigeron
things local and English is a conscious decision.” karvinskianus daisies spilling out around the edges.
The layout of the courtyard is relatively formal Janine explains that a key challenge became evident
and symmetrical. Height is added with clipped when drawing up the plans for this area. “Everything
Below In this simple
bay trees in each quarter and a Pyrus salicifolia seating area, squares was at weird angles. None of the buildings or even
‘Pendula’, with its silvery foliage and distinctive of box hedging enclose the pool lined up with each other.” This was solved
form, providing a central focal point. Bracketing standard roses that have by using planting and pebble detailing to disguise the
been underplanted with
each bay tree is a low box hedge, while the irregular angles so they recede from the naked eye.
great billowing clouds
paving is punctuated by clumps of purple Nepeta of violet Geranium Enveloping the outside of the pool area are
racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’ and compact domes of sylvatica ‘Mayflower’. borders of cottage garden favourites such as lupins,

Alchemilla mollis and foxgloves, along with
‘Cardinal de Richelieu’ roses and further sprays of
catmint. Roses do well on the heavy clay soil here
and are found throughout the garden, with many
climbers trained against the warm brick walls of
the buildings. The colour palette is largely soft and
romantic in shades of pink, white and purple.
As the garden wraps around the cottage, it leads
to a simple but effective seating area. Squares of
box hedging enclose standard roses underplanted
with billowing clouds of violet Geranium sylvatica
‘Mayflower’. Lawn then gives way to more
naturalistic wildflower planting including ox-eye
daisies and ragged robin, linking this formal area
with the borrowed landscape of surrounding fields:
a vista to enjoy as the evening sun begins to fade.
To the rear of the house is a dining area that’s also
built from handmade clay bricks. Hotter colours
are found here, with orange Geum borisii and
deep-red astrantia complementing the brickwork
and delivering a punch of contrast. Adjacent to this
area are further drifts of wildflowers through which Top left A naturalistic clients say they feel a stronger connection to their
grass paths are mown, giving way to a new vegetable planting of ox-eye daisies outdoor space now and Janine reflects that this
and ragged robin links
garden edged with a wooden picket fence. Through to the fields beyond. is quite common for those that have their garden
tending this patch, the clients have well and truly Top right Surrounded professionally designed. “Lots of clients become
caught the bug for growing edibles and now intend by a froth of Erigeron more interested in gardening and use their garden
to expand this area. The tennis court that once karvinskianus is a more than they did previously because they like it.
weathered stone planter
commanded attention from this part of the garden filled with pink dianthus. We tend to turn people into gardeners!” she says.
has now receded from view behind tall hedging. Above Mown paths A noble achievement, I think we can all agree! n
The final stage in this ongoing project is the through drifts of
creation of a large pond that will be landscaped to wildflowers lead to a Janine Crimmins Garden Design.
new vegetable garden.
blend in with the surrounding countryside. Janine’s Tel: 07813 277449; janinecrimmins.com

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Enchanted
ISLE
Overlooked by a fairytale tower, the magical gardens of
La Seigneurie on the tiny island of Sark have been developed
by generations of a feudal family since Elizabethan times
WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHS NICOLA STOCKEN

This image The walled
garden is divided into a
rose parterre, informal
gardens, kitchen gardens
and a maze.
Opposite A Victorian
dovecote and Georgian
signalling tower rise
above shrubs and trees.

o historic garden stands in isolation;
it evolves unhurriedly at the whim
of each generation, and it’s no
different at La Seigneurie on Sark.
“The gardens reflect the people
who have lived and gardened here, and what you see
today is an accumulation of all their ideas alongside
artefacts that reveal tantalising glimpses into the
island’s history,” says Christopher Beaumont, the
23rd Seigneur of Sark, a titular role since 2008 when
islanders voted for democracy in place of a feudal
system that had lasted since Elizabethan times.
Since moving to La Seigneurie with his wife,
Sarah, in 2016, Christopher has focused on the
neglected two acres to the back of the house, with
its woodland and serpentine lake. “This is where I
played as a child,” he recalls. “The walled garden
was formal and floral and felt as if it was kept for
best, whereas the back area had water, fish, trees Above Leathery
and an old well and was full of history.” The lake aeoniums thrive in the
mild microclimate
harks back to the 6th century when a monastery
provided by this walled
was established by the Priory of Saint Magloire. island garden.
“Monks dammed the stream to form a reservoir Right Christopher
for their watermill and for breeding carp,” explains Beaumont, 23rd
Seigneur of Sark,
Christopher. “I’ve built a bridge for the lake, and
with his wife Sarah.
my next major project is to drain and dredge it.” Below La Seigneurie,
Although rich in history, Sark is small in size, home of the Seigneurs
being just three miles in length and about half that of Sark, with a Gothic-
style tower that was
in its widest part, making it the fourth smallest of
added to the farmhouse
the permanently inhabited Channel Islands. “It in the mid-1800s.
has 40 miles of coastline, which are among the
most varied and beautiful in the British Isles,” says
Christopher. But even inland, the sea makes its
presence felt through strong, salt-laden winds that
scorch the hedgerows bordering the narrow lanes
from which cars are banned.
Free of traffic noise and the worst of the winds,
the gardens at La Seigneurie are peaceful, the silence
broken by little save birdsong and treetops rustling
in the breeze. At their heart is the two-acre Victorian
walled garden cocooned within imposing granite
walls. Its atmosphere is distinctly otherworldly, a
feeling that is reinforced by views of La Seigneurie’s
tower, a fairytale structure built in the mid-1800s,
with spectacular views across to Guernsey. “It looks
incongruous – a Gothic-style tower added onto a
traditional Jersey farmhouse – so it’s in effect a five-
storey folly,” points out Christopher.
The walled garden is divided by walls or pathways
into distinct spaces: a formal parterre known as
The Dame’s Garden, the Millennium Rose Garden,
a Pool Garden, oak arbours, kitchen gardens, a
maze and a Victorian glasshouse on the north wall.
“The glasshouse was rebuilt in the 1980s, with care
taken not to disturb the vines or the original sliding
pruning ladder,” Christopher explains. Outside, a
climbing geranium stretches the full height of the
wall, a mass of delicate pink blooms come June.

It is one of a number Above Deep mixed
of tender plants that borders flank the central
pathway in the Victorian
flourish within the
walled garden.
walls’ nurturing Left In the Dame’s
microclimate. Among Garden, vivid pink Rosa
them is a New Zealand ‘Braveheart’ and paler
peach-pink ‘Pretty Lady’
tea tree, Leptospermum
surround a central
scoparium, and a obelisk bearing Clematis
bottlebrush plant, ‘Prince Charles’.
Callistemon citrinus,
which thrives against the sun-drenched stone,
standing somewhat incongruously within a stone’s
throw of Rosa ‘Rambling Rector’, which roams very
freely, despite recently being fiercely cut back. The
soil is slightly acidic enabling camellias and azaleas
to grow well, but there is an ongoing battle to
eradicate the incredibly invasive three-cornered leek,
Allium triquetrum.
Even the softest sounds are magnified within
the walls, so a fountain playing above a formal
pool is heard long before it’s revealed behind tall
yew cylinders. The pool is surrounded by beds
filled with Rosa ‘Princess Anne’ and perennials

Above Low box hedging such as lupins, dianthus, hardy geraniums, cosmos
embraces beds of roses and sisyrinchium. Self-seeders are encouraged –
in the Dame’s Garden;
eight quadrant-shaped
foxgloves, cornflowers, poppies, fennel and viper’s
beds taper inwards to bugloss among others – giving the planting a certain
a central circle. freshness and spontaneity.
Right Towering flower The formal Dame’s Garden, a parterre laid out
spikes of biennial Echium
pininana shoot up from
during the 1840s, is an intricate arrangement of
the rosette of leaves it low-growing clipped-box hedges. In recent years,
produces in its first year. many of its roses have been replaced with David
Austin roses, chosen for their disease resistance,
repeat flowering and fragrance. Black spot can be a
problem because of the purity of the air, so there are
tough roses such as ‘Braveheart’ and ‘Pretty Lady’.
The long outer beds are planted with Rosa gallica
‘Versicolor’ to add height and delicious fragrance.
The Millennium Rose Garden is a stark contrast
to the Dame’s Garden. Created by Christopher’s
father, the late Michael Beaumont OBE, it has a
relaxed, contemplative ambience. Arranged around
a central circle, a froth of roses and catmint entwine
above St Peter Port daisies, the local common name
for Erigeron karvinskianus. The colour scheme is
purples, blues and pinks with pretty rose ‘Nathalie
Nypels’ and the prickly but resilient ‘Harlow Carr’
mingling with Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’.
Climbing roses are planted against the walls –
‘Lady Hillingdon’, ‘Wedding Day’ and ‘Madame

Beds of alliums, mallow,
osteospermum, poppies
and geraniums spill over
a path leading to the
Victorian glasshouse.

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and another private garden nearby, where Ben is in charge. Participants will be given a chance to prune, plant, sow Email: info@englishgardeningschool.co.uk
seeds and regular maintenance tasks will be discussed. A light lunch and refreshments will be provided daily.
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GARDEN DESIGN & CARING FOR YOUR GARDEN
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A stepping stone to a new career. These two correspondence courses are a step by step guide to either designing your Based at the unique and historic Chelsea Physic Garden
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Regardless of whether you can tell your very own Chelsea garden, with
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01959 534212 www.polhill.co.uk info@polhillcentre.co.uk

Alfred Carrière’ – while obelisks are clothed in Above The Millennium more exposed a tree, the more it is bent over by the
roses such as ‘The Pilgrim’. Clematis such as ‘Prince Rose Garden features prevailing south-westerly winds. “The island’s trees
Rosa ‘Nathalie Nypels’
Charles’ and ‘Shimmer’ also feature, provided by have suffered two major catastrophes, not only the
above a froth of Erigeron
Raymond Evison, the eminent clematis breeder karvinskianus and Great Storm, but also Dutch elm disease, which
in nearby Guernsey. Latterly, annuals have been Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’. struck in the 1970s and denuded many of the hedges.
replaced by a dense patchwork of perennials Below Tender treasures Their loss created a major change in the landscape.”
such as pelargoniums
including grey-leaved, golden flowered euryops and Over the centuries, other historic buildings and
can overwinter outside
pink Dierama pulcherrimum, angel’s fishing rods. here, and include one objects have been added to the estate, including a
Nearby, a stone archway leads to the uppermost that scales the walls. 19th-century dovecote, a signal tower, and a stone
quadrants of the walled garden cider press that Christopher
where there is a maze, a turned into a water fountain,
tranquil place to wander enclosed in a bund planted
between hedges sculpted from with 20 varieties of apple. “The
evergreen Olearia paniculata, millstone is held horizontally,
with its scented white flowers so water is pumped up through
in autumn and early winter. At the central hole and falls into
the heart of the maze stands the pool below,” he explains.
a miniature wooden tower, “It took ages to get the ratio of
crafted from a 150-year-old air and water right – I wanted
holm oak that succumbed in it to look like a newly opened
the Great Storm four years bottle of champagne.”
earlier. “There are a lot of Gradually, he is clearing
holm oaks, but they tend to paths through the woodland
last for about 50 years and then while nearer the house he
keel over,” Christopher points has established a 70-metre
out. Any trees of size bear the lawn. “I’ve played with the
scars of past gales, and the perspective, making the lawn

Above Rosa gallica wider at the top, which
‘Versicolor’ lines one side creates an illusion of
of the path; to the other,
are billowing clumps of
greater length,” he
white marguerites and says. The lawn will
lychnis, alongside eventually lead to the
scabious and poppies. valley via steps and
Right Beside the old
stone chapel, a mature
terraces that he plans to
russet-coloured maple plant with ornamental
graces the grassy bank. grasses. “I like the
way grasses move with
the slightest breeze and have fabulous textures – it
doesn’t matter if there isn’t any flower colour.”
Having spent his working career in the army,
Christopher has had little opportunity to learn about
plants. “You are never stationed in a house for long,
and you do little more than cut the grass. So I still
struggle to differentiate between flowering plants
that have been especially positioned, and weeds,”
he admits. “I am an engineer, and I enjoy making
things, so I create water features, build obelisks, and
I designed the bridge for the lake. It is very exciting
to see my ideas come to fruition.” n
La Seigneurie Gardens, Sark, Channel Islands. The

gardens open every day from April to end of October
from 9am to 6pm. Visit laseigneuriedesercq.uk

