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THE ENGLISH GARDEN
THE ENGLISH
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JULY 2011 ISSUE 166 FOR EVERYONE WHO LOVES BEAUTIFUL GARDENS WWW.THEENGLISHGARDEN.CO.UK
J ULY 2011
JULY
FOR EVERYONE WHO LOVES BEAUTIFUL GARDENS
GARDENS
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Coastal plants
Top picks by Toby Buckland
PRAIRIE STYLE
Master the art with
our expert advice
Sarah Raven
ON ATTRACTING BUTTERFLIES
GROWING & COOKING

YOUR FAVOURITE BERRIES
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ALSO IN THE JULY ISSUE...

National Trust tips on PRUNING APPLETREES
ANDY STURGEON on slopes & level changes
Great gift ideas for GREEN-FINGERED KIDS
Native HEDGEROW PLANTS for your garden
IBULEVE
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EDITORS LETTER
All of you who are

hoping Im about
to create the next
Hidcote or open for
the NGS - hang fire!
s I write Im on the edge of my seat.
This could be the day that I exchange
contracts on a new house. Well, more
to the point, on an acre of garden.
I have a notebook full of plants spotted
at the recent Malvern and Chelsea flower shows, and
Ive already ordered bulbs to arrive in autumn. The
only thing that is going to get in the way of creating
my next garden is a lack of time. So, for all of you who
are hoping Im about to create the next Hidcote or
open for the NGS - hang fire! However, Ill give it
my best shot and try my utmost to get my five year
old to help and not hinder.
On the cover:
Design Guide (pg 55)
Photograph: Marianne
Majerus
THE ENGLISH
GARDEN AWARDS
2011
The Nichee
Magazine Awards
Best Niche Lifestyle
Consumer Magazine
The temptation not to plan too much for a possible

garden has been so difficult - especially when visiting
gardens local to me such as Brook Farm (pg 33). I have
hundreds of ideas, but from previous experience I know
I need to slow down and connect with the plot. This
might sound a bit lovey, but its vital. Oh, and did I
mention Ill have a polytunnel? Yippee!
This issue is packed with inspiration for all of us aspiring
Gertrude Jekylls and Christopher Lloyds. We bring you
FIVE GARDENS at their peak, all overflowing with
stunning PLANT COMBINATIONS and tips from the
owners or gardeners. Cooking and growing summer
HOWARD WALKER
fruits, prairie planting and COASTAL PLANTS (pg 99)

are more of the features that make this months magazine
the perfect package. Im also thrilled to have SARAH
RAVEN as our Guest Speaker (pg 114), and as a nod to
her love of flowers for cuttings, Im testing GARDEN
SCISSORS (pg 22). My family are thrilled the trial is
over, as theyve been protecting their borders from me.
Id love to hear about any gardens you discover, so email
me at tamsin.westhorpe@archant.co.uk. Keep your
garden forks and fingers crossed for my move - and
happy gardening!
2010
Garden Media Guild
Gardening Column
Of The Year
Mark Diacono
2009
Garden Media Guild
Gardening Column
Of The Year
Jackie Bennett
Turn to pg 95 to find out how to claim your 20

free* perennials, pictured below - *just pay 4.90
postage! From left: echinacea, eryngium, kniphofia,
physalis and liatris.
Tamsin Westhorpe, Editor
Garden Media Guild

New Garden Media
Talent Of The Year
Stephanie Mahon
2008
Garden Media Guild
New Writer Award
Joe Reardon-Smith
Congratulations to Alba Lucia Mulford from Midlothian, the winner of our RHS Chelsea Flower Show competition
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The English Garden (UK issue) ISSN no 1361-2840. Printed in England.
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The English Garden 5
Contents
JULY
10
12
14
21
22
104
114
The Rake James Alexander-Sinclair talks events and news

Shopping For children Great ideas for garden fun
National Trust Head Gardener Chris Braithwaite at Acorn Bank
Talking techniques Toby Buckland on growing veg in borders
Editors choice: Scissors Which pair will perform the best?
Library leaves This months new gardening books reviewed
Guest speaker Sarah Raven on gardening for beneficial insects
Glorious gardens
26
BERKSHIRE Exquisite aesthetic A garden designers
33
WORCESTERSHIRE Flight of fantasy All the ingredients
40
HAMPSHIRE Easy on the eye Chalky soil and lots of old
47
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Feminine charms Find a rather
country plot is a joy of colour, texture and dreamy planting

for a rural retreat, but the challenge of a frost pocket for one florist
farmyard buildings didnt deter this couple for an instant
glorious socialite past and lots of garden rooms at Kelmarsh
Design
55
DESIGN GUIDE Curvy worthy The twists and turns of an
63
IN CONVERSATION WITH... NEW SERIES! Andy Sturgeon
ultra-chic contemporary garden with open countryside views

explains how to work with slopes and create changes in level
89
55
65
On the cover
PAGE
65
PAGE
PAGE
47
33
PAGE
26
PAGE
55
PAGE
22
40
81
33
65
A GARDEN REBORN Making progress In the next part of

our series, the flower garden at Bridge Eal has suddenly taken off
69
GLASSHOUSES Heaven is a hothouse Discover how
97
99
Eco-watch What is companion planting and how does it work?

Going coastal Toby Buckland looks at the best drought-tolerant
plants for coastal gardens and water-parched plots
The English Garden magazine and Hartley Botanic made a real show
75
CREATING A SHOW GARDEN, PART 3 Find out how Tom
Offers, competitions & events
Hoblyn fared during RHS Chelsea Flower Show build up week
25
Subscriptions Claim your FREE signed copy of River Cottage
95
The edible garden

79
81
Mark Diacono Edible things to grow this month and events

Cook your own Summer fruits growing tips and tasty recipes
86
Eats &Treats The Grove in Pembrokeshire offers country charm,
from the famous Ballymaloe Cookery School

great gardens, and lots and lots of gorgeous home-grown food
Plants
9
89
Veg Patch, worth 14.99, and save 35% on The English Garden
Plant offers 20 FREE Perennials for every reader!
Just
pay 4.90 postage - and plenty of other great deals too
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Plant swatch Top picks of hedgerow wildflowers for the garden

Plant focus Prairie planting laid bare by one of the countrys
POST a cheque made payable to Archant Specialist Ltd to:
leading experts, Chelsea Gold nurseryman Neil Lucas
Oriel Road, Cheltenham GL50 1BB
The Edible Garden,The English Garden Magazine, Archant House,
For more information about our Gothic Folly standard or bespoke designs, as well
as our wide selection of ornaments to decorate your Folly & Garden, please visit
www.redwoodstone.com
FOLLY & GARDEN
See us at the Hampton Court Flower Show Stand No.PK136
The Old Manor House Garden, Capel Manor
The Ruin
The Potting Shed

The Stoneworks, West Horrington Wells, Somerset ba5 3eh England
01749 677777
Opening hours: Weekdays 9.00am 5.00pm, Saturday 9.00am 1.00pm
PLANT SWATCH
HEDGEROW PLANTS
Life on
the verge
SILENE DIOICA/GWI - JOHN MARTIN GEUM URBANUM/GWI - MARTIN HUGHES-JONES
CLINOPODIUM VULGARE/GWI - STEFFEN HAUSER COMPILED BY/CINEAD MCTERNAN
For pretty, wild flowers worthy of a spot in your garden,

look no further than wild country hedges for inspiration
Silene dioica
Red campion
Geum urbanum
Wood avens
Clinopodium
vulgare - wild basil
In the wild, this dainty plant (above) can also
Clusters of yellow flowers (top right) appear
A drought-resistant plant, this is ideally suited
be found in coppice or woodland clearings,
from June to August, followed by spiky
to growing at the base of a hedge, edge of
so find a semi-shaded spot in your own
seedheads, made to cling to animal fur to
a woodland or in dry grassy places. As its
garden to recreate its preferred habitat.
help spread the plant further afield. Insect
name implies, this plant is lightly scented and
Green leaves appear in spring, closely
friendly, it provides some nectar and pollen
attractive to bees and butterflies. Delicate
followed by pretty pink flowers, which stay
for bees and is a food source for the larvae
purple flowers that whorl around the stems
in bloom until autumn. Its species name
of the grizzled skipper butterfly. It has been
(above right) appear from July to September.
derives from dioecious - a botanical term
used as a medicinal plant since Roman
Herb specialist, Jekka McVicar, suggests
meaning that male and female flowers
times, but more modern uses include
using it to flavour salads as well as an
are carried on separate plants. Height and
mouthwashes and herbal remedies.
infusion to help digestion. Height: to 90cm.
spread: up to 30cm.
Height: to 60cm; spread: 50cm.
CULTIVATION
CULTIVATION
CULTIVATION
Sow the seed of wild basil in spring in a
A hardy variety that will tolerate most soils,
Prefers a shady site and free draining soil. Sow
greenhouse or cold frame. Prick out into
apart from waterlogged and very acidic.
seeds in autumn. Plugs are available from
individual pots when the seedlings are
Divide in autumn if clumps become too large.
specialist nurseries and should be planted in
about 5cm, and transfer to their final
Grow from seed at any time of year.
rich, moist soil. Self-seeds well.
positions in summer.
The English Garden
news updates events trends gossip news updates events
y most memorable
July was just after
I had finished my
A-Levels, before trotting off into
the jaws of the big wide world.
It was (in my memory) always
hazily warm, and days were
spent lying under the shade of
the alders by the river. It also
involved very flared trousers and Woodbines. Life
seemed so very easy in those days.
Moments like that can be briefly recaptured: take some
time out this month to go and stare at trees and feel the
balmy winds on your skin. Just remember: steer clear
of cheesecloth shirts this time around.
HAREM OF HERBS
Everybody knows Jekka. Like Ronaldo or Madonna, she only needs
one name. She is the High Priestess of the Herb, the Empress of
Oregano and the Pasha of Parsley. Jekkas flower show entries are
always fabulous: Ive a particularly vivid memory of clouds of bright
yellow woad (Isatis tinctoria) hovering over her display at Chelsea
in 2009. As a result, she has trousered 62 RHS Gold medals, and
her best-selling books have become an invaluable part of every
gardeners library. Her nursery is only open occasionally to the
public. I have been there, and you wont be disappointed if you go
to one of her open days. If you go in July, theres also a workshop
about growing salad herbs for autumn. Tel: +44 (0)1454 418870
or visit www.jekkasherbfarm.com
James Alexander-Sinclair
I think I can say without too much
Tatton Park is the last major horticultural show of the summer. The last
fear of contradiction that this is
chance for a bit of plant shopping and some inspiration before we all
summertime. Whether or not the livin
beetle off to lie on a hot beach with a good book. It is also the only
is easy remains to be seem. In July,
time that great Royal Horticultural Society Show juggernaut moves
people like to sit in their gardens and
northwards. There will be a spectacular floral marquee, show gardens
what, I ask you, could be more suitable
(large and small) and the hotly contested bedding scheme competition.
and romantic than a summerhouse?
This is where rival councils battle with begonias and feud with fuchsias by
Soft cushions, shelter, fine wines and a
constructing increasingly elaborate and colourful displays. It is a small but
view. Grainstore Garden Buildings makes
perfectly assembled show. If you have a spare couple of hours (and the
summerhouses modelled on grainstores
necessary energy), then combine your visit to the show with a trot round
that sit upon four staddle stones, and make a fine place to eat canapes
the gardens of the main house; in particular, the spectacular 100-year-
while watching the setting sun. www.grainstoregardenbuildings.co.uk
old Japanese Garden. 20-24 July. Tickets are available from the RHS by
Many other companies offer contemporary and traditional designs too
calling 0844 3387505 or visiting www.rhs.org.uk
(above), such as HSP Garden Buildings. www.hspgardenbuildings.com
PLANT HUNTERS WEEKEND