SCAN HERE BESPOKE DESIGN SERVICES AVAILABLE 0333 400 1500 (local rate)
• Traditional Steel Furniture • Arches www.harrodhorticultural.com
• Pergolas • Obelisks • Planters
• Trellises & Supports • Fruit Cages
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• Raised Beds • PLUS MORE
Time for reflection
I n t r o d u c i n g t h e F o r a s d e s i g n e d 9 0 c m O c e a n i c Wa t e r B o w l
WATER FE ATURE SPECIALISTS
w w w.fo r a s .c o.u k

PA R T N E R F E AT U R E
Gardening
Without Petrol
Save time and money and enjoy a quieter, cleaner, greener
way of staying on top of garden maintenance by investigating
the range of battery-operated and robotic tools from Kress
Kress RTKn Robot

mowers autonomously
move from one area to
the next, as if they were
driven by humans.

etrol-powered lawn Above The cordless Kress KG760E.9 is

equipment is gradually ideal for larger lawns and challenging jobs.
Right Lightweight thanks to its backpack
becoming a thing of the past. battery, the KG260E.9 Hedge Trimmer.
For many gardeners it’s a
matter of personal choice, and When rechargeable battery-powered
over the course of the past decade millions mowers, blowers, trimmers, and chainsaws
of homeowners have switched to battery- arrived, they were seen by many as less
powered or manual gardening tools instead powerful, more expensive versions of
of petrol-powered ones. In some places, it’s lightweight corded electric equipment. But
becoming the law: in late 2021, lawmakers battery tech improved rapidly, and today’s
in California voted to phase out the sale of lithium-ion rechargeable battery-powered
petrol-powered lawn equipment by 2024, tools are an effective, cleaner, quieter
making it the first state in the USA to do so; alternative. Bypassing the ongoing costs of
other states and countries are expected to petrol and engine maintenance equalises
follow suit. But while we all agree that it’s the price difference in a single season.
a good idea to reduce the pollution, noise on holiday, plus they can avoid obstacles,
and hassle associated with petrol-powered Robotic lawn mowers adjust to the weather, and even alert
tools, is it possible to keep your garden Taking it a step further, the introduction their owner in the event of theft or other
beautiful and healthy without them? of robotic lawn mowers has heralded emergencies. These devices save you hours
the next revolution in lawn care. These of work every week – all that’s left for you
Know your options programmable smart devices use less to do is to trim the lawn edges as needed.
A generation ago, alternatives to petrol- power more efficiently. Much like Kress
fuelled lawn equipment included corded Mission Robot Mowers, they mow the Rethink landscaping
electric and manual tools. Both work well lawn at programmed times, multiple times Eliminating the need for petrol-powered
for compact spaces, but for larger gardens, per week, so that the garden always looks lawn equipment doesn’t necessarily mean
more power and range are required. great. Robots mow even when the owner is switching over to more powerful, longer-

Right Fully charge a battery within eight minutes
using the Kress Commercial 60V 11 Ah CyberPack.
Below Kress tools come with powerful long-lasting
batteries for efficient, quieter garden maintenance.
lasting batteries. Planting and lawn-care
Professional gardeners can choices also affect the garden’s overall

maintenance requirements, including the
also make the change kinds of equipment needed to do the work.

One affordable, sustainable way to solve
the problem is to adopt a comprehensive,
Kress is leading the charge towards a equipment is having a severe impact
low-maintenance landscape strategy.
greener future with its breakthrough on the environment, professionals
Traditional, formal lawns need to be
innovation in battery-powered have so far been forced to select an
mowed regularly to look and grow at
technology that’s built to deliver the option that provides an economical
their best and to function as a durable
performance and power of petrol. For advantage in terms of power and
groundcover for outdoor living spaces. But
decades, petrol-powered gardening uninterrupted operation.
why commit to mowing and maintaining
and landscape equipment has been a Tackling the current limitations of out-of-the-way, lesser-used parts of
reliable choice for commercial use, due battery power head on, Kress is taking the garden? Most homeowners could
to most battery-powered equipment the evolution from petrol to battery repurpose at least half of their grassed
being incapable of matching or to a groundbreaking next level by area with low maintenance tree, shrub,
surpassing the benefits of their petrol- providing a stronger, faster, quieter and perennial plantings that need only
powered counterparts. This is coupled and more affordable option. Its tools seasonal touch-ups as opposed to weekly
with the fact that innovation in battery are specifically designed to meet maintenance. Reducing lawn space by 50
technology has remained slow in the demanding needs of commercial per cent could help make the switch from
meeting the ever-growing demands of landscapers, and will drive battery- petrol to battery or corded electric power
professional gardeners. powered technology forward to a much more straightforward.
Landscape professionals have tended brighter, more efficient future. Woody plants come in all sizes and
to veer away from battery-powered The new commercial Kress 8-minute shapes, both evergreen and deciduous.
equipment due to the excessive Cybersystem™ battery platform has Planting the right-sized selections for
charging time required for continued been engineered to offer the fastest your available space ultimately makes the
use, the expense associated with recharge of any commercial battery difference between enjoying an easy-care
the limited life cycle, and unreliable system available. It has twice the landscape with occasional trimming, and
performance quality. Despite concerns power output of standard lithium-ion constant pruning to control size. Avoid the
that the air and noise pollution batteries and has been developed with temptation to plant a fast-growing hedge
associated with petrol-powered heavy-duty use in mind. or shade tree that won’t stop growing once
it has filled its allotted space. Instead,

measure the planting area first, then shop

for a cultivar that will fill it at maturity.
Another common mistake that adds
unnecessary trimming and mowing is
random planting. An innocent trip to the
nursery for a bag of mulch often yields a
beautiful new lilac, azalea, rose or other
impulse buy that now needs a home in the
landscape. Many plant-lovers simply plop
the new addition into a favourable spot in
the middle of the lawn.
Eventually the lawn is freckled with
isolated individual plants, and every week
these obstacles add an extra 20 minutes
of mowing and edging. There is no need
to stop collecting plants, but cluster your
new additions into border plantings or
landscape island beds to reduce time spent
mowing in circles. Mulch landscape beds
once or twice a year, and either pull up
weeds by hand or use a grass trimmer as
needed to reduce weed pressure.
Natural areas
No-mow lawn spaces and natural
landscape zones continue to increase in
appeal as consumers seek alternatives to
conventional lawns. Natural areas become
micro-habitats for migratory birds and
local wildlife, while buffering the home in
green space. For best results, these easy-
care areas require a bit of maintenance,
such as seasonal mowing, weeding out
invasive species and light pruning.
Petrol-free gardening requires some Top The powerful KG162 Kress 60V Line Trimmer is ideal for edges and boundaries.
adjustments, but they may not be as Above The Kress Max Blower has adjustable settings allowing users to vary its power.
dramatic as you think. By reducing
The future is bright: bright green lawn coverage, making efficient planting
choices, and adopting passive maintenance
practices, homeowners can alleviate the
With a petrol-free future on the focus,” says Don Gao, CEO of Positec most power-hungry and time-consuming
horizon, coupled with soaring fuel Group. “The future will rely on energy aspects of garden care. What’s more,
prices across the UK, the latest storage, energy distribution and an lightweight, efficient and powerful corded
evolution in Kress’s battery-powered integrated system. It’s time for an and rechargeable lawn care tools are well
technology is a remarkable, timely energy system evolution – the new positioned to take on the work currently
development for gardeners and Kress system can fulfil that need.” performed by petrol-powered tools. With
lawn-care professionals. This radical Choosing outdoor power equipment the added benefits of cleaner air and
new technology can help protect from Kress means there is no need reduced noise, the future of gardening and
our planet and your pocket without to compromise on performance. Its landscaping looks brighter than ever.
compromising on performance. lightweight, efficient, and powerful
“Everyone was waiting for a change rechargeable tools are well positioned For more information on Kress’s
in gardening and professional to take on the work currently done range of battery-powered and robotic
landscaping equipment. Petrol will by petrol-powered tools. Ensuring mowers, visit kress.com
soon have to be replaced and, for reduced air and noise pollution,
that reason, Kress has come up with these tools are the future of green
a powerful solution, built with a future gardening and maintenance.

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huts are exclusively Endorsed by the Royal Horticultural
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endorsed by the RHS 222879/SC038262. rhs.org.uk

Lazy Summer Days
O U T D O O R LO U N G I N G
After months of hard work spent getting your garden summer-ready, it’s time
to kick back and relax as you enjoy the fruits of your labour from one of these
comfortable and stylish outdoor lounging options
WORDS VIVIENNE HAMBLY
Invest in good garden

furniture and a relaxing
summer will be yours to
enjoy. Fontelina Double
Lounger, £1,995. oka.com
f ‘summer’ and ‘afternoon’ are the two most THE RIGHT STRIPES tradition and a declaration that summer has arrived.
beautiful words in the English language, as If your deckchairs have Handmade swing seats from the likes of Wilverley
seen better days, treat
Henry James wrote, owning good garden the wood and then
(wilverley.com), Odd Limited (oddlimited.com) and
furniture to make the most of those warm, replace the slings using Sitting Spiritually (sittingspiritually.co.uk) come
languid hours is practically a duty. From materials available from with an upfront cost but will become heirlooms.
folding deckchairs to hammocks and swing seats, The Stripes Company. Cast iron and aluminium furniture have enduring
(thestripescompany.
with more formal sofa sets in between, there’s com). Alternatively, treat
appeal. Cast iron is typically used in traditional
garden furniture to suit all manner of lounging. yourself to something Victorian styles – try Black Country Metal Works
Different materials bring different looks to a new. Striped Rocking (blackcountrymetalworks.co.uk) and The British
garden. This is a truism but give some thought to the Deck Chair in Orchard, Ironwork Centre (britishironworkcentre.co.uk).
£90. gardentrading.co.uk
influence furniture will have. Generally inexpensive, Powder-coated steel and aluminium are suited
and improved with squishy cushions, cane is widely to lighter, modern designs. Steel is heavier than
available – try Tikamoon (tikamoon.co.uk), Hadeda aluminium and powder coating makes it rust-
(hadeda.co.uk) for designs handmade in Malawi, resistant to a good extent. Look to the brand HAY,
or, for instant patina, the second-hand goods portal through Holloways of Ludlow, (hollowaysofludlow.
Vinterior (vinterior.co). Synthetic rattan is practical, com) and Fermob, from The Worm that Turned
and widely used in outdoor sofas and chairs. (worm.co.uk). Aluminium is lighter and more
Bramblecrest (bramblecrest.co.uk) and Kettler weather resistant: Oxleys specialises (oxleys.com).
(kettler.co.uk), among others, can supply. If you choose wood, ensure it’s a hardwood like
Erecting a swing seat beneath a spreading tree English oak, iroko, teak or western red cedar. Keep
or beside a swimming pool can become an annual it oiled for a neat look, or gradually let it silver.

MOBILE STYLE Ideal for taking on picnics, to the beach or for following WELL UPHOLSTERED Here’s a classic, deep-buttoned recliner you
the shade around the garden, the adjustable Bodhi Bamboo Beach won’t want to get up from. Every item in the Heveningham Collection
Chair (£289) with floral seat pad from Graham and Green is based on is handmade in England to order to exact specifications. Standard
antique designs. grahamandgreen.co.uk designs include this chaise longue, £POA. heveningham.co.uk
TIKI CHIC Cane has the joint advantages of being both light and FANCY FOOTWORK With its built-in footrest, the Bickington Outdoor
pliable, so it lends itself to relaxing shapes. Paint it or leave it in Lounger (£600) echoes the design of Edwardian deckchairs. It is
its natural colour. The Lucy range by Vincent Sheppard includes made from eucalyptus, an oily, naturally moisture-resistant hardwood
loungers, tables and this chair (£761). canefurniturewarehouse.co.uk that’s well suited to the British climate. farmhousetablecompany.co.uk

IN THE SHADE Evoke the mood of the tropics with the elegant Karama LIGHT THE FIRE Extend relaxing into the evening with a firepit. The
Day Bed (£1,695). This three-seater sofa has an off-white waterproof all-weather Tuscan Wicker collection from Bramblecrest (£4,499)
canopy and curtains that can be rolled up or down to provide shade or includes a table with a built-in firepit, as well as an L-shaped sofa,
shelter occupants from breezes. oka.com armchair and a bench. bramblecrest.com
BUILT TO LAST Powder-coated aluminium garden furniture is SOLID OAK Durable oak forms the basis of Gaze Burvill furniture,
particularly hard-wearing. Gloucestershire-based Oxleys delivers a which includes the Splash Lounge collection. Featuring lower, deeper
range of designs, its simple Scroll collection being inspired by Celtic seats than other designs, these sets come with quick-drying foam
stone carvings. Scroll lounge chair from £2,695. oxleys.com seats covered in canvas. From £5,550. gazeburvill.com

IN THE ROUND An outdoor hanging chair can be fun, and a round GRAND OLD ROCKER For swing-seat pleasure, with all the frills, Odd’s
shape is ideal for smaller spaces. The Indoor Outdoor Hanging Chair sumptuous two- or three-seater Old Rocker is among the best. Every
(£375) is supported by its own integral stand, so you don’t have to element is fully customisable, from finials to fabrics. Keep it up all
hang it yourself. Cushion covers are washable. coxandcox.co.uk summer and dismantle when winter comes. £POA. oddlimited.com
THE SWING OF IT The Swing Bench (from £2,650) from The Oak and SUMMER SIESTA Simple, adaptable and comfortable, a hammock is
Rope Company is wide enough to seat a family, steady enough to an essential component of peaceful outdoor relaxation. This Recycled
use as an outdoor office, and comfortable enough to lounge in all day Cotton Hammock (£98) from Graham and Green comes with a pine
long. Cushions are included. theoakandropecompany.co.uk frame hand-crafted in El Salvador. grahamandgreen.com

HSP GARDEN BUILDINGDS LTD
1 Hampstead Court, Hampstead Avenue, Mildenhall, Suffolk, IP28 7AS
Summerhouses—Gazebos—Home Offices—Garden Rooms—Bespoke Structures—UK wide installation
www.hspgardenbuildings.com - hello@hspgardenbuildings.com - Telephone 01638 583814
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Spring Summer
Autumn Winter
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a brochure
The only bespoke swing and bench maker endorsed by the RHS
sittingspiritually.co.uk 01297 443084
® The Royal Horticultural Society. The Royal Horticultural Society, and its logo, are trade marks of The Royal Horticultural Society (Registered Charity No 222879/SC038262) and used under licence from RHS Enterprises Limited.

Swedish design with a green soul
Let’s step into summer

with wild dandelions and
woven checks. “Fields”
smock blouse, £94 and
“Dandelion” long jersey
dress, £74
Dandelions
and wild flower
meadows
Welcome to my store at 65-67 Monmouth Street, Covent garden, London

You can also send an e-mail: order@gudrunsjoden.co.uk or call us: 0207 019 9075.
WEAR YOUR HEART

For environmentally conscious women who want to embrace a vibrant, timeless style, Gudrun
Sjödén’s sustainable Summer 2023 collection is inspired by nature – and doesn’t cost the Earth
Left Flowing pieces inspired by the golden hues of Occitanie in France.

Middle New for summer 2023 is this dandelion print, available in
various styles and celebrating the pollen- and nectar-rich wildflower.
Right A warm colour palette has been drawn from the vibrant colours
of Samone Bagh in India and transposed onto natural fabrics.
A
regard for nature steers every archipelago; the golden hues of Occitanie, chemicals. Wool, linen and plant-based
step of the production process France; and a warm symphony of colours fibres lyocell and modal are chosen for
at Gudrun Sjödén, with each inspired by the nature of Samone Bagh in their low impact on the environment.
collection celebrating a plant or natural India. Summer’s sunniest print is a take on A warm and creative community
landscape. The emphasis is on timeless the golden weed, the dandelion. surrounds the Gudrun Sjödén brand.
style over fast trends, and the aim is Gudrun Sjödén’s pieces are created Women who cherish nature, eco design
to create a sustainable wardrobe for to be worn come rain or shine, whether and individual expression come together
environmentally conscious women to snuggling up with a book, gardening or for regular workshops and talks in the
wear throughout the seasons. hosting a party. In the summer collection, London concept store on topics such as
Textile artist Gudrun Sjödén began her a simply cut dress in organic cotton is DIY crafts, art and sustainable life hacks.
brand in the 1970s with a vision of long- available in warm masala, flamingo pink,
lasting, colourful and functional clothes cool sea green or a natural unbleached Visit the store at 65-67 Monmouth
for women of all sizes, shapes and ages. tone. Choose colours you love and create Street, WC2H 9DG or find out more at
Timeless cuts and dazzling prints express a palette to cherish year after year. gudrunsjoden.com/uk, on the Gudrun
a Scandinavian identity fused with global The brand has nurtured relationships Sjödén English Facebook page and on
handicraft inspiration. Materials used with its manufacturers over the decades, Instagram: @gudrunlondon. Be inspired
include recycled, natural and organic developing sustainable production with by our colourful community under the
fibres that are easy to care for. them. This is reflected in organic jersey hashtag #gudrunista
Summer 2023 is an eclectic collection from Greece and organic cotton grown
inspired by stunning spots around the by Fairtrade certified farmers in India,
world: the palette of blues in Stockholm’s which is then spun and dyed without

A great garden gift for children
S H CE CH
PR DE
A
R
A ED A R
O N
R
(and garden-loving adults!)
E S T IT
O O IE
F
‘GARDEN OF THE
S
GOOD FOLK’
by Evelyn Foster
A beautiful book to inspire readers with a love of

gardens and gardening.
This spellbinding story of a special English Garden will
make any child’s birthday enchanting!
AVAILABLE FROM COUNTRY BOOKS
(WWW.COUNTRYBOOKS.BIZ) TEL: 07889 234 964
OR FROM WATERSTONES OR AMAZON
Le Secateur
Hand Pruner
The perfect addition to your Scan to browse
garden tools. The Opinel Le
Secateur Hand Pruner features
robust stainless steel blades
for a clean cut and it also has a
protected spring to prevent dirt
clogging the mechanism and
pinching. The blade also has
multiple options to adapt the
pruner to the diameter of the
branches or size of the user’s
hand.
Available at
berryuseful.co.uk …useful gear

TO P 1 0 P L A N T S
Social Climbers
Add vertical interest and smooth unsightly surfaces with a charming climbing
rose. Ian Limmer of Peter Beales Roses has ten favourites to recommend
good climbing rose will turn walls, arches and himself. Ian was appointed nursery manager in 1985 and today
even outbuildings into eye-catching features to heads the hybridising programme at Peter Beales Roses, selecting
look forward to year after year. Few know a good the best seedlings to be sold as new releases. With the benefit of his
climbing rose better than Ian Limmer, nursery years of experience, here he suggests ten excellent climbing roses.
manager at Peter Beales, the Norfolk rose specialists.
Ian joined Peter Beales Roses as a Saturday boy in 1977, after Peter Beales Roses, London Road, Attleborough, Norwich,
which he took a three-year apprenticeship learning from Peter Norfolk NR17 1AY. Tel: 01953 454707; classicroses.co.uk
1 ‘Clarence House’
WORDS VIVIENNE HAMBLY IMAGE CLIVE NICHOLS
Flowering throughout summer, “this shorter climber

is ideal for arches, walls and trellises”, explains Ian. Its
old-fashioned-looking blooms are a delightful shade
of creamy-yellow, and it was named by the Queen
Mother when it was presented to her on her hundredth
birthday at the Sandringham Flower Show in 2000.

2 ‘Mme. Grégoire Staechelin’ 3 ‘Climbing Ena Harkness’

This once-flowering rose has stood the test of time, remaining a For a deep red climbing rose look no further. “It has a superb
popular choice since it was introduced in 1926. “It’s scented and fragrance, it’s one of the first reds to bloom and it’s a repeat
is one of the first pink roses to bloom in May,” explains Ian. “Its flowerer,” advises Ian. This climbing hybrid tea makes a strong
flowers hang like bells and it’s good for walls and rustic buildings.” cut flower and will also tolerate a north-facing wall, where sun is
It can reach 7.5m, so it needs space and support as well as full sun. limited. It eventually reaches around 4.5m with a 2.5m spread.
4 ‘Souvenir de la Malmaison’ 5 ‘Lady Hillingdon’

This climbing Bourbon rose was introduced in 1843 and named For a timeless, butter-yellow rose to clothe the wall of a building,
after Château de Malmaison, where Empress Josephine tended a consider ‘Lady Hillingdon’, an old rose that was introduced in
rose garden. It’s a repeat-flowerer, and Ian points out its superb 1877. “It’s repeat flowering and has a fantastic fragrance,” notes
fragrance with sweeter notes. Its quartered flowers appear from Ian, picking up on its classic tea scent. Its new leaves are a rich dark
June to November, and it reaches around 3.6m in height. red in spring, which will complement judicious planting nearby.

IMAGES GAP/CLARE FORBES/MARTIN HUGHES-JONES/NOVA PHOTO GRAPHIK; GARDEN WORLD IMAGES
6 ‘Bienvenue’
“Grow this modern climber, introduced in 2011, in full
sun on a south-facing wall, arch or trellis,” Ian advises,
“or train it along a fence.” It is repeat flowering, so
expect its deep pink, double, scented blooms to appear
from June to October. The foliage is dark green.

7 ‘Mermaid’ 8 ‘Alchymist’
Open-cupped single flowers with a lemon-rose scent make this Heavy double flowers are the key feature of this modern climbing
variety good for pollinating insects. “It’s tough and vigorous, it rose from German breeder Kordes. The attractive yellow-apricot
can cover a large expanse of wall – even a north-facing one – and folds of petals turn pale with age, and through June and July
its pale yellow flowers bloom almost continuously from June to there’s a splendid show of blooms. It grows in full sun or part
October,” says Ian. Foliage is dark green and glossy. shade and reaches around 3.6m in height with a 2.4m spread.
IMAGES GAP/EVGENIYA VLASOVA; GARDEN WORLD IMAGES
9 ‘Pippin’ 10 ‘City of York’

With two flushes, one in June and July, and another from Abundant semi-double flowers with a thick central cluster of
September to November, Pippin brings plenty of interest to the golden stamens make this a super plant for wildlife-friendly
garden with its warm pink flowers. “It is a good strong, healthy gardens. Ian says it’s a good candidate for training over a north-
pillar rose with lush green foliage,” notes Ian. It will tolerate all but facing wall. “Its blooms have a lemon fragrance, it has glossy
the deepest shade and reaches a height of 2.4m with a 1.2m spread. foliage and lovely, soft, pliable wood for training,” he adds. n

rosa ‘Minnehaha’
Every garden
deserves a rose...
Gardening is a fantastic hobby, helping

to boost mental health and spiritual
well-being; so now is the time to get
out into the garden to discover and
enjoy the beauty of nature and we at
Peter Beales are aiming to help you
achieve that.
We feel that every garden deserves a
rose and every rose from our extensive
world leading collection is of the
finest quality, carefully selected and
hand cultivated to the highest of
standards here in East Anglia.
With over 800 varieties available, we
are positive you’ll find the perfect
roses for your garden.
• MAIL ORDER
• SPECIALIST PL ANTS
www.classicroses.co.uk
Scan me to browse 01953 454707
beautiful roses! Norfolk NR17 1AY
A brand featured in the
King Charles lll coronation
and 75th birthday
commemorative album
E: nickmartel1260@gmail.com | www.avantgardenbronzes.com | t: 07544 740449
P L A N T FO C U S
Geranium sylvaticum
‘Master Charles
Wilson’, hails from
Northumberland and is
pretty much fuss free.
Everyday Heroes
Gracing just about every garden in the country with their pretty
unassuming charms, easygoing hardy geraniums are a firm
favourite of Sue Clarke, holder of two Plant Heritage National
WORDS CLARE FOGGETT
Collections, who recommends the best species and varieties to try
PHOTOGRAPHS ANNAÏCK GUITTENY