Tom Hart-Dyke is very slightly deranged, in the
Lullingstone Castle in Kent, where he began to
nicest possible way. It is something that one
construct The World Garden. This is a botanical map
comes across in many plant obsessives. Give
of the world that he designed while languishing in
them an unusual orchid and a gleam flickers deep
captivity in a damp tent. It is now open to the
within their eyes, and they start to shudder with
public. If you go on the weekend of 30-31 July,
excitement. Tom is one of our finest plant hunters,
they are holding a special Plant Hunters Weekend.
who first came to notice by being kidnapped in
The Saturday is also my birthday, but it is unlikely
Colombia in 2000. After nine months, Tom
that this will entitle you to free cake; sorry. Tel: +44
was freed, and returned to his family home of
(0)1322 862114. www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk
10 The English Garden
RAKE ILLUSTRATION/JO DAVIES JAMES ALEXANDER-SINCLAIR/JENNY LEWIS

SUMMERHOUSE/HSP GARDEN BUILDINGS TATTON PARK/RHS WISLEY/RHS
SUMMERHOUSE ROMANCE
TATTY BYE
trends gossip news updates events trends gossip news

JULY GARDEN EVENTS
EAU DEAR
Sunday 3 - Sunday 10, Lincolnshire
Water is heavy stuff. I spent
Celebrate sweet pea week at Easton
much of my youth working as
Walled Garden. Tel: +44 (0)1476 530063
a waiter and I know: a tray
Tuesday 5 - Sunday 10, Surrey
laden with full glasses is not
Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. To
an easy thing to carry. Okay,
book tickets, go to www.rhs.org.uk
most of those glasses were
Wednesday 13, Buckinghamshire
full of something other than
Enjoy a two-course supper followed by
water, but you know what I
live jazz performances at Waddesdon
mean. Not just heavy but
Manor. 35 per person. For full details,
sloshy: especially when
visit www.waddesdon.org.uk
carrying full buckets or
Wednesday 20 - Sunday 24,
watering cans. Heres a
Cheshire Enjoy the RHS Show at Tatton
solution: the H2G0 bag
Park with inspirational displays, stalls
(geddit?) Its a heavyweight
and expert advice on fruit and veg. Go
polythene bag that sits in a
to www.rhs.org.uk to learn more.
wheelbarrow (left) and lets
Sunday 24, Derbyshire Plant fair at
you easily transport 80 litres
Osmaston Park with specialist plant
across the garden. It costs
nurseries from the North and Midlands.
9.99 excluding delivery.
Entry is 2 and parking is free.
Tel: +44 (0)1684 574797.
Dogs are also welcome on a lead.
www.planitproducts.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1335 350279.

www.osmastonpark.com
Sunday 24, Leicestershire Summer
A DAY WITH DERRY
flower photography course at Barnsdale
Personally, and this may be too much detail for some
Gardens. Tel: +44 (0)1572 813200.
of you, I cannot get enough of Derry Watkins. Or her
www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk
plants. Or her seeds. She runs Special Plants Nursery
Tuesday 26 - Thursday 28,
in Wiltshire, near Bath, which sells a fantastic range
Hampshire The Newforest and
of both hardy and tender perennials as well as an
Hampshire County Show at The
amazing range of herbaceous and rockery plants.
Showground in Brockenhurst, is a
Derry has also introduced many new plants from her
chance to bring the family together and
plant-collecting trips to South Africa and elsewhere,
interact with small animals as well as
and is the owner of a remarkable garden looking
chickens, ducks and geese. There will
over some wonderful countryside. If I was lucky
also be show gardens and local produce
enough to be hovering around the Lechlade area on
on offer to tempt your taste buds.
7 July, I would find it very difficult to resist the lure of
www.newforestshow.co.uk
hearing her talk about Unusual and Long Blooming
Wednesday 27 - Sunday 31,
Plants. Especially as there will be plants and seeds
London The Start Festival is held at
for sale, and Derry will be wise, witty and delightful.
Clarence House and in the neighbouring
She is talking at The Coach House, which is at
TOPICAL TALK
gardens of Lancaster House and
Oxlease Farm, from 10am-12.30pm. Tickets are 40.
Wisley. Heart of Surrey and home of the RHS
Marlborough House. It is an eco-friendly
You can get not only Derry but lunch as well for 55.
flagship garden. There is always stuff going on
festival backed by The Prince of Wales
For more details, tel: +44 (0)1367 850216 or visit
and lots of things to see. On the weekend of
providing a fun-filled eco-extravaganza
www.thecoach-house.com
9-10 July, one of those things will be me. A
of entertainment, fashion, gardens,
couple of years ago I wrote a small book called
interactive displays, travel and shopping.
101 Bold and Brilliant Flowers - it was fun and
www.thestartfestival.com
allowed me to be extraordinarily fanciful in my
Saturday 30 - Sunday 31,
descriptions. It will form the basis of a couple
Warwickshire Whichford Pottery is
of talks and a question-and-answer session. It
celebrating 35 years in the business and
would be fearfully embarrassing if nobody turned
has organised a summer garden party.
up and I had to answer my own questions, so, if
There will be special offers on pots,
you are at a loose end, then please come along.
home-made teas, musicians and
It will be a jolly occasion and you get to see
demonstrations. The romantic private
the garden. Tickets need to be pre-booked.
garden at the pottery will also be open.
(P.S. The restaurant does a really good ginger
Tel: +44 (0)1608 684416.
cake). Tel: 0845 6121253. www.rhs.org.uk
www.whichfordpottery.com
SHOPPING
FOR CHILDREN
Whizz kids
Stuck for ideas to entertain energetic little
ones? These garden gadgets and toys will
keep them busy until bedtime
ALL PRICES & DETAILS CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT

COMPILED BY/VICTORIA KINGSBURY
OPPOSITE PAGE Cowboy teepee tent designed to sleep three people, 75.Tel: 0845 0262440. www.cathkidston.co.uk 2 Scarecrow kit including two recycled
coffee-bean sacks, one broom handle, two bamboo canes, one ball of orange garden string, two needles, one marker pen and one packet of seeds. 25.
Tel: +44 (0)1844 217060. www.henandhammock.co.uk 3 Traditional rounders set with a wooden bat, tennis ball, four wooden stumps and a carry bag. 19.50.
Tel: +44 (0)1933 426365. www.wheniwasakid.co.uk 4 Mini bug kit with a 16-page booklet full of interesting facts and illustrations. 12.99.Tel: +44 (0)1539 488100.
www.lakeland.co.uk 5 Jumbo twig crayons in blue, red, yellow and green, 9.99.Tel: 0845 2591359. www.notonthehighstreet.com 6 Sophie Conran games
bucket containing a whistle, four eggs and spoons, two three-legged race ties, frisbee, four bean bags and a target bucket. 29.95.Tel: +44 (0)1142 338262.
www.burgonandball.com 7 Kids purple nitrile gloves. 6.99.Tel: 0844 5572233. www.crocus.co.uk 8 Little shoots starter kit for sprouting and growing summer
veg such as tomatoes, peas and sweetcorn. 10 for three tins.Tel: 0844 8712010. www.jamieathome.com
The English Garden
13
NATIONAL TRUST
ACORN BANK
HERBAL HEAVEN
Set in the Cumbrian uplands, Acorn Bank is a calm oasis of woodland, flowers, herbs and orchards.
This month, Head Gardener Chris Braithwaite gets the garden ready for summer visitors
PHOTOGRAPHS JASON INGRAM
espite its exposed site on the

Pennine foothills, Acorn Bank is a
wonderfully tranquil and sheltered
garden. Walk through an unassuming gateway

and you enter a dreamy herb garden.
Originally a vegetable garden, the plot was
transformed by the famous 20th-century
horticulturalist and rose expert Graham Stuart
Thomas in 1969. Redesigned and completely
replanted in 2003, Acorn Bank is now home
to more than 250 herbs, displayed in large
themed beds, including ones relating to
digestion, breathing and stress. There is even
a bed devoted to womens herbs, including
the beautiful chaste tree (Vitex agnus-
FACT FILE
castus). Another highlight is the walled
PLACE Acorn Bank Garden is located
garden, a delightful mix of fruit trees and
eight miles east of Penrith in Cumbria
finds the woodland garden with its shady
SIZE Two and a half acres