P L A N T FO C U S
gave me lots of geraniums. When I

got my first home, she said: ‘Here’s a
clump of these, take this, take that.’
And they were great because they
flowered for such a long time and you
didn’t have to do anything with them
– I wasn’t really a gardener back then,”
Sue admits.
When Sue and her husband acquired
a bigger garden in 1992, her gardening
grew more serious. RHS courses were
completed and her interest in plants
deepened. “But geraniums always
resonated when I went into garden
centres,” she recalls. She’d already
joined the Cottage Garden Society
(she’s currently the Society’s chair),
and then the Hardy Plant Society,
within which she joined the Hardy
Geranium Group. “I became a member
of the committee, then editor of the
newsletter, and it was another Hardy
Geranium Group committee member,
Margaret Stone, who suggested I start
a collection, so I did, in 2014.”
Geranium sylvaticum and G.
renardii were the geraniums Sue really
liked and wanted to collect more of.
Over time, with lots of reading and
research, she added to her collection
of both species until she was granted
collection status by the conservation
charity. “That’s how it started, and it’s
become a real passion. I do talks now
as well,” adds Sue. “I do one called
‘Hardy Geraniums: the Good, the Bad
and the Ugly’ because there are some
ugly ones that seed everywhere, and I
do always try to be honest with people.
But there are plenty that are well
behaved and don’t seed about at all.”
t’s a struggle to think of a plant that’s Above Popular G. G. sylvaticum falls into that latter category. A
as useful and hardworking as a hardy sylvaticum ‘Mayflower’ British native, in the countryside the wood cranesbill
produces a profusion
geranium. A huge proportion of gardeners is at home in woodland or sunny meadow, so in
of pretty blooms in
must surely grow them, yet they never a gorgeous shade of the garden it’s equally happy in sunny borders or
seem overused – just ever-popular. This is purple from May to June. partial shade. “They form a really nice mound, and
testament to what superb garden plants they are, I’ve never had any trouble with them,” says Sue. G.
something that is in part down to the fact that sylvaticum ‘Mayflower’ is perhaps the best-known
they’re so straightforward to grow. cultivar, with masses of purple flowers from May to
“They don’t need any attention at all,” says Sue June. “It’s just excellent. It’s such a good doer, with
Clarke, who is a Plant Heritage National Collection a lovely rich colour,” says Sue. But her collection
holder of Geranium sylvaticum and G. renardii. proves there are plenty of others to tempt.
Sue’s first geraniums came from her mother – the ‘Amy Doncaster’ is a particular favourite, with
ease with which hardy geraniums can be dug up and white eyes in the centre of mauve-blue flowers. As is
divided means this is often the way, and many plants ‘Coquetdale Lilac’, which has pale lilac flowers with
are imbued with memories of friends and family. a white centre. “It has lovely, limey fresh leaves as it
“My mother was a great plantswoman. She didn’t comes up,” Sue enthuses. G. sylvaticum ‘Angulatum’
really know many names, but she loved plants and is the first variety Sue grew, and the one that kick-

Above left ‘Angulatum’
in palest pink with darker
veining was the first
variety Sue grew.
Above right Pretty ‘Amy
Doncaster’ has mauve-
blue flowers centred
around a white eye.
Below right Cyril Foster’s
‘Cyril’s Superb White’
is larger than the norm,
reaching 50cm tall.
Below left ‘Coquetdale
Lilac’ has pale flowers
above limey leaves.
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P L A N T FO C U S
Above left Pink G.

renardii ‘Mrs Judith
Bradshaw’ has finely
scalloped foliage.
Above right ‘Terre
Franche’ is another
renardii type, but with a
blue tinge to its blooms.
Below ‘Master Nial
Lawson’ from breeder
Robin Moss is named started her passion for these plants. “It’s a lovely
for one of his grandsons. pink with darker pink veining. It was my first and
I loved it, so I tried to find more. I’d go to a nursery
in Preston called Catforth Gardens, where Judith
Bradshaw had a collection of geraniums, and I got
a few plants in my collection from her when her
nursery shut down in 2006.”
Most of the plants in Sue’s collections have a story
behind them. Several were bred by Alan Bremner
on Orkney, while others were introduced by Cyril
Foster in Hexham, Northumberland. G. sylvaticum
‘Cyril’s Superb White’ “is one of the best and a bit
bigger than the norm, I’d say about 45-50cm tall,”
says Sue. Another Northumberland geranium
enthusiast and breeder, Robin Moss, was responsible
for ‘Master Charles Wilson’, ‘Master Nial Lawson’
and ‘Miss Connie Wilson’. “They’re all named after
his grandchildren,” adds Sue.
Sue’s G. renardii collection is slightly different in
that these geraniums need a sunny spot to thrive.
“They come from hot countries, and they need
free-draining soil too, so I put lots of grit under
them when I plant,” she says. They’re especially
valued for their foliage – the leaves have a scalloped
edge and an unusual, quilted effect – but they also
produce plentiful flowers. On the species, these are
white with fine purple veining, but ‘Terre Franche’
boasts blue flowers, while ‘Mrs Judith Bradshaw’

P L A N T FO C U S
is pink. “‘Terre Franche’ is a lovely blue and looks

very similar to ‘Philippe Vapelle’, which is a very old
GROWING ADVICE
variety. Both are really good doers – they don’t seed
around, and they produce more flowers each year,”
she adds. Named after the Preston nurserywoman, Reliable geraniums
the pink flowers of ‘Mrs Judith Bradshaw’ are set off
Sue Clarke shares her tips for getting the best
by golden leaves. “Alan Bremner named it after her
because she used to trial plants for him,” notes Sue.
out of these straightforward plants
As a fully fledged geranium devotee, Sue doesn’t
Geraniums aren’t fussy about Divide in spring to make more
limit her geraniums to the two collections: she
soil. “I used to live in a clay plants. “I always carry out my
also grows plenty of other species and varieties.
area and they grew really well. propagation in spring, when the
The joy of hardy geraniums is that there’s one to
Now I’m on more loamy, free- weather’s getting better, usually
suit virtually any spot, including compact G. x
draining soil, and they grow well around the end of March,” says
cantabrigiense, which she recommends for the front
here, too,” says Sue. Sue. “Dig up a clump and chop
of borders or rockeries. ‘St Ola’ is an old variety that it up with a clean sharp knife,
she rates highly. The dusky cranesbill, Geranium Shade tolerance is common
making sure you’ve retained a
phaeum, is a good choice for shade. Sue has unusual to many geraniums. “The
section of root and a section
‘Joseph Green’, a real phaeums in particular flower
of leaf. You can replace the
Below Ring the changes rarity with purple and well in shade,” Sue notes. “With
with striking ‘Catherine
‘mother’ plant back in the hole
green double flowers. others, if you put the plant in a
Deneuve’, which has and then pot up the smaller
Lovers of the unusual sunny spot, the heat generates
slender two-tone petals divisions. Some can literally
in shades of magenta. will appreciate Geranium more flowers. Geranium
be pulled apart.”
pratense are prone to mildew if
they get too dry and tend to do Feed in spring, if you feel it’s
better in a more shaded spot.” necessary. “If it’s been a tough
winter, I might put a little bit of
Pests and diseases aren’t really
blood, fish and bone around
a problem. “If you’ve planted
them, and I mulch around the
something and it doesn’t do
plants with my own compost,”
well, dig it up and move it to
says Sue. “I don’t water them,
a sunnier spot. But check the
unless we have a summer like
roots first,” Sue advises. “They
last year’s, and then only those
sometimes get vine weevil if
that looked limp and needed it.”
grown in pots.”
psilostemon ‘Catherine Deneuve’ for its slender

petalled magenta flowers. Geranium nodosum will
flower from May to September in sun or shade, but
beware, for it is a vigorous self-seeder. “There are
some that are absolutely beautiful and excellent
plants,” says Sue. ‘Clos du Coudray’ has violet
flowers with dark veining held above its shiny leaves,
and she also recommends ‘Tony’s Talisman’. “It’s
a deep, rich colour. When I open my garden to the
public, it’s the plant visitors always comment on.”
There are many more to admire, seek out and
try, and new varieties are added to the canon all
the time. “When in doubt, plant a geranium!” was
Margery Fish’s reply when asked for the ‘secret’ to
gardening. It’s a sentiment with which Sue agrees.
“That’s my ethos, too. Of all of the geraniums I’ve
grown, 90 per cent of them are bombproof.” n
Sue’s National Collections open by appointment

from May to July. Email wrenburysue@gmail.com
or visit plantheritage.org.uk. Visit thecgs.org.uk for
details on The Cottage Garden Society.

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P R O M OT I O N
GO GREEN WITH GARDENA

Author, grower and GARDENA ambassador Huw Richards has ten tips for sustainable gardening
G
ARDENA aims to inspire compost. Waste coffee grounds, leaves, Above left The GARDENA Pressure Sprayer
passionate gardeners from cardboard and vegetable peelings are offers even distribution and hydration.
Top right Collect rainwater if possible and
around the world to care for all incredible ingredients that can be use it for watering; lower in calcium than tap
their gardens while caring for the planet. used to make nutrient-rich compost. Try water, it’s better for your plants.
But sustainable gardening doesn’t have reaching out to local cafés, restaurants Above Grow your own to save food miles.
to mean drastic changes, as GARDENA and community groups.
ambassador, YouTube sensation and
passionate gardener Huw Richards
explains. Huw shares his top ten tips 2 Make every drop count
As we saw last year, our summers
3 Turn weeds into plant feed
Make your own multi-purpose plant
feed to give your plants vital nutrients to
for greener gardening, which can be as are becoming longer and drier. Droughts help them thrive. ‘Weeds’ such as nettles,
simple as making your own plant labels were prevalent in the UK in 2022 and dandelions, dock and thistles are perfect
rather than buying them new, or reducing hosepipe bans were introduced across ingredients, so rather than throwing them
the amount of water your garden uses much of the country. Using efficient away, put them to good use. Simply leave
through water-saving irrigation. irrigation tools, such as the GARDENA the weeds to steep in water, as you would
Micro-Drip System, either side of the when making fertilisers from comfrey
1 Use local resources

Our local communities are the perfect
place to start when it comes to finding
intense, midday sun will help reduce
water loss from evaporation, while
delivering water directly to plants’ roots,
leaves. Dilute the resulting concentrated
liquid with water and use your GARDENA
Pressure Sprayer for even distribution
free, organic matter to help build up our where it’s needed most. and hydration.

Top left Recycle your old yoghurt pots into smart labels for your plants.
Left In hot summers, set the GARDENA Micro-Drip System to deliver
water directly to crops’ roots exactly when they need it most.
Above For healthy plants, collect rainwater in a water butt or tank, then
use the GARDENA Battery Rainwater Pump to transport it to the hose.
4 Make your own plant labels

Save empty yoghurt pots and ice-
cream tubs to turn into plant labels for
7 Grow more perennials
More sustainable than resource-
intensive annual bedding, perennials
the food miles. These tough vegetables
require virtually no care over the winter
months but will provide you with lots of
seedlings. Clean them, cut into strips and are plants that keep on giving. In the fresh produce, perfect for making winter-
write on them with permanent marker. vegetable garden, choosing perennial warmer soups and casseroles.
crops means harvests that get better year
5 Mulch garden borders

Rather than spending money on bags
of mulch, use grass clippings instead.
on year. Rhubarb, asparagus, artichokes
and perennial herbs such as mint and
oregano are just a few excellent choices.
10 Swap seeds
Go to local seed and plant swaps
to swap with local growers rather than
They are great because they break down, buying new from the garden centre.
putting organic, natural nutrients back
into the soil, while retaining moisture and
helping to suppress weeds.
8 Waste not, want not
Use cardboard toilet rolls as pots to
start off your peas and beans and then
Plants will usually come in reused
plastic pots rather than new ones, and
those grown from the seed of healthy,
transplant them, pot and all, once they’re productive, local plants could be better
6 Capture rainwater
Not only is rainwater free, it is much
better for your plants because it is
big enough – the cardboard will simply
break down into the soil. Old newspapers
can also be shaped into pots using a pot
suited to your garden’s conditions. You
might also meet some fellow passionate
gardeners and swap tips!
lower in calcium than tap water. I usually making tool, while pieces of cardboard
capture rainwater in IBC tanks, which can be laid at the base of raised or no-dig For more sustainable gardening advice,
can also double up as a trellis to support vegetable beds to help suppress weed head to gardena.com/uk and for more
garden inspiration and tips follow
peas and runner beans, disguising the growth, or shredded and added to the
@gardena_uk on Instagram and
container. If you have a water butt or compost heap.
Gardena.UK on Facebook.
barrel, the GARDENA Battery Rainwater
Pump is perfect for transporting water
from the butt to the hose, which you can
then connect to a sprinkler or sprayer to
9 Grow winter vegetables
Grow plenty of winter vegetables like
leeks, swede, and cabbage, and reduce
water your outside space. the need for imported crops that clock up

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Garden Inspiration Garden Structures . Fruit Cages . Plant Supports . Kitchen Garden . Outdoor Living

SUMMER HEIGHTS
An arch smothered
with Rosa ‘Hiawatha’
frames the Orangery
at Peckover House
in Cambridgeshire.
DIZZYING
HEIGHTS
WORDS CLARE FOGGETT IMAGE CLIVE NICHOLS
Reduce visual monotony by adding an element of vertical

interest to your garden with an obelisk or arch left stylishly
bare or covered with colourful climbers

SUMMER HEIGHTS
s an expression, ‘flat as a pancake’ Sturdy, wooden, four-sided obelisks add grandeur

usually carries negative connotations and can be painted to suit other elements of the
– a deflated tyre, an unrisen cake. It’s garden. Try Andrew Crace (andrewcrace.com),
not something anyone wants to hear whose pyramidal wooden obelisk comes in small and
said about their garden’s borders. We large sizes, with a decorative lattice infill and turned
have moved on from the way traditional herbaceous wooden finial. Oxford Planters (oxfordplanters.
borders used to be planted, with the tallest plants co.uk) offer a straight-sided, pillar-shaped Cotswold
at the back sloping down to the smallest at the Obelisk or the slatted London model.
front, instead preferring to mix plants up in a less Metal obelisks have the benefit of longevity. They
regimented, rigid way. But ‘flat’ planting, where can be left in a border for years without rotting
everything has somehow ended up at the same height at the base of the legs – a variety of styles from
or level, can lead to visual monotony. Below left Clematis elegant wire designs to chunky steel are available.
Rather than replant the entire border, there’s an ‘Madame Julia Correvon’, Agriframes’ range is diverse, from pointed pyramid-
a perfect candidate for
easy fix to break things up and introduce height: a shaped obelisks to those with curved tops, all
growing up an obelisk.
well-placed obelisk or two will do the trick. Instantly Below right The bright available in a variety of colours (agriframes.co.uk).
adding style, even when they’re on their own and flowers of ipomoea Try Harrod Horticultural’s Southwold range if you
unclothed by plants, obelisks act as eye-catchers climb a willow obelisk. like bold steel (harrodhorticultural.com), or garden
Bottom right Rosa ‘Open
and relieve the repetitive uniformity of one-level designer Janey Auchincloss’s range of blacksmith-
Arms’ is a miniature
planting. In a larger border, regularly spaced rambling rose that won’t forged galvanised steel obelisks, which are available
repeated obelisks make for a truly dynamic design. grow too rampantly. through Gedding Mill (geddingmill.co.uk).
Woven willow or rustic arrangements of hazel
sticks or prunings perfectly suit an informal cottage
IMAGES GAP/HOWARD RICE (LYNNE & DAVE OLNEY)/JS SIRA/JULIETTE WADE/FIONA RICE; ANDREA JONES/GARDEN EXPOSURES; SHUTTERSTOCK
garden border, as do metal supports with a rusty

finish. Weave your own willow if you’re feeling
dexterous or look to suppliers such as Water Willows
(waterwillows.com) for ready-made supports – they
can also supply willow rods for weaving. The ‘rusty’
obelisks in Muntons’ range – pyramids or cylindrical
columns – wouldn’t look out of place in a grand
herbaceous border or within a melee of cottage
garden perennials (muntons.net).
However beautiful the obelisk, it would take a
strong-willed gardener to resist the urge to plant a
colourful climber at its base. Unless the architectural
qualities of the obelisk itself are the very essence
of the design, why not use it to support something
attractive that will flower at a higher level? The
choice of climber is key – something too vigorous,
like a rampant rambling rose, will soon outgrow the
obelisk, even if it’s as tall as 2.5m. It’s also nice to Top Matching wooden pale shell-pink, or ‘Warm Welcome’ in hot orange.
glimpse a hint of obelisk through the climber – if the obelisks bring smart Perhaps the best choice for refined obelisk scaling is
stature and structure
support is completely hidden beneath thick layers clematis, however, especially since many have such
to a herbaceous border.
of foliage, the overall effect can look a little odd, Above left Long- a long flowering period. Clematis ‘Prince Charles’,
especially if the climber mushrooms outwards at the flowering Clematis for example, will produce its blue-mauve blooms
top, as they sometimes do. ‘Prince Charles’. from June to the end of August, while magenta-red
Above right Growing
Smaller climbing roses are ideal. Many of the ‘Madame Julia Correvon’ will flower freely from
annual climbers from
English Roses from David Austin (davidaustinroses. seed means you can ring July to September. It’s just one of the shorter, more
co.uk) can be grown as shrubs or small climbers and the changes each year compact clematis you’ll find in the Viticella group.
would lend themselves to this. Or try a ‘miniature’ – try colourful black- Annual climbers are another good option. Most
eyed Susan, thunbergia.
rambler such as pretty ‘Open Arms’ with flowers in will quickly clothe an obelisk within their short

SUMMER HEIGHTS
growing season but Top left Vitis ‘Brant’ is

won’t have time to a good choice for taller
arches or gazebos, with
overgrow it. For a
its rich autumn colour.
border that’s planted for Top right Lonicera
early-summer interest, periclymenum ‘Graham
sweet peas might be Thomas’ has headily
scented flowers, ideal for
the best choice, but if
growing over an arbour.
something that looks Below Bring two halves
good later in summer of a border together
is required (sweet peas with a linking arch.
are usually starting to
die off and look straggly by August), choose more
exotic ipomoeas, thunbergias or rhodochiton. They
need a spring sowing or can sometimes be bought as
plug plants. Cottage gardeners could grow a pretty
runner bean such as peach-flowered ‘Aurora’ or red
and white ‘St George’, or even let a decorative squash
scramble up the support.
Another way to add height and stature is with a
well-placed arch, used to link two borders, frame
a view or create a more dramatic transition between
two parts of the garden. Grander still is a gazebo,
perfect as a centrepiece at the meeting of paths.
Both are much taller than obelisks, so the choice
widens when it comes to adding climbing plants.
Look to scented climbers to create a glorious bower
of fragrance to linger beneath: honeysuckle (try
Lonicera periclymenum ‘Graham Thomas’ for
creamy flowers from July to September), jasmine
or roses will all create a romantic scene. With
more climbing space available, consider combining
climbers to extend the season of interest: a spring-
flowering clematis such as blue ‘Frances Rivis’ to
be followed by June-flowering rose ‘Jacqueline du
Pré’, for example; or Akebia quinata for its dangling
maroon-coloured flowers in late spring, followed
by burgundy-leaved Vitis ‘Brant’ for vivid autumn
foliage, usually accompanied by bunches of inky
grapes. For foliar interest – and colour – little can
beat the golden hop, Humulus lupulus ‘Aureus’,
which will reach the top of any archway in no time.
It’s always a case of the sturdier the better
when it comes to choosing these supportive
features. Nobody wants to spend years training
and establishing a climber only to find the whole
structure listing or threatening to topple over
because it has rotted at the base. Stuart Garden
Architecture (stuartgarden.com) stocks pleasingly
solid timber arches in its classic range, made from
kiln-dried iroko hardwood, which is renowned for
its longevity. At installation, try using metal post
spikes to further prolong the life of wooden legs.
Metal arches and gazebos should be built to last and
strong enough to support the weight of a full-blown
climber. The powder-coated, solid steel options
sold by suppliers such as Harrod Horticultural
or Agriframes are heavy duty, but don’t sacrifice
graceful looks in the quest for sturdiness. n

Six Smart OBELISKS
Choose from a wide range of shapes and sizes, in wood or metal, for easy, instant height
A Solid Start Crowning Glory Weathered Charm

Andrew Crace’s Garden Obelisk is The Coronation Obelisk from Muntons’ rusted-finish Cotswold
available in two sizes: small at 180cm Agriframes is a limited-edition design Obelisk looks good singly or in
tall or large at 225cm tall. They can to celebrate the Coronation of King multiples marching through the
be made in either iroko or oak. From Charles III. Finished in heritage gold, border. Available in medium at 2m or
£3,160, andrewcrace.com it’s 130cm tall. £170, agriframes.co.uk tall at 2.5m. From £445, muntons.net
IMAGES GAP/MATT ANKER; GARDEN EXPOSURES/ANDREA JONES
Timeless Tradition Steely Stuff Thoroughly Modern

The TT Obelisk from Oxford Planters Endorsed by the RHS, the Southwold Simple and contemporary in style,
comes in oak, iroko or coated Grand Pyramid Steel Obelisk from the hardwood New Obelisk from
Accoya. It stands at 2m tall, or can Harrod Horticultural has an aged Stuart Garden Architecture comes
be made to bespoke sizes. £POA. patina that blends into the garden. in three sizes. From £595 to £995,
oxfordplanters.co.uk £475, harrodhorticultural.com stuartgarden.com

Gather inspiration, advice and plants
from Beth’s garden to yours
3 acres of inspiring gardens including;

turf labyrinth, water walls and our
moongate showcased on TV
by Alan Titchmarsh.
Explore childrens trails each school

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01299 250720
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Whitlenge whitlenge_tearoom_gardens

K I TC H E N G A R D E N S
At Forde Abbey
in Somerset, rows
of glaucous leeks,
cabbages and sprouts,
nestle in front of a row
of cleome for cutting.
PRETTY &
PRODUCTIVE
With attention to just a few key principles and inspiration from some
of the country’s finest kitchen gardens, you can create a vegetable
plot that’s every bit as beautiful as it is abundant
WORDS VIVIENNE HAMBLY PHOTOGRAPHS CLIVE NICHOLS

f just one vegetable were chosen to symbolise Above Design your taste as well as what you can manage given other
the output of the kitchen garden, it would productive garden to commitments you might have. It’s better to have
meet your own needs:
surely be the enormous, ribbed, deep small successes than grand but unmet intentions.
cut flowers, including
orange ‘Rouge Vif D’etampes’, known in dahlias, are a priority A simple vegetable garden might have four
some quarters as the Cinderella pumpkin. at Forde Abbey. rectangular beds, a border of lavender or flowers
Where kitchen gardens exist at all, they often play Below Boundary for cutting in a perimeter bed, with a focal point
features, such as this
second fiddle to more obviously decorative and even at the intersection of the horizontal and vertical
ornate gate at Eythrope
haughty ornamental gardens, but given a chance, Walled Garden, can axes. But that need not be the be-all and end-all.
these valuable spaces can be every bit as beautiful elevate hard-working Medieval kitchen gardens were designed around
and deserving of appreciation. gardens to another level. configurations of squares, triangles, diamonds, and
Creating a good working kitchen garden requires, circles within squares, so draw up a scale plan and
however, a special attentiveness. Most vegetables have fun sketching a layout that appeals to your
we grow are annuals and so must be sown and creative instincts and practical needs.
planted each year; each has its own set of Try to position beds running east to west,
idiosyncrasies that must be learnt; and for a so they receive sun all day. The ideal width
constant supply of vegetables all year round, for a bed is around 1.2m, which is just wide
year in and year out, you’ll need to become enough to reach across; don’t make the beds
adept at succession planting. But don’t let too long or they will be difficult to cross.
that put you off creating your own private Paths should be around 60cm, or perhaps
Villandry or Versailles. Thinking creatively a measure of two of your feet if you prefer
about layout, paths, borders, focal points not to use a rule. Any narrower than this
and planting will elevate a vegetable patch and a path will be difficult to work, wheel a
from an afterthought to a prized area. barrow along – or mow, if you have grass.
Beds themselves can be raised, but it is
LAYOUT often simpler to keep them on the ground.
As with any productive space, good layout Slugs and snails tend to lie in wait in the soil
in a kitchen garden is vital. Base it on your adjacent to the wood of raised beds.