SOIL Slightly alkaline/clay loam
ASPECT The site reveals panoramic
walks. Its alkaline soil encourages a variety
views over the Lakeland Fells. Winters
mixed borders. Outside these walls one
of wild flowers. Here you will find yet more

delightful orchards, including a collection
are extremely cold
SPECIALISM Walled herb garden

with a large collection of medicinal and
of local Cumbrian and northern apples,
culinary herbs; wildflowers; orchards; and
such as the popular mid-season cooker,
cottage-garden style romantic borders
Malus domestica Keswick Codlin.
WHATS IN SEASON
The sweetly fragrant Phlox paniculata
Blue Boy (far left) is a border stalwart and
is also great as a cut flower. Ideal for cool
borders, Inula hookeri (centre left) likes
flowering time, its unusual petals unfurl
from tight spirals producing spider-like
blooms. With its long-flowering, tufted
flowers the wild bergamot (right) acts as
a powerful magnet for bees, butterflies
and other pollinating insects.
COMPILED BY/CLAIRE MASSET
moist, rich and well-drained soil. At
Marigolds are not only good for making

creams and ointments - their petals are
also delicious scattered in summer salads
NATIONAL TRUST
ACORN BANK
2
1
4
3
By pruning the tree in summer, you are
helping it store energy for next year
STEP BY STEP
PRUNING APPLE TREES
The essential techniques behind thinning
and summer pruning ensure the very
best crop - for both this year and next.
1
2
Thin out diseased, damaged and

congested fruit. The apples here are
showing signs of capsid damage.
Go along each branch a number of
times, as once is never enough! The
idea is to leave just one apple every
four to six inches.
5
Traditional
techniques
Summer pruning of apple trees
reduces their growth hormone and
3
4
gather energy for next years crop.
branch. This will encourage the branch

to produce fruit next year.
Reduce new wood, leaving about six to
eight buds. Make sure you cut at a bud
that is facing outwards. When cutting
always use clean sharp secateurs.
Slide the secateurs along the twig until

it butts up against the bud, then cut
straight across, not diagonally, as this
creates the smallest possible wound.
makes them go into whats called

ripening mode, helping them
Remove any lateral growth from each
Gather up the cuttings, then shred and

compost them. Burn diseased wood.
Turn over for gardeners diary
Guernsey
Discover our wildowers,

then take in our water features.
One minute youre exploring our abundant

oral heritage, the next youre relaxing on
a picturesque cove. Thats what makes
the stunning Channel Island of Guernsey
so special theres so much to discover,
you never know what youre going to be
doing next. From seafood lunches to cliff
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GARDENERS
DIARY
July
IN THE GARDEN
THIS MONTH
with Chris Braithwaite
July is a bit of an in-between

month in the garden, but there
are still lots of jobs to be done.
Prune wisterias to about 30cm
COLLECTING SEED
of this years growth to control vigour
This is the perfect time to collect seed
and promote flowering next year.
from Welsh onions (Allium fistulosum).

Wait until the seedhead is completely dry,
then turn it over and shake gently into your
hand or a container. You can either scatter
them straightaway on the ground, or store
them for future use. I usually plant them
in small rows and then transplant the
seedlings in autumn. They make a very
useful winter crop. The leaves can be
used as a substitute for chives or spring
onions. When you have harvested the
seed, cut off the stalks and discard.
PLANTING CYCLAMEN SEED

Once a cyclamen has flowered, its seeds develop for a whole year until the following July, when
they start to uncoil and spread out. When the seedpod develops a paper seal and starts to wrinkle,
you can gather the seed. Mix the moist seed in a compost of leaf mould and grit. Sprinkle where you
want the plants to grow. Some seeds will germinate in August; others will do so the following year.
Cut back herbs to the ground,
such as this lemon balm (above). They
will quickly produce a second flush.
Stop picking rhubarb this month
in order to allow the plant to build
up resources for next year.
Prune early flowering shrubs such
as philadelphus, deutzia and weigela.
Cut about a quarter of the stems to
the ground to encourage new shoots.
In the west of the country its a
good time to sow grass, as it often
rains quite a bit in July and August.
CABBAGE CAGE
Garden information
If left unchecked, cabbage
Acorn Bank, Temple Sowerby, near Penrith,
white butterflies will lay their
Cumbria CA10 1SP. Tel: +44 (0)1768 361893.
eggs on your brassicas and their
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
caterpillars will damage your
The garden, watermill, woodland walks and shop
crop the following spring. To
are open from 12 March to 30 October, Wednesday
avoid this, protect your veg with
to Sunday and Mondays in school holidays, 10am
a mesh-covered cage. Once in
to 5pm (also open 26 February to 6 March,
place, make sure there are no
Saturdays and Sundays). The tea room is open
butterflies trapped inside!
from 11-4.30pm.
Greenhouses
Lean Tos
Patio Glasshouses
Coldframes
Shed Combi
Staging
E RT
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A
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Limestone Toadstools
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BKoi 65 cms long
O Made of bamboo woven into an open
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O tunnel cloche. These attractive cloches
Indian Lattice Wheelbarrow Seat
Carlton Seat painted White
Highbacked Edo 3 Seater painted Grey
Edwardian 4 Seater painted Dolphin Blue
Indian Lattice Backless Bench
Slatted 3 Seater painted White
protect plants & seeding from damage

by animals, footballs, light frost and
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EXPERT ADVICE
Talking techniques
Border vegetables
Toby Buckland offers tips on
growing veg among ornamentals
he idea of flowers and vegetables
growing together in borders that look
good enough to eat has beguiled
gardeners for centuries. However, in my
experience, that is all it is - a nice idea. It offers
the possibility of saving space and what the
Shakers would call beauty through utility;
but, in reality, the appearance of flower-veg
borders goes to pot along with the vegetables
as soon as they are harvested.
The only way around this is to plant
vegetables as embellishers, and stick to
robust types that can cope with the crush
of neighbouring flowers without becoming
diseased or diminishing crops.
My favourite long cropper is Tuscan black
kale. It has inky grey leaves with white ribs,
which sprout from its stem like the plumes of
an ostrich. I first saw it used ornamentally
years ago in France, planted with orange pot
marigolds and the feathery annual grass Stipa
tenuissima; and I have used it with flowers ever
since. You can pick it little and often once the
plants reach 60cm, and it keeps looking good
throughout summer. On a free-draining soil, its
perennial, living for two or even three summers,
getting bigger and better each year. In a gravel
garden, its just the thing to set off vivid orange
California poppies in summer and still looks
IMAGE/COURTESY OF EBURY PRESS, GARDENERS WORLD

PRACTICAL GARDENING HANDBOOK - JASON INGRAM
The idea of flowers and vegetables growing together in borders

that look good enough to eat has beguiled gardeners for centuries
perky right through winter when the delicious
young leaves are at their best.
Beans are brilliant with flowers too. Climbing
Borlottis pushed into the earth at the base of
silver cardoons or roses will scramble up to
6ft high, provided you water while they are
growing and bear plump seed-filled pods,
which at summers end turn ivory-white and
crack open to reveal a treasure of mottled pink
and red beans. The yield is small - this is true
of all veg grown among flowers - but you
dont need many Lingua di Fuoco to thicken
a winter soup or casserole.
Runner beans are good for forming shaggy

wigwams of leaves and flowers, wonderful for
adding height among sprawling cranesbills. My
favourite is the vermillion Scarlet Emperor. Like
all runners, as long as the pods are regularly
picked, it will carry on producing long into
summer and happily grow in semi-shade.
Salads are ideal for shade and for sowing in
gaps now. It hardly needs saying but if you can
keep the slugs off you cant go wrong. Even
when summer heat triggers their flowers, they
look good, especially the Lollo types that rise
like skyscrapers of red and green.
Sweetcorn is perfect for mixing with exotics

and its not too late to plant it. The usual advice
is to grow in blocks to ensure pollination,
but Ive used them singly among dahlias and
ornamental bananas and still had a harvest.
Red orache, the large purple relative of sorrel,
is my favourite leafy vegetable for growing
among flowers. It self sows, and its seed sprout
so early in spring that its there with the daffodils.
Picking off the soft leafy tops does it good, and
stops it engulfing its neighbours. Cooked in
butter, it tastes like spinach, so its as much of
a delight in the pot as your borders.
The English Garden
21
SCISSORS
Editors
Choice
ith a five-year-old son who

has visions of creating all
sorts of wonderful things out
of paper, I have to keep a
close eye on my scissors.
Yes, Im worried that hell cut himself, but Im also
not keen on losing my decent pair. Having done
a short stint in a florists shop, I know only too
well how a blunt pair can hinder the artistic flow
of creating flower arrangements.
I love the idea of nipping out into the garden
and cutting flowers in a romantic fashion - a
simple snip as you waltz from one flower to
another is my vision. The thought of wrestling
with stems and blades completely ruins this
idyllic gardening scene that I hold in my mind.

I am yet to create a garden where I have rows
of alstroemerias, dahlias and chrysanths just for
cutting, so Im more likely to be found pilfering
the gardens of my family. My favourite summer
treat is to cut a huge bunch of cow parsley from
the hedge in my mothers field and put it in an
extremely heavy vase on my garden table. Im
always sure to remember, though, that a pair of
scissors isnt what all gardeners want to see - the
thought of someone eager to fill a vase in among
the tulips or alliums is horrific to some.
But whatever your thoughts on cutting
flowers, a pair of garden scissors or snips is vital
for cutting garden twine, snipping herbs and
deadheading. As with all blades, theyre better

off kept in a dry place and you should always
avoid trying to cut through thicker woody stems
if theyre not designed for such use.
Any florist will tell you that constant use of
scissors can cause your hand to feel fatigued, so
make sure you buy a pair thats comfy. Another
tip I have picked up along the way is to label
them with permanent pen - this avoids the
kitchen scissors ending up in the garden and
visa versa. After all, they always end up in the
kitchen drawer one way or another!
With thanks to Stockton Bury Gardens, Hereford.
www.stocktonbury.co.uk
IMAGES/JASON INGRAM
Snip, snip away - Tamsin takes her pick of the best garden scissors
3
Any florist will tell you that constant use of scissors can cause your
hand to fatigue, so make sure you buy a pair thats comfy
The Burgon & Ball Florists Shear is my
the back of a border or for cutting when holding a
safe. With spring action to reduce fatigue and
preferred choice for harvesting flowers and
trug in the other hand. Just the tool for the rose
rubberised handles that are warm to the touch, they
foliage from the garden. This set cut through the
gardener for deadheading, or for cutting grapes
are ideal for cutting slightly woody stems. Suitable
stems of fairly woody plants such as ivy like a
from a vine. Ingenious, but not for all-round garden
for the occasional florist and for deadheading in the
knife through butter. The handles open very wide,
use. Priced at 11.99.
garden. The leather pouch can be attached to a belt

and is handmade in England. Priced at 18.
so it is ideal as a unisex tool. It also cuts well

through wet foliage, and the spring action was
The Wilkinson Sword Multi Shear is exactly
easy on the hands. The high-carbon steel blades
are ideal for precise cutting, and I would enjoy
tasks (even wire cutting using the dent in the
using them for taking cuttings. Theres a handy
lower blade) and sold as ideal for both left- and
orange pair (you wont lose these in the greenery)
strap to hang them up. To be honest, I would use
right-handed users. The blades seemed a little
offered the most comfort when used over an
these instead of secateurs for lighter gardening
stiff, but I expect they will loosen over time. The
extended period of time, thanks to the moulded
work, and would want them as well as a pair of
double-ground stainless steel blades with bypass
handles that fit your hands. Because of their
scissors. Priced at 11.95.
action come with a 10-year guarantee and are
comfort, they are my EDITORS CHOICE. Fiskars
large enough for gents hands. A good all-round
was founded in 1649 in Finland, so has been
Victorinox Cut and Hold Scissors are completely
pair, but was just pipped to the post on comfort
making scissors for decades and it manufactured
unique and offer something very different from
by the Fiskars model. Priced at 16.99.
that. Its a handy pair ideal for a long list of
all the other snippers in this trial. The traditional
impressive lifetime guarantee. This bright
the first plastic-handled scissors in 1967. This pair

has rust-resistant stainless-steel blades and a
Bradleys Pink Flower Scissors and pouch make
scalloped edge that gives a secure cutting grip.
catches the stem and prevents it from falling to
the perfect gift. Choose either a green, pink or
Very straightforward, and I found them great
the ground - this makes them ideal for reaching
chocolate pouch to keep your stainless-steel snips
when flower arranging. Priced at 13.99.
STOCKISTS
Burgon & Ball Florist Shears
Tel: +44 (0)1142 338262.
ALL PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT
design allows you to cut one handed, as the blade
Fiskars Universal Scissors come with an
www.burgonandball.com
Victorinox Scissors Tel: 0800
7832202. www.qualitygardentools.com
Wilkinson Sword Multi Shear
www.wilkinsonsword-tools.co.uk
Bradleys Pink Flower Scissors and
Pouch Tel:+ 44 (0)1746 766563.
www.bradleysthetannery.co.uk
Fiskars Universal Scissors Tel: +44
(0)1159 277335. www.fiskars.com
The English Garden
23
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GLORIOUS GARDENS
BERKSHIRE
Exquisite
aesthetic
PHOTOGRAPHS & WORDS NICOLA STOCKEN TOMKINS
The front garden has

a pretty assortment of
pots, blending geraniums,
lobelias, surfinia petunias,
hostas, busy Lizzie Fiesta
Appleblossom, phormiums
and also echeverias.
Colourful plant compositions inspired by the gentle art of

watercolour make this designers garden a visual delight
GLORIOUS GARDENS
BERKSHIRE
tooping as you enter via a low doorway, the first glimpse

of Boxwood garden is one of instant loveliness combined
with the promise of more to come. At its heart lie summer
borders, producing a scintillating picture of fabulously
arranged plants. The effect Im looking to achieve is similar
to that in a watercolour, where the paint is still wet and the colours
gently merge one with another, owner Paul Morrow explains. A garden
designer by trade, his is a deft touch, of delicately applied light and
shade, colour and texture, with no overbearing blocks of colour or
jarring shades. The overall effect is relaxed and natural, and encourages
the unexpected to happen - its those chance plant associations that
inspire you to start afresh each season, he adds.
Inspiration is in plentiful supply in this Berkshire plot, which is
cocooned by oaks, rhododendrons, conifers and pines that create a
neutral backdrop to the colour within. The garden gate opens into a
shady space beneath a huge old amelanchier, which allows teasing
glimpses of what lies beyond. There is a pond, its still surface a mirror
for flowers and scudding clouds; a pergola clothed in vines and clematis;
a summerhouse that seems to have stepped off the pages of a fairytale;
copious pots; and hidden places to pause and sit. The garden unfolds in
a series of pictures viewed either from the rounded lawn or snaking paths.
I dont like straight lines, so I designed curving flower beds, walls and
paths, Paul says. One thing leads to another in a continuous flow.
With the focus firmly on herbaceous perennials, the three-quartersof-an-acre garden largely sleeps in winter but, by early spring, life
returns. I never cease to be amazed at the transformation between
March and May - its absolutely magical, and even though its expected,
every year it takes me by surprise. Its so uplifting after winter and, as
if on a wave, it picks you up and carries you forward on a journey that
lasts until autumn. Im not someone who just admires my garden from a
window. I want to be in there, with all my senses tickled. Im an oldfashioned gardener who believes that proper gardens are high-maintenance
BELOW, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Clematis x jouiniana Praecox; an elegant Cornus kousa var. chinensis sets off the Edwardian house; Lavatera
trimestris Silver Cup; Pauls two young miniature wire-haired dachshunds, Stanley and Harry; Angelica Ebony; a Cretan pot in leafy bed of hostas.
OPPOSITE PAGE The welcoming terrace is edged with Hydrangea arborescens Annabelle, lavatera, Verbena bonariensis and Phlox paniculata.
The overall effect is relaxed and natural, and encourages the unexpected to happen - its
the chance plant associations that inspire you to start afresh each year
and the plot levelled in preparation for terracing. The ground
falls sharply away from the house, and by levelling the lawned
area, Paul created a 2.5m drop that required a stout retaining wall,
and steps leading down to the hot beds and greenhouse. Then
I linked the terrace, lawn, pond and the lowest area with a winding,
sloping gravel path, he adds.
The pond was formed from a liner, secured under an outermost shelf
which, placed 30cm below the water level, was created from dry turf
and planted with aquatic plants. Only then did I fill the pond with
water - if you do it the other way round, soil is washed into the pond,
he warns. The pond is now edged in mature trees and shrubs. The
acers are wonderful; whatever the season, I can never have enough of
them, Paul enthuses. Planting young saplings takes a leap of faith, but
his early selection has worked well, especially the specimens with
variegated foliage - a graceful wedding cake tree, liquidambar and
Japanese angelica tree (Aralia elata) - to add lightness to shady areas.
As you get older, you build up a history of disasters and successes,
and become wiser for it. Nowadays, I focus on creating beautiful plant
associations - its very personal, and Im able to do things that I couldnt
for my clients because theyd be too labour intensive.
With maturity comes depth, and the spirit of the garden is of great
importance to Paul. Gardens of any substance take years to mature,
he says, and the joy of gardening lies in guiding them along the way.
Boxwood House, Sunninghill, Berkshire SL5 0AL. Open by appointment
in July and August for groups of 25+. It also opens in aid of the NGS on
7 August, 2-6pm; and in aid of the local Air Ambulance Trust on 14 August.
For more information, tel: +44 (0)7730 201925.
Turn over for garden notebook

The English Garden
29
affairs filled with superb plants that need staking, pruning and training.
The garden itself dictates when things should be done, but all the hard
work is done in advance. By the time it peaks, theres very little to do
apart from deadheading, mowing the lawn, and enjoying and sharing it.
The borders are largely filled with perennials that put on a display from
summer until autumn. Many gardens are past their best by then, but
theres a wonderful range of plants for late colour.
Paul isnt one for drawing planting plans. I like to lay out each plant
on the ground, seeing it in my minds eye, and imagining it in association
with others. Tiered planting is not for him, either. Instead, he blends solid
flowerheads - phlox, campanulas, hydrangeas and dahlias among others
- with tall diaphanous plants such as angelica and Verbena bonariensis,
often planted near the front of the border.
While Paul uses flowers to add seasonal colour, he focuses on foliage
to add form and definition. I love the embroidery effect of an English
garden, with its refined mix of herbaceous and leafy plants. But to
make it work, you need four-fifths bone structure balanced by just
one-fifth of the pretty bits. His garden is divided into sunny areas
filled with herbaceous perennials, and shady spots where foliage thrives
in all its myriad forms, tones and textures. Foliage plants are interesting
in their own right, he says. With the gardens gentle transition from
the sunny open borders and pond to dappled light beneath the pergola,
and then to deep shade under an aged amelanchier, the understated
subtleties of green are emphasised by a succession of planting
combinations using ferns, hellebores, epimedium, heuchera, brunnera,
alchemilla, saxifrages, euonymus and dozens of hostas.
It is a far cry from the overgrown, rubbish-strewn plot that Paul
and his partner Robert Beard first saw on a sunny evening in 1994.
It took two years to renovate the Edwardian semi-detached house, clear
the garden and finally sketch out a plan. First, the pond was excavated
GLORIOUS GARDENS
BERKSHIRE
The notebook
Boxwood garden covers about three-quarters of an acre. The soil is acid and called Bagshot sand. The emphasis
is on long-flowering borders in summer and interest from foliage for the rest of the year
PRETTY POTS
Ideal for this gravelly, sunbaked area, these sculptural
PAUL MORROWS GARDEN

& PLANTING TIPS
succulents in pots have been
People think of phlox
artfully arranged (below).
as a three-week wonder,
Handmade pots such as the
but if it is deadheaded
two on the left can be bought
after flowering, provided
from the famous Whichford
it has sufficient moisture,
Pottery in Warwickshire.
it will flower again.
Whichford Pottery,Whichford,
Give all of your
Near Shipston-on-Stour CV36
Campanula lactiflora
5PG. Tel: +44 (0)1608 684416.
the Chelsea chop by
www.whichfordpottery.com
pinching out the buds

in late May. Instead of
HIDDEN SUPPORT
flowering on a single, top-
The borders (above) are invisibly supported
heavy flowerhead, they
on a framework of hazel pea sticks. Starting
will then bloom on side-shoots, creating a fuller
as soon as the plants emerge, Paul places
and more attractive effect.
the sticks close to the roots of each plant,
You can successfully grow hostas and ferns
so that it can grow through. Once a plant
in dry shade by thoroughly mulching the ground
has achieved its full height, he cuts off any
and watering new plants in well.
of the supports visible lengths.
Train Clematis viticella such as Alba