Hard paths, be they woodchip, gravel or brick,
tend to be laid over a layer of weed-suppressing
membrane to preserve their integrity. Woodchip can
often be sourced free of charge from tree surgeons. It
will last a few years and once it’s broken down it can
be added to the compost heap or directly to beds.
Work on a depth of 5-7cm and be aware that it will
need some weeding now and then. Gravel, laid to
about 4cm, needs to be contained so it stays where
it’s meant to be, so think about how you will edge
your beds. Old scaffold boards are excellent for this,
but for something more decorative, suppliers such
as Harrod Horticultural (harrodhorticultural.com)
and The Worm That Turned (worm.co.uk) offer a
good range. EverEdge (everedge.co.uk), a slimline
PATHS Top At Morton Hall, metal edging, is enduring, if more costly up front.
The negative space offered by paths helps highlight gravel paths are laid Bricks are a labour-intensive paving material to
within a brick edging
the beauty of the beds in between. As well as lay, but a brick path is also one of the prettiest, with
to prevent the gravel
providing a route from A to B, they can also lead the spilling into the beds. an array of patterns to choose from. For a rustic look
eye to a focal point, encourage exploration and even Above For an all-green where odd shapes don’t matter, use reclaimed bricks
foster biodiversity and improve soil. vegetable garden, opt that builders might be glad to be rid of. Otherwise,
for lawn paths as here
Paths can have hard or soft surfaces. Lawn is a look to matching the brick to the colour of your
at Highlands in Sussex.
common choice but although it’s pleasing to walk on Keep paths wide enough home to keep things cohesive. York Handmade Brick
and look at, it needs regular cutting, which can be to mow comfortably. (yorkhandmade.co.uk) supplies a range of brick
labour intensive. Less intensive is a path of nitrogen- pavers, square pavers and cobbles that immediately
fixing white clover (Trifolium repens). White clover look settled in once laid.
doesn’t grow as tall as grass and if you don’t want
the flowers, these can be trimmed off. The flowers
are beloved of bees, however, which will prove Paths can lead the eye to a focal point,
helpful in pollinating your vegetable crops. encourage exploration and foster biodiversity
BOUNDARIES Above At Spetchley FOCAL POINTS

We might not all have the sheltering, heat-retaining Park in Worcestershire, You might wonder if a focal point is needed in a
surrounding walls are
perimeter of a walled garden to work with, but there vegetable garden, but it has the same anchoring
pressed into service:
are many alternatives. For a very simple border, train apricots in fans function here as in other spaces. A statue of Diana
opt for a hedge of the dwarf lavender ‘Hidcote’, or add a wisteria. among the lettuces might seem incongruous, but a
perhaps punctuated by rosemary, clipped somewhat Below At Ven House in table, willow scarecrow or a verdigris copper could
Somerset, an urn makes
to keep it in shape. It’s attractive, low-maintenance look good, as well as serving a functional purpose.
a classic focal point, but
and will bring pollinators to the garden. If you’re a rustic scarecrow can Try echoing the traditional dipping pool of a
more ambitious and see this as a long-term project, add wit to the garden. walled garden with a water feature or small pond of
consider training fruit into espaliers or step-overs. your own. The right planter, perhaps elevated, could
The whips of some of the more sophisticated contain edible flowers such as calendula and violas;
berry crosses, such as thornless loganberries, larger containers might provide the perfect home for
tayberries and blackberries, can also be trained into carrots if you need to keep them beyond the reach
seasonal hedges. Install strong vertical supports of carrot fly. Sculptural and dramatic artichokes will
with tension wire between them, then tie in each also make a fine centre point and because they are
new branch to the wire. Chris deep-rooted perennials, you can leave
Bowers (chrisbowers.co.uk)and them in place for many years.
Keepers Nursery (keepers-nursery. Obelisks of quick climbers also work
co.uk) can supply. Alternatively, try well: try runner beans, sweet peas or
roses: for terrific hips in autumn, Spanish flag (Ipomoea lobata). Violet
include a Rosa rugosa variety such Grey (violetgrey.co.uk) and Lorfords
as ‘Hansa’ or ‘Rubra’. Or consider Antiques (lorfordsantiques.com) sell
a wildlife-friendly hedgerow mix vintage obelisks, but do rummage
of blackthorn, hawthorn and hazel, through car boot and brocante sales such
which will provide both habitat and as those regularly held by The Country
food for birds and insects. Brocante (thecountrybrocante.co.uk). For
Willow hurdles and hedges are a new models, try A Place in the Garden
sustainable and attractive choice. (aplaceinthegarden.co.uk), Whichford
Try Jay Davey, a much sought-after Pottery (whichfordpottery.com) or Italian
willow weaver (jaydavey.co.uk). Terrace (italianterrace.co.uk).

SUPPORTS Above At Rockcliffe
Virtually all gardens benefit from height and the use in the Cotswolds, a
variety of elements
of the invisible vertical axis. Vegetable gardens are
work together to make
no exception, and if you grow climbing beans, peas the kitchen garden
or squash, some kind of support is essential. Bamboo a pleasurable and
canes are widely available, but for rustic appeal look beautiful place to work.
Right Freshly cut hazel
for hazel rods from a local coppice or grow your
rods are supple; bend
own for a ready supply: one or two plants should them to make a tunnel
be sufficient. Freshly cut hazel and willow are both for annual climbers as
pliable enough to bend into shape. A hazel tunnel, here at Whatley Manor.
clothed in a mix of climbing beans or trailing squash
can make a delightful summer feature.
Consider using a wildlife-friendly hedgerow

mix of blackthorn, hawthorn and hazel
Unlike beans, which wrap tightly around any
upright they come upon, peas and sweet peas need
additional material to grip as they climb. Pea sticks
are the twiggy ends of hazel branches and if you
can’t grow your own, you can buy them online.
Otherwise seek out jute netting to drape over a
frame. For metal supports, look to Sarah Raven
(sarahraven.com), Agriframes (agriframes.co.uk) or
Harrod Horticultural (harrodhorticultural.com) as
well as larger DIY outlets.

Growing a diversity of plants in a matrix,

instead of keeping them in blocks of the
same, has been shown to reduce pests
Above A jumble of of brassicas like cavolo nero, or sow lettuces and

colourful vegetables and radishes in diamonds and circles.
flowers brings a joyful
Growing a diversity of plants in a matrix, instead
light-heartedness to the
garden at Morton Hall. of keeping them in blocks of the same, has been
Left Bright zinnias are shown to reduce pests, simply because the food
quick and easy to grow. source of choice is harder to access. Growing
There’s still just enough
sacrificial plants like nasturtiums can also draw,
time to sow them now
for late-summer flowers. blackfly away from beans, for example. You may
however, still need to protect crops. Builders’ debris
netting is a cost-effective alternative to regular plant
PLANTING & FLOWERS netting and is usually fine enough to keep out most
Smart serried ranks of vegetables might be the small insects. Try Enviromesh to prevent carrot fly,
obvious planting scheme that comes to mind for a or source inexpensive net curtains online and stitch
kitchen garden, but your beds needn’t be like that them to size. A white sheet can also do the job.
if you prefer something more decorative. Here is Vegetable gardening is the most egalitarian form
your chance to experiment with colour, form and of gardening: a Savoy cabbage, heavy in knobbled
function, just as you might in an ornamental garden. leaf, is as beautiful and as delicious growing in a
Edge beds with decorative edibles such as curly leaf modest vegetable patch as it is in a potager. And
parsley or chives that bloom in early spring. Grow with a little thought, a kitchen garden can be very
flowers for cutting against a dramatic darker foil beautiful indeed. n

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T EC H N I Q U E S
When taking internodal

clematis cuttings, select
active growth from the
current season’s young,
ripe wood.
TRADE
SECRETS:
Take a Clematis
Cutting
WORDS VIVIENNE HAMBLY IMAGE GAP/PAUL DEBOIS
Choose from the right group and clematis can be surprisingly

easy to propagate by taking internodal cuttings. Andy Jeanes
of Raymond Evison Clematis explains exactly how to do it

T EC H N I Q U E S
ne of the most profound aspects of

growing plants is the way in which
they can be so easily multiplied.
Depending on the material, you can
collect seed, divide, layer and take
different types of cuttings. Internodal cuttings are
the best way to propagate clematis, and if a friend
has a plant you like the look of, you might ask their
permission to reach for the secateurs.
Better still, if you are serious about propagation,
try a razor blade. “We find a razor blade to be
superior even to a scalpel for this job because it
gives an extremely clean cut,” says Andy Jeanes of
Raymond Evison Clematis, the Guernsey breeder
and grower, which sells around 3.5 million clematis
plants a year in the UK and elsewhere. “We take a
lot more cuttings than that, obviously, because there
is a failure rate. So we often go through quite a lot
of razor blades!” Andy quips. “The people who take
cuttings day in and day out can feel the ripeness of
the wood between their fingers, and they know if it’s
actually good material that’s ready to be propagated
or not. I can’t explain it – it’s all feel.”
Certain species of clematis are easier to propagate
than others, notes Andy, and he advises beginning
with vigorous Group 1 types, including Clematis
montana, C. alpina and C. macropetala, all of
which should root quite easily. Beyond Group 1, he
suggests that you “go for old-fashioned varieties like Tools and will keep the plant alive while roots develop, so put
‘Nelly Moser’ and ‘Comtesse de Bouchaud’”. equipment a clear polythene bag over the top like a tent and
You can take clematis cuttings throughout Well-drained potting
secure it with an elastic band,” he advises. Place
the growing season, but make sure you’re taking medium, such as John
the pot on a windowsill with plenty of light – you
cuttings of active growth from younger wood. Innes seed compost.
shouldn’t need base heat – and after around six
“Don’t go for old wood: you want this season’s weeks, the plant will have rooted. “Leave the plant
9cm pot
growth,” Andy advises. The cutting season at in the pot until the roots are coming out of the
Raymond Evison ends in around October, but Clear polythene bag bottom. Then you can harden it off and plant it,”
at home, without the sheltered conditions of a Elastic band he says. “Damping off can be a cause of failure,
commercial operation, this could well be sooner. Old-fashioned razor so once you’ve drenched your compost, inserted
blade your cuttings and put your tent over the pot, don’t
The Trick re-water or water from the base. Just leave it as it is.
Nodes on a plant are where leaves attach to the stem The humidity from the tent will be enough.”
and from which shoots emerge, so the internode is Top left Clematis ‘Nelly
the section between two nodes that is responsible Moser’ is an old- Good to Know
fashioned type that is
for the elongation of the stem. Select a section of easy to propagate.
The price of a commercial clematis depends on how
stem that’s about 5cm long with a node at each end. Above right Cut above easy it is to propagate. “If you take 1,000 cuttings
IMAGES GAP/PAUL DEBOIS; GARDEN WORLD IMAGES; SHUTTERSTOCK
Slice through the stem just above the lower node so the upper node, leaving from a Clematis montana, you’ll probably end up
that the node remains on the plant. Success depends one leaf intact and with 1,000 cuttings to grow on,” explains Andy.
removing all other
on keeping the cutting alive while it directs energy upper plant material.
“But C. armandii costs £20-25 per plant because
into rooting, so reduce material above to the bare Above left Clematis cuttings have quite a high failure rate.”
necessities. Of the growth above the top node of alpina is a vigorous It’s also illegal to propagate a clematis with a Plant
your section, remove one leaf, cut the second leaf in Group 1 species that’s Breeder’s Rights (PBR) restriction, and all Raymond
an ideal candidate for
half and slice off any continuing stem. “And that’s a internodal cuttings.
Evison clematis carry this labelling. PBR lasts for up
cutting,” says Andy. He recommends taking about to 25 years, so take care only to propagate varieties
five of them, since they probably won’t all take. older than this if propagation is not for private use. n
The next step, according to Andy, is to dip the
bottom end of each cutting in hormone rooting Raymond Evison, The Guernsey Clematis Nursery,
powder. Place the cuttings around the edge of a 9cm Braye Vineries, Route Militaire, Vale, Guernsey
pot filled with damp, free-draining soil. “Humidity GY3 5RP. raymondevisonclematis.com