Luxurians or Madame Julia Correvon through
HOTHOUSE FLOWERS
host plants. Cut them right down in February,
Brightly coloured tibouchina,
twine them through the plant and youll enjoy a
pelargonium, begonia, fuchsia and
marvellous display well into August. Its the
geranium look wonderfully tropical in
perfect way to cheer up early flowering shrubs
the warmth of the greenhouse. Set
and trees such as rhododendrons and lilacs.
out in pots, on wire stands, an antique
Hostas are best grown in dappled shade
bird bath and greenhouse staging, this
because the sun burns the leaves. The exception
tiered arrangement is highly theatrical
is yellow-leaved varieties, which colour best in a
and effective (below).
sunny position, but even they need some shade.
CONTACTS
GARDENS TO VISIT
Mariners, Bradfield, Berkshire RG7
6HU. Tel: +44 (0)1189 745226.
HEAVENLY HOSTAS
While Paul loves colourful flowers at
the height of summer, it is greens,
particularly those of hostas (above),
that dominate for the remainder of
the year. There really are endless
variations of green, and in my opinion
hostas show this better than any
other plant, he says. No two hosta
leaves are the same. Study them
www.mariners-garden.com
RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey GU23
6QB. Tel: 0845 2609000.
www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley
RECOMMENDED NURSERIES
Hillier Nurseries, Ampfield House,
Ampfield, Romsey, Hampshire SO51
9PA. Tel: +44 (0)1794 368733.
www.hilliertrees.co.uk
Long Acre Plants, Charlton Musgrove,
and you will find theyre just like
Nr Wincanton, Somerset BA9 8EX. Tel: +44
fingerprints. Every one of them has
(0)1963 32802. www.longacreplants.co.uk
different markings or textures.
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Richard Griffith House Plants - 01423 860 672
Ferndale Garden Centre - 01246 412 763
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Canterbury
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Chippenham
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Whitehall Garden Centre - 01249 730 204
Stewarts Gardenlands - 01425 272 244
Garden Furniture of Distinction - 01305 848 391
Sidmouth Garden Centre - 01395 516 142
Monkton Elm Garden Centre - 01823 412 381
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GLORIOUS GARDENS
WORCESTERSHIRE
Flight of
fantasy
This plot is the stuff that country dreams are made of,
and its owners are more than happy to share it with you
PHOTOGRAPHS JULIA STANLEY WORDS TAMSIN WESTHORPE
The English Garden
33
GLORIOUS GARDENS
WORCESTERSHIRE
real country welcome awaits at Brook Farm, with a greeting

the same. Both are committed to creating a garden that fits the space, and
party of two dogs, a cat and three hens at the door of a
Sarah is determined that her plant choices blend with the mature willows
house that speaks of history. The Grade II-listed property
and banks of cow parsley and buttercups that come with this country
is in itself a treat, with beams to duck under and original
idyll. They arent trying to create a razzmatazz of a garden, but one that
flagstone floors. Owner Sarah Wint takes me into the
offers a soothing setting in which to relax.
kitchen, and Mrs B the chicken gets shooed out as she tries to follow.
Im not a fan of garden rooms, Sarah remarks, but we have plenty of
Here, I spot a table decorated with a cluster of tiny vases featuring little
areas with slightly different themes. Surrounding the house are the cottage
blooms from the garden. Id assumed that Sarah was an artist, but these
garden borders, and just beyond that, in front of the hop kiln, is a pergola
vases give the game away and reveal her previous work as a florist.
clad with wisteria and Rosa Bantry Bay. The old stables look out over
From the kitchen I can see into
this scheme, but though there are
the garden, and its a gem. Willy
donkeys in the field, these outIm not a fan of garden rooms, but we have
and I were looking for a place
buildings have no livestock now
plenty
of
areas
with
slightly
different
themes
to create a garden, and this plot
and have been converted into a
took a long time to find, Sarah
charming self-catering cottage.
explained. Eight years ago, they found their home in Brook Farm, and
Hornbeam hedges create a slight change in tempo when moving from
what a home it is. Having previously lived in Oxfordshire, a move to this
the cottage borders on to what are called the wiggly borders. These contain
remote country corner allowed them more space for their money. Willy,
mostly late summer plantings with grasses, cirsiums and astrantias. The
an entomologist, has made an office in the old hop kiln that is the most
edge of each border is marked with wooden-panel edging, which Willy
prominent feature in the garden. The setting is perfect for his interest in
managed to bend to shape by soaking in the stream. The oak trees that
insects and butterflies, his love of which grew from childhood holidays
overhang this area are showing signs of frost damage. The garden is in a
spent collecting moths in the garden of his grandmother - none other
valley and the late frosts have really hit our plants. We do suffer from
than Dorothy Clive, of the famous so-named garden in Shropshire.
being in a frost pocket, but I have never seen an oak suffering like this.
As I walk around with them both, it becomes obvious that they garden
The ground here is very damp, and to improve the drainage before
together. They may not always agree on plant choice, but their vision is
laying the path between the borders to lawn, six inches of aggregate was
the cottage. OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP The brick garden; front gate and path are lined with alchemilla; cottage borders and the hop kiln.
PREVIOUS PAGE Youll find the old stables, now a self-catering cottage, along a path of nepeta. BELOW Rosa Masquerade is slowly covering the front of
GLORIOUS GARDENS
WORCESTERSHIRE
planted with wild strawberries, which offer an attraction to insects. All

placed under the top soil. This took six friends a whole weekend to
this and Willys veg garden are on a area that used to be home to a vast
complete - but what a great place to volunteer.
pig shed. We removed this and it transformed the site, Willy delights.
Beyond the hornbeam hedges, which Im told are a great food source
He explains that this used to be a pig farm, and I spot a weathervane
for moths, there is the area called the ride. This is an open, grassy
featuring a pig on the top of the hop kiln. Keeping links to the past is all
space thats home to a newly seeded bank of wildflowers and a bog
part of the charm of this place.
garden. The banks here have a succession of colour and interest,
The immediate future for their little piece of heaven is to open the
starting from February with bullace (green damson), then damsons,
picket gate for the National Gardens Scheme. Both Sarah and Willy openly
apples, hawthorn and wild roses. As we walk around this area, Sarah
admit to being terrified about this, as the roses are running ahead
reveals to me her dislike of a gunnera, while Willy is frantically
of schedule and it is a whole new
searching for a sign that it has
experience for them. But the
made it through the frost.
I wouldnt want a gardener - Id rather have a
charm of the buildings, the
The blue-and-silver garden
cleaner
to
allow
me
more
time
to
garden!
sympathetic planting and the
seems to be Sarahs favourite spot.
magic of the place is more than
In the corner is a still pond, home
enough to delight any gardener. As for long-term plans, Willy says: Theyll
to newts. Blueberries grow happily here in pots of ericaceous compost.
have to take me out of here in a box. Sarah explains that they are thinking
Facing south, this is a spot to enjoy the sun and listen to the brook.
about how they will manage the garden in their dotage, and they keep
Opposite the blue garden is another new project. The bug border
this in mind when planning new areas. We dont want the garden to run
has just been planted, and the plants have all earned their place due to
away with us, and I wouldnt want a gardener - Id rather have a cleaner
their insect-attracting qualities. Echinacea, pyrethrum, marjoram,
to allow me more time to garden. Now who could disagree with that?
leucanthemum, hemerocallis and buddlejas will all add nectar-rich
excitement. The idea is that this border will be alive with dancing insects,
Brook Farm, Berrington, nr Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire WR15 8TJ.
Willy enthusiastically explains. His plans to keep bees in this area will
Open on 24 June for the NGS from 12-5pm. B&B and self-catering available.
add to the excitement in the next few years and not only will guests be
Tel: +44 (0)1584 819868 or visit www.brookfarmberrington.com
able to enjoy fresh eggs but honey too. The edge of the bug border is
BELOW The wiggly borders are planted for late summer colour. OPPOSITE,TOP LEFT Cottage garden borders feature a mix of colours and a collection of
Peter Beales roses. TOP RIGHT Take a seat in the ride among the wild flowers. BOTTOM The veg bed before it was transformed into the bug border.
The English Garden
37
GLORIOUS GARDENS
WORCESTERSHIRE
The notebook
Brook Farm garden covers one and half acres and extends to a seven-acre plot containing fields and trees.
South facing but with boggy soil, it sits in a valley and has a stream running through it
REMAINS OF THE DAY

The 1960s caravan (left) was in the garden when the couple
moved in. It remains as its too heavy to move and they
have become fond of it. They are tempted by the thought
of a natural swimming pond, so it may be renovated soon
as a pool room. It offers a certain romantic charm.
BE SEATED
The garden offers plenty of places for B&B
guests to sit back and relax. This bench (left)
is in the blue garden, and has a halo of Rosa
Wedding Day around it. Theres a hammock
by the stream and a large table and chairs that
live under the wisteria-clad pergola, used for
meals in the garden. The conservatory offers
the couple views over the cottage garden this was an addition that Sarah and Willy
COVER STORY
added when they arrived, and makes for
This image (above), of the table that greets you at the
the perfect all-weather garden room.
front door of Brook Farm, features on the cover of the

2011 NGS Yellow Book. This year is the first time that
TIPS FROM SARAH AND WILLY

Make a plan before you start - we didnt and we think
the garden has been open under the scheme.
it would have helped greatly with long-term plans.
CONTACTS
Go with your gut feeling. We have been led by the
GARDENS TO VISIT
feel of the place and created a garden to suit the setting.
The Dorothy Clive Garden, Willoughbridge,
Dont be put off by all the to-do lists that you find
Market Drayton, Shropshire TF9 4EU.
in books and on the internet. Read Mirabel Oslers A
Tel: +44 (0)1630 647237.
Gentle Plea for Chaos and Anne Warehams The Bad
www.dorothyclivegarden.co.uk
Tempered Gardener. They'll both help you to relax about
The Dower House Garden, Morville Hall,
the importance of certain gardening tasks.
Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 5NB. Tel: +44
Buy large plants. If you have a garden that is home to
(0)1746 714407. www.morvillefestival.co.uk
large numbers of slugs and snails, invest in larger plants,
Stockton Bury Gardens, Leominster,
as they are less likely to be lost. Allowing our five hens
Hereford HR6 OHB. Tel: +44 (0)1568 613432.
to roam around the garden has helped tremendously.
www.stocktonbury.co.uk
However, we have netted the veg patch to keep the
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Add organic matter to clay soil. We improve ours with
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Tel: +44 (0)1584 841222.
every year to make the heavy clay more workable.
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01604 770711 info@haddonstone.co.uk
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE COLORADO NEW JERSEY
Easy on the eye