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WEEDS & WEEDING
Pulling spent forget-
me-nots from a border;
it blurs the definition of
a ‘weed’ with its pretty
flowers and ferocious
ability to self-seed.
RIGHT PLANT,
WRONG PLACE
WORDS VIVIENNE HAMBLY IMAGE GAP/TIM GAINEY
Native weeds are loved by wildlife, impressively hardy, often ravishingly pretty
and have a long flowering season. There’s a case for learning to love these
pioneering opportunists, while keeping them under control in the garden

WEEDS & WEEDING
reeping, climbing, trailing, shallow- one. I think of weeds as the plants we know best.
rooted or deep-reaching, annual They’re the ones we grow up with, like dandelion
or perennial: weeds are regularly clocks: they’re really just wildflowers.”
encountered by just about anyone
who gardens. Generally the first Weed Identities
reaction is to uproot them, but something else is At this point, we should note the distinction
also true: one gardener’s weed is another gardener’s between tolerable perennial and shallow-rooted
treasure. Well, almost. annual weeds, and truly invasive plants, which
“I have a kind of ‘swingometer’ of where we are on are generally garden escapees, such as Himalayan
invasive plants, from Japanese knotweed at one end balsam and Japanese knotweed. In Scotland
Below left Japanese to wildflowers at the other,” says Jack Wallington, there’s Rhododendron ponticum, once a stalwart
knotweed is one of designer and author of Wild About Weeds: Garden of Victorian planting schemes, and Crocosmia x
the most troublesome Design with Rebel Plants. “But everyone’s list of crocosmiiflora in Cornwall, where the popular
weeds, with strict laws
weeds is completely different,” he adds. “Herb garden plant swamps more delicate native
governing its disposal.
Below right A garden Robert is one of my absolute favourites. It will grow species. When they were introduced, there was no
escapee, Himalayan in the deepest shade and has lovely pink flowers, inkling that any of these plants would become as
balsam can quickly but for some reason it has ended up on the weed troublesome as they have done. Japanese knotweed
colonise and erode its
list.” Another of Jack’s favourites are ox-eye daisies, in particular must now be dealt with decisively and
riverbank habitat.
Bottom right A butterfly which self-seed but are also easy to pull out if they in accordance with law. But with our changing
feeding on herb Robert. get out of hand. “Welsh poppies are a really good climate in mind, Jack notes that what might not be

invasive now, could easily become so in future. Even
now, plants like foxgloves and poppies can quickly
come to dominate a space.
Yet traditional weeds, which grow fast and seed
abundantly, are generally brilliantly evolved pioneer
species. They find homes in baked soil, survive in
hot nooks and crannies where less robust plants
falter, thrive in damp spaces, or put down long tap
roots to access minerals well below ground. Richard are not on the planting list, they can quickly become Top We’re conditioned
Mabey points out in Weeds: The Story of Outlaw incredibly frustrating to the gardener. to weed out dandelions,
but their flowers are a
Plants that weeds have ‘rapid opportunist lifestyles’ There are several approaches to take. Mabey
valuable nectar source.
and that their role is to fill empty spaces on earth. writes about the separation of the natural world Above right Even benign
‘An organism exists for no other reason than that into the ‘wild and domestic’, and, wearing his foxgloves can self-seed
it is able to, and can find an opportunity to do so,’ designing hat, Jack would have us take a more at a weed-like rate.
Above left Ox-eye
he writes. As pioneer species in a wild habitat, they inclusive approach to weeds. “So many weeds
daisies straddle the line
make possible the conditions for other, less robust have this amazing extended period of flowering, between weed and
IMAGES SHUTTERSTOCK; GAP/CAROLE DRAKE
plants to grow; they stabilise soil and shelter other from early spring through autumn, and they wildflower, but are one
plants. In their keenness to flower and spread, they often beat ornamental plants in terms of a floral of Jack Wallington’s
favourite plants.
often provide food for pollinating insects at times display,” he notes. In Jack’s garden there are “a
when little else is available. million dandelions, daisies, cow parsley, ox-eye
daisies, purple toadflax, Welsh poppies, yarrow,
Aim for Inclusion red valerian, knapweed and even evening primrose,
None of this augurs well, however, if there is a which self-seeded and has been allowed to stay”. His
rockery, bulb plantings or a vegetable patch to keep intention is to make his garden more biodiverse and,
neat and tidy. If creeping buttercup and campanula for him, weeds are key to that.

WEEDS & WEEDING
Designer Tom Massey, who used weeds in Right The sight of

his silver-gilt winning design for the Royal vigorous, strangling
bindweed can strike
Entomological Society at the RHS Chelsea Flower
fear into the heart of the
Show, agrees. “My own garden looks like the show most relaxed gardener.
garden,” he says. “We can try to control our spaces, Below View white clover
but we’ll never win. So we might as well put in less as a nectar-rich lawn
alternative rather than
effort, expend less energy and use fewer pesticides
a lawn weed.
and herbicides to let nature to take its course.” Bottom right Brambles
can be very invasive,
Weed Management spreading both by seed
and by layering.
If all this feels a little too relaxed for comfort, Jack
Bottom left Learn to
suggests learning the life cycle of the most abundant identify weed seedlings,
plants and acting when they’re at their weakest. such as willowherb, to
Deadhead dandelions before they set seed and learn weed them out earlier.
what willowherb looks like at seedling stage when
it can be easily removed. It also helps to learn what
weeds indicate about soil conditions and to amend
that so it is less favourable. Creeping buttercups,
cowslips, and annual meadow grass thrive in heavy
clay soil; nettles, brambles and rosebay willowherb
grow in dry soil; black bindweed, foxgloves and
cinquefoil often indicate acidic soil; while damp soil
hosts dock, marsh marigolds and stinging nettle.
One of the simplest ways to keep out weeds is
to grow groundcovers and robust, low-growing

plants over bare soil. Jettison the traditional bare- Above Weeding by hand
stemmed rose garden for something more diverse is time-consuming but
worth doing around
– an underplanting of lavender ‘Hidcote’ or Nepeta
edible crops that might
racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’ will easily crowd out all be damaged by a hoe.
IMAGES GAP/JONATHAN BUCKLEY/MARTIN HUGHES-JONES; GARDEN WORLD IMAGES; SHUTTERSTOCK
but the most persistent of weeds. White clover is Right Young leaves of
dense enough to stop other plants from creeping in stinging nettles can be
eaten, and the plants are
and is ideal on paths that don’t receive much footfall.
a food source for many
Clover also makes nitrogen available to other plants butterfly caterpillars, so
and its flowers are a valuable food source for bees. it’s worth leaving a patch
Where a groundcover is unsuitable, apply a thick if you have space.
mulch. This will help hold moisture in the soil and
preserve soil quality, while excluding light will stop
weed seeds germinating. This is the easiest way
to keep soil around growing bulbs clear – hoe and
water before applying the mulch and the worst of no weeds to be seen will mean that they will seldom
the weeds should be taken care of. All manner of ever be seen. Hoeing will disturb tiny, emerging
materials are suitable: fine woodchip on paths or seedlings, and picking off the new shoots of robust
horse manure under roses. For ericaceous plants, use plants like bindweed will slowly weaken them.
pine needles. In vegetable gardens, spent mushroom But perhaps Richard Mabey has the correct
compost is ideal. General compost, too, can work, philosophical approach we might all be wise to
but it’s best if its anaerobic temperature has climbed adopt in our acceptance of these highly evolved if
high enough to ‘cook’ residual weed seeds and roots. uninvited party guests: ‘Weeds are the boundary
Most important of all though is attentiveness. breakers, the stateless minority who remind us that
Light hoeing, little and often, even when there are life is not tidy.’ n

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T H E N AT I O N ’ S FAVO U R I T E G A R D E N S
In association with
Find the Nation’s

Favourite Gardens
T
housands of gardens across the country, large
and small, of every shape and variety, open
their gates each year for the National Garden
Scheme to help raise funds for the nursing and
health charities the Scheme supports. We want to know
which of those gardens you most love to visit so
we can share the stories of your favourites and reward
the hard work of their talented and creative owners.
Nominate any garden that opens for the Scheme
this year, whether you’re its owner or an admiring
visitor. Once nominations have closed in mid July,
our judges will select a shortlist of gardens for each of
the six National Garden Scheme regions: Wales and
the Marches; North; Midlands; East; South East; and
South West. Then we’ll ask you to vote on the shortlist
to produce the winners – one for each region and one
overall ‘champion’ with the most votes, as well as one
winner from those gardens that are usually open to the
public but donate their takings from a particular day to
the National Garden Scheme.
Find every garden that opens for the Scheme online at St Timothee in Berkshire,
ngs.org.uk and listed in The Garden Visitor’s Handbook our overall winner from
2023, which can be ordered from ngs.org.uk/shop. Then last year’s competition.
visit our website at theenglishgarden.co.uk/ngs to vote.
How to nominate and vote

From now until 14 July, nominate your
favourite National Garden Scheme garden at
theenglishgarden.co.uk/ngs
A panel of judges will choose a shortlist of gardens
for each of the six National Garden Scheme regions.
From 1 August to 30 September, the public will be
asked to vote for their favourite shortlisted gardens
IMAGES NGS; CLIVE NICHOLS
to produce the winners – one for each region and

one overall winner.
The winning gardens will be revealed in late
autumn 2023.

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PA R T E R R E S
The elaborate and
ornate parterre at
Villandry in France,
where the concept
was honed in the
16th century.
A NEW
PATTERN
The design of a parterre can bring strong structure, a sense of
IMAGE GAP/ROB WHITWORTH
formality or even a meditative quality. As box falls out of favour

and arguments for sustainability build momentum, two very
different gardens are experimenting with the concept
WORDS CLARE FOGGETT