An eager home accessories designer bought this tranquil plot when it was a barren
chalky farmyard, and has turned it into a visual, colour-driven dream
PHOTOGRAPHS NICOLA STOCKEN TOMKINS WORDS ANNE LOCKYER
ABOVE An alle of domed

Pyrus salicifolia adds drama
and height to the yewenclosed beds. OPPOSITE
Robinia x slavinii Hillieri
grows by the pond, which
has marginal plantings
of ferns, lysimachias,
primulas, astilbes,
geraniums, daylilies,
hostas and rodgersias.
There is no trace of what the Sheffields found on their

first visit in 1995. There was a motley collection of derelict
flint-and-stone farm buildings dating from the early 1800s,
surrounding an abandoned farmyard, recalls Carolyn. The
late architect Frances Johnson transformed the buildings
into a one-storey house that wraps around the original
farmyard on three sides, an E shape without its middle
bit, like a courtyard open on one side. Its a layout typical
of old English barns, and gives the garden an intimate
feel. One boundary flanks a country lane, and before
building work began, it was planted with a line of
Caucasian limes (Tilia x euchlora). Then, the garden had
to wait until the house was complete. I was blessed with
a blank canvas, but was keen to keep the size manageable.
She was not so blessed when it came to the ground,
which is underpinned by solid chalk. Having gardened
on chalk all my life, I knew that the only way to establish
a garden in this part of the world is to import loads of top
soil, manure, leaf mould and compost, says Carolyn. Once
the ground was prepared, Carolyn consulted garden
designer Ian Mylles. I needed help with designing the
bones - I wasnt confident that Id get the proportions
n idyllic view in a garden is a rare

thing, so when Carolyn Sheffield created
her new garden on barren ground, she
allowed nothing to detract from its
outlook: the tranquil Hampshire valley
where she lives with her husband Julian. Were very
fortunate to look out over lovely rolling Hampshire
downland, so the garden was designed to lead the eye
to the landscape beyond, she explains.
The summer garden at Spring Pond scintillates,
with flowers contained within a masterfully balanced
layout. At the heart of the one-acre garden, an avenue
of domed pears leads to a 19th-century gazebo, which
stands among pink roses and frothy Crambe cordifolia
at the point where formality gives way to the natural
landscape. The natural backdrop of fields and hills
forms a perfect foil to flower colour, Carolyn points
out. Beyond the gazebo, wildflowers edge a ha-ha, and
from early spring there is a changing carpet of cowslips,
narcissus, ox-eye daisies and yarrow. Within this, a
ponds dark surface reflects passing clouds that skim
overhead, or is ruffled by its central fountain.
GLORIOUS GARDENS
HAMPSHIRE
ABOVE Pale pink Rosa

Fritz Nobis combines
with Crambe cordifolia
around the garden room,
to romantic effect. LEFT,
TOP TO BOTTOM Clematis
Blekitny Aniol and Rosa
Eden Rose; Rosa Bonica;
the long-flowering viticella
clematis, M. Koster; Rosa
Sally Holmes has fragrant
blooms, offset against
glossy, deep-green leaves.
right. The main garden was divided into different sections

with a combination of hornbeam, box and yew hedges,
which form linking pathways and small garden rooms.
In some instances, we used double hedging of yew and
hornbeam to add interest in the winter months.
Two central lines of clipped domed pears, Pyrus
salicifolia, are separated by a York stone path, its hard
edges blurred by clumps of hardy geranium and
Alchemilla mollis. With their domed shapes echoing the
roof of the gazebo, the pears have exactly the right
proportions and colour for their setting. Theyre clipped
about three times a year when the shoots are short and
easily manageable, she says. Originally, there were two
more pears beside the gazebo, but with great trepidation
Carolyn removed them because they were blocking the
view. It was the right decision, but you could only be
absolutely certain after the event.
The pears are underplanted with a diamond-shaped
parterre of low hedges filled with a froth of plants that
flower all summer long, the outer sides edged in Teucrium
chamaedrys. Were in a frost pocket, and Im fed up
with losing lavender, so I have given up and replaced
it with teucrium. Different shades of pink are provided
by various alliums such as A. cristophii, A. macleanii,
A. rosenbachianum, A. sphaerocephalon, A. schubertii
and A. unifolium, which flower from spring to August,
accompanying the very first foxgloves, aquilegia and
nectaroscordum, and then the repeat-flowering pink rose
Many Happy Returns, centaurea, heuchera and hardy
geraniums. Later on, prolonging the season, come Aster
GLORIOUS GARDENS
HAMPSHIRE
ABOVE A home for wildlife

and waterlilies, the natural
pond is edged with lush
plantings and looks
out over the rolling
Hampshire downlands.
x frikartii Mnch, Aster turbinellus and Japanese anemones.

asters and late-flowering clematis such as purple Polish
Once everything is over, Carolyn says, it leaves the box
Spirit and yellow Bill MacKenzie.
latticework to provide form in winter.
She also charts progress in the arboretum in a
The walls of the house flank three sides of the
1.5-acre field to the south of the house, which she and
main garden, supporting different varieties of climbing
Julian established to mark the millennium. Having
roses and clematis. Clematis do very well here because
served for many years on the advisory committee of
they like being on chalk, and theyre rewarding because
Sir Harold Hilliers garden, Carolyn has developed a real
they flower over a long period, with a wide range of
love of trees. Her own arboretum here features mainly
colours and flower forms. While she grows a wide range
ornamental trees, and includes specimens of malus,
of climbers and perennials, some stand out more than
crataegus, pyrus and sorbus. I was like a child in a sweet
others. I love Rosa Sally Holmes because she is such a
shop when it came to choosing the trees, she admits.
good doer, has glossy clean leaves, and is such a good
At the back, theres a row of Prunus avium, and the
repeat flowerer.
boundary is flanked
Her planting is
by the ash Fraxinus
As each season progresses in the garden, she
colour co-ordinated,
angustifolia subsp.
makes notes of what areas need to change
with a white-themed
oxycarpa. Its so soft
garden and a blue one filled with Clematis Arabella,
and creates a very pretty effect blowing in the wind.
aconites, nepeta, agapanthus and eryngium. It makes
As well as Sir Harold and Roy Lancaster, Carolyn
sense to design in colour-themed sections, because its so
admires the designer Arabella Lennox-Boyd, and found
much easier when it comes to adding plants.
her book Designing Gardens inspirational. Looking at this
And with Hardys Cottage Garden Plants nursery nearby,
solid evergreen structure, relaxed pond, colour-themed
Carolyn is never short of new plants or ideas for schemes.
flower-filled beds, budding arboretum and beautiful
She has an excellent eye for design and a true love of
backdrop, it looks like Carolyn has succeeded in turning
flowers, so its no surprise to discover she founded
this barren plot into a garden sure to inspire visitors just
a company that designs decorative home accessories,
as much as the work of those great gardeners before her.
many of which have flower motifs.
As each season progresses in the garden, Carolyn
The Sheffields garden is open by appt only to groups of 10
makes notes to remind herself of what areas need
or more. Email Carolyn at carolynsheffield@btinternet.com
to change, focusing most recently on extending the
flowering season until early November by adding
The English Garden
43
GLORIOUS GARDENS
HAMPSHIRE
The notebook
Spring Pond garden covers about one acre. The chalky soil has been improved with lots of top soil, manure,
compost and leaf mould. The garden sits in a frost pocket and is planted accordingly
GORGEOUS GAZEBO
Whether viewed from the neighbouring meadow of
ox-eye daisies or framed by the avenue of domed pears,
the 19th-century gazebo (left) provides a focal point that
sits well within either landscape. It was moved from the
Sheffields previous home, where it had been installed
in memory of Julians mother.
CONSERVATORY STORY
Pink and white bougainvilleas are
trained along the walls within the
Malbrook conservatory (left). French
windows open onto a courtyard
planted with white roses Iceberg
and Marie Pavic, which stands out
CLEMATIS COMBINATIONS
against the tranquil rural landscape
Clematis Blekitny Aniol climbs through the lovely pink
beyond. Since it was built, Carolyn
Rosa Eden Rose (above), creating a delightful colour
has been advised on caring for the
contrast. With house walls on three sides of the back
conservatory plants inside by Lisa
garden, Carolyn grows many clematis, mostly viticella
Rawley of Fleur de Lys. For more,
varieties, which are supported on a framework of
see www.conservatoryplants.co.uk
galvanised wires, attached to the house using vine eyes.
CAROLYN & JULIANS TOP TIPS
CONTACTS
We prune our Clematis texensis and viticella in
GARDENS TO VISIT IN THE AREA
February or March, before new growth starts, trimming
Bere Mill Open for the NGS on 18
the stems right back to a few healthy buds. Then, we
September 2011, 1.30-5pm. London Road,
feed monthly with Vitax Q4 from March until June.
Whitchurch RG28 7NH. www.ngs.org.uk
When planting clematis or climbing roses to train up a
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens and Nursery,
house wall, dig a deep hole at least 40cm from the wall,
Jermyns Lane, Ampfield, Romsey, Hampshire
and half fill with compost to retain moisture, before placing
SO51 0QA. Tel: +44 (0)1794 369318.
the rootball so that its shaded but flowers are in the sun.
www.hants.gov.uk/hilliergardens
When it comes to pruning fruit trees, we follow the
Longstock Park Water Gardens, Longstock,
old adage: Prune fruit trees with pips in winter, and fruit
Stockbridge, Hampshire SO20 6JF. Tel: +44
trees with stones in May. They fruit better that way.
(0)1264 810904. www.longstockpark.co.uk
Encourage self-seeding plants - Eryngium giganteum
NURSERIES NEARBY
(aka Miss Willmotts Ghost) has a mind of her own, coming
Hardys Cottage Garden Plants, Priory
up wherever she pleases, as we shake the seeds about.
Lane, Freefolk Priors, Whitchurch, Hampshire
When creating a pond, its essential to ensure the sides
RG28 7NJ. Tel: +44 (0)1256 896533.
slope gradually so that marginal plants can be kept moist.
www.hardys-plants.co.uk
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GLORIOUS GARDENS
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
Feminine
charms
A glamorous divorce left the wonderful gardens

she created at Kelmarsh almost 60 years ago, but
now, with a new team, they are coming back to life
PHOTOGRAPHS ANDREA JONES WORDS WIDGET FINN
The English Garden
47
GLORIOUS GARDENS
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
PREVIOUS PAGE Looking towards Kelmarsh parish church. ABOVE Statuesque Digitalis purpurea, Macleaya cordata and Cirsium rivulare Atropurpureum
fill the double borders. OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP The peaceful walled garden; stately alliums; an unusual ladys mantle border; quirky topiary.
elmarsh Hall is one of

team to restore the garden to its former glory.
was little variety; bindweed was rampant; and
Northamptonshires best-kept
Nancy Lancaster was a glamorous, strongthe borders had a limited period of glory. Yet
secrets. The Hall, built in 1732,
willed outsider, but she still exemplified the
there was something magical about it, a sense
is a Palladian gem, and its
essence of English upper-class country living.
of time standing still, which was irresistible.
romantic garden with old roses
In the 1950s, she translated her ideas with her
The decision was taken to avoid the route of
and herbaceous borders is quintessentially
business partner John Fowler into the highly
slavish historical authenticity, instead taking the
English. Yet the creator of this garden was
successful interior-decorating firm Colefax and
established themes of pastel colours and scent,
an American - Nancy Lancaster - who came to
Fowler, which is still going strong today. At
while aiming for a longer flowering season.
Kelmarsh as a tenant with her then husband,
Kelmarsh, she invented shabby chic and the
Norah designed her garden around the social
and later went on to marry its owner, Colonel
art of apparent effortlessness.
calendar, she says, but we have visitors from
Claude Jubie Lancaster.
April until September.
No garden plans have
The garden has been
At Kelmarsh Hall, Nancy Lancaster invented shabby
survived from the 1920s,
described as a womans
chic and the art of apparent effortlessness
if they ever existed, but
garden because of its soft,
a Country Life article
sensuous atmosphere, but
When Esther became head gardener in
published in 1931 with black-and-white
also because three women have overseen
2004, the Kelmarsh Trust had been running
photographs gives clues to the planting. With
its evolution. When Nancy first came to
the estate for eight years since the death of
no documentation, it is difficult to distinguish
Kelmarsh in 1927, she engaged the society
Valencia Lancaster, who had inherited the
which ideas originated with Nancy or Norah,
gardener Norah Lindsay to help her design
estate from her brother Claude. Esther admits
though their characters give clues. Box edgings
a plot that would complement the elegance of
she faced a tough challenge when she first
to the beds were probably Nancys choice,
the house. Nancy left Kelmarsh in 1953 after
took on her job there. Without any firm
Esther points out, as Norah always talked about
her separation from Colonel Lancaster. Now,
direction, the garden had declined, she admits.
the effect of old ladies petticoats flopping over
half a century later, the Wisley-trained head
The vigorous plants had taken over, so there
the paths. Nancy and Norah shared a love of
gardener Esther McMillan is leading a new
GLORIOUS GARDENS
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
ABOVE, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT The elegant feathery flowers of Aruncus dioicus create a dramatic contrast with hostas and Nepeta Six Hills Giant; frothy
and feminine Digitalis purpurea, Alchemilla mollis and the pincushion flowers of Astrantia major subsp. involucrata Shaggy; cows in the meadow.
cottage-garden plants and a sense of gardens as

the Sunken Garden, surely Nancys conception
straggly, and is clearly not the ideal solution.
a place of repose. But while Norah indulged in
and the entrance to her kingdom.
Further along, glimpsed through the arch of
an almost mystical attitude to gardening, Nancy
It is heady with the scents of sweet peas in
an 8ft-high yew hedge, the strong double border
was more down to earth in every sense. Known
lovely sugared-almond hues and sweet rocket,
contrasts dramatically with the soft airyness of
to her smart society friends as Mrs. Dirty Nails,
as well as nicotianas and Rosa English Miss;
the Sunken Garden. I want it to lean out and
hers was a no-nonsense approach to planting.
and the colour scheme is one of soft pinks,
grab people as they go past, explains Esther.
Apart from Nancys two
Roses, jasmine, passion
husbands (who paid the
flowers and clematis
She has avoided the route of slavish historical authenticity,
gardening bills), there was
scramble up the 18thaiming
instead
for
a
longer
flowering
season
another key man involved
century brick walls that
in this most feminine of
form the outside of the
gardens: the great landscape architect and garden
lavenders and creams, sharpened up by the
kitchen garden, creating a backdrop for
designer Geoffrey Jellicoe (1900-1996). In 1936,
lime-green ruffles of Alchemilla mollis.
delphiniums of the Black Knight and Guinevere
Colonel Lancaster hired him to create a terrace
Recently, Nancys box edging caught box
Groups, ruby Astrantia major Claret and
on the west side of the house, with lawns and
blight, and Esther has some reservations about
carmine-red Hadspen Blood. Norahs favourite,
large horse chestnut avenues leading down to
replacing it with shrubby evergreen honeysuckle
scented Iris germanica is there, as is the mauvethe lake. But Jellicoes plain design gives no hint
Lonicera nitida. Its good in shade or sun, but it
flowered Nepeta grandiflora Dawn to Dusk.
of the horticultural abundance that lies beyond.
grows so fast that it needs trimming five times
The Fan Rose Garden is a tribute to the
Turn left across the west terrace, and you enter
a year, she says. It can sometimes look quite
colonial style of Nancys beloved American
GLORIOUS GARDENS
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
ABOVE A border of self-sown poppies with stately foxgloves, sky blue cornflowers (Centaurea cyanus) and towering angelica is edged with a frothy
circular mass of Alchemilla mollis, creating a naturalistic spectacle opposite the picturesque red-brick vinery within the spacious walled garden.
self-seeded verbascums and angelica, Allium

bucharicum and grey-leaved meadow rue
(Thalictrum flavum subsp. glaucum), putting
forth frothy clusters of delicate yellow flowers.
All of these different gardens are arranged
around the boundary walls of the triangular
kitchen garden, which is the heart of the estate
- and Esthers favourite place. When you open
the wooden door to the kitchen garden, and the
sun is shining on the dahlias, it really lifts your
spirits, she explains. Esther has focused on
cutting flowers in this area, reflecting the
demand in Kelmarsh Halls heyday for a constant
supply of flowers for the house. She grows 40
different dahlias; and big wigwams of sweet
peas including Mollie Rilestone, smelling like
a tuberose; massed Alchemilla mollis; and a
triumphantly rescued crescent of peonies, once
covered in thistle and bindweed.
She passes on her enthusiasm for growing cut

flowers through talks at the Hall, and to local
groups and schoolchildren who come for herb
hunts, outdoor cookery demonstrations and
craft activities. Thanks to Esther and her team,
the borders and beds are being adapted to
changing 21st-century needs. Nancy Lancaster
knew that a gardens spirit is intangible and
ephemeral, but the task of restoring her garden
legacy at Kelmarsh is now in safe hands.
Kelmarsh Hall, Kelmarsh, Northamptonshire
NN6 9LY. For details of opening times and
the programme of garden events including talks
on growing cutting flowers, and special visits for
schoolchildren, tel: +44 (0)1604 686543 or email
enquiries@kelmarsh.com. www.kelmarsh.com

The English Garden
51
childhood home, Mirador, in Virginia, with a

seat painted in her favourite garden shade of
Confederate Grey. The scents and colours of
old roses - Fantin-Latour, Madame Hardy,
Tuscany Superb - are intoxicating on a warm
summers day. Beyond them is a pastoral view,
reminiscent of an 18th-century painting, across
a meadow where cows graze among the
bumps of a lost medieval village to the ancient
parish church. Nancy had a group of farm
buildings in the field removed because they
spoilt the effect - Capability Brown would
certainly have been proud of her decision.
The long border, an amazing 60m long
and 8m deep, is Norah Lindsays tour de
force. It comes into its own with the strong
colours of late summer, particularly asters,
chrysanthemums, phlox and rudbeckias. In
June and July, foliage holds the interest, with
GLORIOUS GARDENS
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
The notebook
Kelmarsh Hall gardens cover three acres, plus parkland. The soil is clay throughout, though the kitchen garden
has wonderful topsoil, according to Esther, because some poor gardener has been digging it for 300 years!
HEAVEN SCENT
You can soften the hard edges
of brick steps or gravel with
a dramatic plant like Morina
longifolia (below), whose
leaves have a delicate citrus
perfume when crushed.
WICKER WORKS
Display pelargoniums in wicker baskets
(above) lined with polythene - a cheap and
attractive alternative to common clay pots.
CONTACTS
GARDENS TO VISIT IN THE AREA
EYE-POPPING POPPIES
Coton Manor, Coton, Northants
Gardeners get obsessive about weeding out self-sown
NN6 8RQ. Tel: +44 (0)1604 740219.
poppies (above), but leave them to flower, and even
www.cotonmanor.co.uk
encourage them by shaking the ripe seedheads, and
Cottesbrooke Hall, Cottesbrooke,
theyll reward with a dramatic show in unexpected places.
Northamptonshire NN6 8PF.