PA R T E R R E S
Above The traditional arterres have played a part in English of the day – think, for example, of the Victorian
parterre at Rousham gardens across the centuries. They’re parterre at Waddesdon Manor, its perfectly
House in Oxfordshire,
a progression from the knot gardens symmetrical beds filled with neatly planted carpets
where box-edged
compartments are filled of medieval and Elizabethan eras, and of colourful bedding.
with summer roses. some garden historians believe they Now though, as we’re all too aware, box has
became particularly fashionable in the first half become a problematic plant, both for professional
of the 17th century when Henrietta Maria, newly gardeners caring for historic estates and those of
IMAGES GAP/MARCUS HARPUR; RHS/LEE CHARLTON/NICOLA STOCKEN; NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND
married to King Charles I, brought her favourite us growing it at home. It can end up riddled with
landscape designer over from France to remodel her box moth caterpillars that strip its foliage before
English gardens in a more opulent French style. our eyes, or stricken with the fungal disease box
Elaborate parterres had been popular in France blight. With little hope of keeping it healthy without
since the end of the 16th century when Claude committing to a time-consuming programme of
Mollet designed complex patterned gardens at regular treatment and sprays, have we come to the
the royal palaces of Saint-Germain-en-Laye and end of the road for the traditional box parterre?
Fontainebleau. The word itself is French, meaning Gardeners at the National Trust for Scotland are
‘on the ground’ – these features were usually built on looking to a future without box. Pilar Medrano-Dell
a level part of the garden close to the house so they is head gardener at the Trust’s Pitmedden Garden
could be viewed from the windows above. in Aberdeenshire, where a traditional parterre sits
The style evolved over the years. Sometimes a at the heart of the garden on the lower terrace.
pattern was created by cutting gravel shapes and “Anyone can see how much box hedging we have
paths into grass. In other gardens, crushed brick here – there are miles of it,” says Pilar. “But we do
was used to fill parts of the pattern with a different have box blight, and we have to confront that issue,
coloured stone. Most often low box hedging was so we have a ten-year plan to replace the box hedges.
used to mark out the parterre’s pattern and enclose We’ve been experimenting with Ilex crenata and
its compartments into areas that could be planted. other alternatives, but there are two factors that limit
The grandest country houses were occupied only in what we can plant here: one is that we have acid soil,
summer, so summer-flowering plants were the order which Ilex crenata doesn’t like, and the other is that

it’s a lot colder here in North East Scotland, so what Top RHS Wisley’s Box worst winter in a decade here, but having said that,
might work in a warmer part of the UK probably Alternative Garden is we would never formally publish the results of our
an intricate showcase
won’t thrive here. But we have had success with trials until the plants had experienced a proper
of other plants that are
Lonicera nitida ‘Maigrun’ and yew (Taxus baccata), happy to be clipped into winter anyway.” Weeks of sub-zero temperatures
and we’re starting to replace some of the box low hedging shapes. certainly put the plants being trialled to the test.
already. You can’t do everything too quickly and you Above right Pitmedden’s Species of pittosporum and corokia had been
lower terrace features a
have to maintain the history, so we’re making the looking promising, but as Matthew notes: “All the
traditional parterre, but
change in a gradual, sustainable way over ten years.” the box hedging is being Pittosporum tobira cultivars have been wiped out
At the opposite end of the country in the Royal gradually replaced. and all the corokia, including hybrid Corokia x
Horticultural Society’s garden at Wisley, gardeners Above left Alternatives virgata and C. cotoneaster. Even if they did come
to box on trial at Wisley.
have been trialling a range of box alternatives, back from the old wood, we’re not confident to say
many of which had been looking promising, until to people that they’re a good box alternative.”
last winter struck. “Temperatures dropped to Leptospermum and luma also failed, but, on
about -10°C in the Box Alternative Garden,” says the other hand, Berberis darwinii ‘Compacta’,
Matthew Pottage, Wisley’s curator. “It was the Ligustrum undulatum and cultivars of Ligustrum

PA R T E R R E S
sinense, lonicera and phillyrea were all fine. “The

biggest surprise, and the most interesting, is the
podocarpus. I had been trumpeting them as my
favourite before it got cold because they need only
one clip a year, but as they’re from the southern Top The box hedges need clipping but forms a low barrier instead, like
hemisphere we thought ‘oh no, they’ll all die’. But curvaceously dividing santolina, for instance.”
Podocarpus acutifolius and P. totara have been Broughton Grange’s Tom Stuart-Smith is known for his modern takes
parterre have now been
fine,” says Matthew. replaced with euonymus. on this most traditional feature. The parterre he
“On a happier note,” he adds, “now that we’ve Above right Perennials designed at Broughton Grange in Oxfordshire, its
pulled out all those plants that have died, it’s given in the new Chris pattern based on the magnified cells within a leaf,
us an opportunity to trial other genera and try more Beardshaw-designed eschewed traditional formal symmetry in favour of
parterre on Pitmedden’s
cultivars of the things that have worked.” Also, as upper terrace.
curvaceous, organic lines. But even here box blight
Matthew points out, a parterre needn’t be hedged. Above left Paths form has struck, and so the hedges have recently been
“You could go with something softer that doesn’t this parterre’s pattern. replanted with Euonymus ‘Jean Hugues’.

Back at Pitmedden, on the garden’s upper terrace, Above At Hergest Croft high impact in terms of aesthetics.” Across Scotland,
another parterre has been completely reimagined. in Herefordshire, low the Trust is phasing out annual summer bedding,
hedges of Lonicera nitida
Designer Chris Beardshaw was asked to give the which is known for being resource-heavy to grow,
create the pattern in
previous formal design an innovative rethink, this parterre, its slightly using lots of water, often peat-based growing media,
and his new vision for it was planted up in 2020 shaggy outline lending and requiring heat. More sustainable perennials are
and 2021. The result is a ‘deconstructed parterre’, a charm of its own. the obvious choice to replace it.
with two symmetrical halves sitting either side of Pitmedden’s perennials include robust stalwarts
the garden’s central axis, its pattern composed of such as persicaria, agastache, salvia and nepeta.
grass paths and the spaces in between planted with “The only thing we’ve had to tweak is the angelica
flowing herbaceous perennials and grasses. – its seedheads create a fantastic effect, but there’s
“The previous layout was very constrained with been a lot of self-seeding so we’ve had to keep on top
strong formality,” explains Pilar. “Now the garden of it,” says Pilar. “We want to keep moving forward
IMAGES CLIVE NICHOLS; NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND; GAP/CAROLE DRAKE
has a more contemporary feel, but it’s balanced and offer something that’s not static, but at the same
with the historical background. We wanted the time there has to be a compromise with the history
planting to give maximum reward – to increase of our amazing properties and landscapes. Does a
its biodiversity and wildlife and to increase its historic garden have to stay the way it was when it
seasonality to extend the period of interest for was created, or has it got to evolve? For me, it’s all
visitors. I hadn’t realised how beautiful the light about creating resilient landscapes, even in what
here in North East Scotland is. In autumn it has a could be considered a constrained environment like
very special tonality, and together with the autumn a parterre. Now if you come every week, you see
colour in Chris Beardshaw’s design, it makes something different, and today the bees and all the
walking through the garden a great experience.” other insects are buzzing.” n
“As a conservation charity, the Trust is keen to be
proactive and forward thinking when it comes to Pitmedden Garden, Ellon, Aberdeenshire AB41 7PD.
issues like climate change,” adds Pilar. “The planting Tel: 01651 842352; nts.org.uk/pitmedden
reflects that – it needs to be low input in terms of RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB.
resources like water, fertiliser and pesticides, but Tel: 01483 224234; rhs.org.uk/wisley

GARDENS & NURSERIES TO VISIT IN EARLY SUMMER
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BLUEBELL ARBORETUM & NURSERY BEETHAM NURSERIES

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trees, container plants and hedging and fruit, plus
fruit. Plenty of homegrown these July starlets:
vegetable plants are Astrantia ‘Gill Richardson’,
available through spring Actinidia kolomikta,
and summer. Cornus ‘Norman Hadden’,
Our garden shop sells seeds, Euphorbia mellifera, lupin
tools and essential garden ‘Masterpiece’, Nepeta
sundries. We have a beautiful ‘Neptune’ and Rose
homeware and clothing ‘Rebecca Mary’. New
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info@daisyclough.com | www.daisyclough.com info@springreachnursery.co.uk | www.springreachnursery.co.uk
Station Lane, Scorton, Preston, Lancashire PR3 1AN Long Reach, Ockham, Surrey GU23 6PG
HEVER CASTLE & GARDENS WATERPERRY GARDENS
Experience Hever Home to twenty acres of
Castle at the height of beautiful gardens with one
its summer beauty, of the country’s most
with more than 5,000 prestigious herbaceous
beautifully displayed borders, formal garden,
roses creating a waterlily canal, alpine garden,
kaleidoscope of colour wild walk and riverside path.
and wonderfully The plant centre in the
perfumed aromas. As ancient walled garden offers
the days lengthen, the plant connoisseurs and
Mediterranean-style budding amateurs alike
planting within the unusual varieties of shrubs
Pompeiian Wall bursts and herbaceous plants
into life and the while our friendly and
herbaceous borders knowledgeable staff are
display hundreds of always available to provide
different perennials, advice, information and
each vying for inspiration.
attention. OPEN: 10am to 5.30pm.
Tel: 01732 865224 Tel: 01844 339254
info@hevercastle.co.uk | www.hevercastle.co.uk office@waterperrygardens.co.uk | www.waterperrygardens.co.uk
Hever, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7NG Waterperry, Near Wheatley, Oxfordshire OX33 1LA
FORDE ABBEY AND GARDENS COTTESBROOKE HALL & GARDENS

A 900-year-old Abbey July sees the garden rooms at
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Home to England’s persicarias at their peak providing
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TO C O N C LU D E
Green Party
Fresh, textural ferns in all shades of green will enliven any garden, and Non Morris
has plenty of exciting varieties to recommend even for drier and less shady spots
I
t is the ferns that gladden and a metre wide offering
my heart. Every time an architectural backbone
I return to Wales I am to a planting scheme along
amazed all over again at with May-flowering Libertia
their lushness. Arm-long grandiflora perhaps and
fronds of hart’s tongue fern white Japanese anemones.
spilling onto the road under If space is limited, the
mild watery skies, fresh advantage of ferns over
green male-fern confidently many structural shrubs is
peopling a cobbled that their maximum size is
courtyard, delicate starfishes comfortingly predictable.
of maidenhair spleenwort Polystichum setiferum is
darting across stone walls. an essential fern for drier
If you are lucky enough shade. It is worth seeking
to have a sheltered garden out finer forms – the larger
and plentiful rain, the ‘Herrenhausen’ or the
opportunities for fern-fuelled tightly nestling ‘Plumosum
texture and exuberance are Densum’ – for an exquisite
open-ended. In the Garden- evergreen layer under
If you a have a sheltered garden and

in-the Ruins at Lowther deciduous trees or filigree
Castle in Cumbria, Dan edging to a shaded path.
Pearson uses the stately
Dryopteris wallichiana as
plentiful rain, the opportunities The metre-high Japanese
lace fern, Polystichum
an elegant, repeated vase- for fern-fuelled texture and polyblepharum, never
shape amid a soft, flowing
sea of Hakonechloa macra.
exuberance are open-ended looks less than elegantly
vigorous. I grow it in large
This is punctuated by pale- pots with long-flowering
flowered Cornus ‘Norman Hadden’ and distinguished Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Madame Emile Mouillère’
stands of Campanula latifolia var. macrantha ‘Alba’ – a – pure white, turning pink with age – to soften and
white campanula that looks elegant even when the brighten our shady dining terrace.
flowers develop into biscuity seedheads. The number of ferns available can be overwhelming.
My favourite gardens in Wales and the West As with other aspects of gardening, the way to expand
Country celebrate the electric green of fern against your repertoire is by trying out a gorgeous variety
stone adding Soleirolia soleirolii, the tiny-leaved baby’s cleverly grown by a gardener you admire. As you
tears, to form trailing, moss-like cushions between the enter Pettifers, the Oxfordshire garden of inspirational
paving and shoals of delicate yellow Welsh poppy to plantswoman, the late Gina Price, you come across a
dance amongst the radiant upright forms. Of the three low container brimming over with Adiantum aleuticum
ferns – sensitive, shuttlecock and royal – that need a ‘Imbricatum’: layer upon layer of delectable, fine-
ILLUSTRATION MARIA BURNS PORTRAIT RACHEL WARNE
very damp environment, the broad-fingered, apple fingered maidenhair foliage on wiry black stems. This
green Onoclea sensibilis is my favourite. But there are is the kind of fern that will make you gasp. I have just
ferns that thrive in dry shade and these can be key to ordered one and I warmly suggest you do the same.
creating an alluring, beautifully patterned space. Sometimes, of course, you choose a plant for
Dryopteris is always a good place to start. The entirely sentimental reasons. Fibrex Nurseries rightly
deciduous Dryopteris wallichiana with its distinguished describes the finely cut Polypodium cambricum
dark brown central stipe will in fact do well in an urban ‘Conwy’ as ‘a real beauty’. For me, the idea of a fern
or drier garden as long as there is water available found on the rampart walls that wrap around Conwy
when it unfurls in spring and provided it is not Castle in North Wales is just too tantalising to resist. n
frazzled by midday sun. I often specify the evergreen
Dryopteris atrata, which grows to around a metre tall lowthercastle.org; fibrex.co.uk

rhinogreenhouses.co.uk
0800 694 1929

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