Tel: +44 (0)1604 505808.
www.cottesbrookehall.co.uk
STATELY HOME
Lamport Hall, Lamport,
Elegant in its simplicity and
Northamptonshire NN6 9HD.
symmetry, Kelmarsh Hall (left) was
Tel: +44 (0)1604 686272.
designed by the influential 18th-
www.lamporthall.co.uk
century architect James Gibbs. It
Old Rectory Gardens, Sudborough,
was described by the architectural
Northamptonshire NN14 3BX.
historian Nikolaus Pevsner as a
Tel: +44 (0)1832 733247.
perfect, extremely reticent design,
www.oldrectorygardens.co.uk
done in an impeccable taste.
HEAD GARDENER ESTHERS TOP TIPS

Self-sown seedlings are a gift, but dont be over-sentimental about them. Even if they
are your favourite plant, if they are in the wrong place you should dig them out and find
somewhere better for them. They could make a good addition to a border.
Make sure you start staking early, so plants arent overwhelmed by bossy
neighbours and get the support they need.
Go with the soil youve got. Theres no point trying to grow Mediterranean plants that
like sandy, well-drained soil if youve got heavy clay like ours. There are lots of alternatives
though - roses being just one of the most obvious choices.
Remember the bigger picture. Plant in groups or drifts - if you just go for one or two
of a kind, youll end up with a spotty, blotchy effect.
Pruning all our roses takes several days, so now we prune them just once in autumn,
then mulch them thoroughly - with highly successful results.
...AND SOME QUIRKY ADVICE FROM NANCY LANCASTER:

Gardening is best done on your stomach, weeding with your teeth!
DAVID AUSTINS PLANT CENTRE AND ROSE GARDENS

D
avid Austin has created what many consider to be one of the most
beautiful, fragrant rose gardens in the world. At their best from
early June through to August, these are open to the public all year
round, free of charge.The Renaissance Gardens central canal leads to
a beautifully proportioned loggia, creating a feeling of peace and
tranquillity. In the Lion Garden, four long borders are filled with a
wonderful combination of shrub roses, including many English Roses.
The gardens are interlaced with pergolas, clothed with many climbing
and rambling roses. Open from 9am to 5pm. Accessible to wheelchairs.
David Austins beautifully

illustrated Handbook of
Roses includes over 800
varieties of roses, including
fragrant shrub roses,
climbing roses and
ramblers. If you share our
passion for roses, please
request a free copy of our
catalogue, quoting EG48
PLANT CENTRE
We offer one of the largest collections of container roses to be found
anywhere in the country, together with companion plants, trees and
shrubs.
TEA ROOMS & RESTAURANT

Our restaurant is housed in a half-timber framed building with exposed
oak beams serving delicious home-cooked food throughout the day.
Traditional afternoon teas are served at 3 oclock each day. Book in
advance so that your table will be beautifully prepared when you arrive
decorated with fresh cut roses.
Please send me a FREE Handbook of Roses

Name .......................................................................................................................
Address ..................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
Postcode ................................................................................................................
E-mail .......................................................................................................................
EG48
GIFT SHOP
Our garden gift shop has been completely rejuvenated and moved to
a new, custom-designed space and provides a wide range of outdoor
lifestyle and home dcor ideas as well as great gifts. Plant lovers may like
to take the opportunity to browse our collection of horticultural
books.
COURSES & EVENTS

We hold a series of events and courses at the Plant Centre, designed
to help gardeners get more pleasure from growing their roses. Please
check our website for details.
DAVID AUSTIN ROSES

Bowling Green Lane, Albrighton,
Wolverhampton WV7 3HB
Telephone: 01902 376300 Fax: 01902 375177
e-mail: retail@davidaustinroses.com
www.davidaustinroses.com
SPECIALISTS IN THE SUPPLY OF QUALITY

SPECIMEN AND SCREENING TREES
Professional landscape services, coupled with

unrivalled customer satisfaction over 30 years
We create landscapes to suit every garden and gardener, from

bespoke individual trees and hedges to prestigious UK projects for
designers, architects and property developers.
Our tree nursery is a fantastic shop window of specimen trees and
we are one of the few to stock containerised large trees.
We offer a thorough design service taking you from the initial idea,
to installation and after sale care.
PRACTICALITY BROWN Ltd

Iver Stud, Iver, Buckinghamshire SL0 9LA
Tel: 01753 652022 Fax: 01753 653007
Email: sales@pracbrown.co.uk www.pracbrown.co.uk
DESIGN GUIDE
CONTEMPORARY CHIC
CURVY WORTHY
This ultra-chic garden is built in a stunning series of loops and curls that twist
through the landscape, blending contemporary style with long-lasting planting
PHOTOGRAPHS MARIANNE MAJERUS WORDS ANNE GATTI
The English Garden
55
DESIGN GUIDE
CONTEMPORARY CHIC
pproaching this handsome Georgian

manor house in Sussex, you expect
to see a garden of similar grandeur,
featuring perhaps clipped yew hedges, lawns,
alles and formal pools. Whats revealed, as
you step through the door, is a complete
surprise: a bold, contemporary garden, which
snakes its way down the grassy slope through
a series of paved and enclosed seating areas
to a large natural pool and, beyond that,
a swathe of wildflower meadow, which leads
onto a small orchard.
The south-facing garden looks out to a
panoramic view of this part of the South
Downs, a landscape of folded chalk hills that
presents a tapestry of light and dark greens
formed by pastureland and clumps of native
trees, and incised by a network of lines
created by man-made hedges and flint walls.
When designer Ian Kitson first saw how
the garden, he decided that the design had
to develop a dialogue between the garden and
the larger landscape, but it also had to have
its own character. He believed it needed to
stand up to the surrounding landscape and the
56
The English Garden
Garden profile
DESIGNER: Ian Kitson
PLACE: East Sussex. This private garden
is open on 26 June 2011 - book through
the Society of Garden Designers by
emailing amanda@amandapatton.co.uk
SIZE: Designed area, including renovated
orchard, is 80m x 40m
STYLE: Contemporary garden on a
slope, shaped by bold, sinuous hard
landscaping linking a series of viewpoints
house and say: Look at me, Im beautiful too.

The creation of the garden was an intrinsic
part of the plan owners Geoff and Anne Shaw
had to give a new lease of life to the whole
property. When they bought the house in 2006,
it needed complete renovation, and the garden
was just a grassy slope dotted with trees
and shrubs, leading to a tennis court. They
gave Ian carte blanche with the design, having
discussed their love of vibrant colours and a
wish that the garden be attractive to wildlife.

Initially, they wanted to keep the tennis
court, so Ians original design introduced a
walled, sunken garden where they could
sit and soak up the wider view without
having to look at the court. When the Shaws
decided to forego it, Ian created a serpentine
pool in its footprint.
The planting was provided by designer
Julie Toll who, like Ian, took clues from the
landscape. I wanted a tapestry effect of grasses
and perennials to link to the meadows, she
says. The species chosen had to thrive on the
chalk soil and had to be drought tolerant.
Central to the design is a series of stopping
places with their own seats, where the owners
can enjoy different views on their journey
down to the pool and wildflower meadow
beyond, starting with a terrace of Cumbrian
stone and brick outside the back door. Four
years on, designer Ian says, it has become
what I had hoped it would be: something
that enriches the experience of living there,
rather than something you might occasionally
want to go into.
ILLUSTRATION/NEIL GOWER
Arches and contours

The language of the design borrows from the surrounding landscape and is one of sweeps
and curves, including great arching blockwork walls and organically shaped paths.
WHORLING REFLECTIONS The crescent

shape of the hardwood decking disappears
into the water at its furthest point (above),
and echoes the pattern created by a cluster
of trees on the hilltop across the valley.
ORGANIC PATHWAYS The central path to the lake

widens in a curve to allow for seating (above). The
pointing between each piece of Cotswold stone is sunk
The design had to develop a dialogue between

the garden and the larger landscape
by an inch to highlight their irregular shapes.

WAVY WALLS Curving flint walls that enclose the
sunken garden (in the foreground) and part of the
gardens central path make a visual and cultural link
to the man-made enclosures and sheep pens of the
wider landscape (below).
TWISTS AND TURNS The grass path through the wildflower turf
provides a winding circuit (above) and is wide enough to lie down
and enjoy the sensation of being in a wildflower meadow.
Golden Achillea
This elder tree was
The south-facing loungers
The free-flowing shape
Moonshine and grasses
retained to provide a
on the hardwood deck
of the iroko deck, which
such as bronze Carex
vertical backdrop to the
mark the end of the
floats above the water
flagellifera are repeated
horizontal plane of the
journey to this part of the
on a wooden sub-
through this massed
pool and to link with the
garden. A mown grass
structure, required that
planting, which creates
native trees in the valley
path behind the pool
each piece of wood had
a bank of colour and
beyond the garden.
defines its organic shape,
to be cut individually.
texture from the water-
and creates another
side up the grassy slope.
weaving circuit to the

bottom of the garden.
DESIGN GUIDE
CONTEMPORARY CHIC
An arc of umbrella
Salvia nemerosa
Grasses such as Stipa
mulberry trees create
Caradonna was chosen
gigantea, Anemanthele
This hardwood bench

has its back to the
strong vertical interest,
to add verticality and,
lessoniana and Carex
boundary hedge that
their horizontal forms
with several of the
flagellifera help blend
screens a public path,
allowing views through
grasses, extend the
the designed planting
and offers a view across
to the landscape beyond
seasonal interest, as the
with the landscape
the full width of the
while also linking
architectural seedheads
beyond and, in the wind,
pool and beyond to
visually with the pool.
are left standing
add movement and
the meadows where
throughout winter.
grace to the scheme.
sheep graze.
The English Garden
59
DESIGN GUIDE
CONTEMPORARY CHIC
SUNKEN SPOT This part of the sunken garden

was designed to be large enough to hold a dining
table (right). Low clipped box encloses a simple
planting of Salvia nemorosa Caradonna and
Alchemilla erythropoda.
WOVEN POD The black basket seat in
synthetic rattan (below) is called Neptune and
is made by Go Modern (www.gomodern.co.uk).
It provides a secluded spot to read a book,
surrounded by Calamintha nepeta.
Seating solutions
The seating is a mixture of teak chairs and benches by Barlow Tyrie and bold, black woven
seats in weatherproof synthetic materials, which complement the clean lines of the design
TRADITIONAL TEAK A table outside the back

door (left) provides an ideal spot for morning
coffee. The vibrant planting, including Rosa
Fellowship and Geum coccineum Werner
Arends, links to the pinks and reds of the interior.
DECKED OUT The decking was designed to
fit the two loungers - Savannah by Barlow Tyrie
(www.teak.com) - which look back to the
massed perennials and grasses planting
on the lower half of the grass slope (below).
THE DESIGNER
Ian Kitson
is a chartered
landscape
architect with
a degree in
architecture and
a postgraduate
diploma in the
conservation of
historic parks
and gardens. He has designed gardens and
open spaces for a wide range of clients,
from private owners to local authorities and
private/public institutions. His work is marked
by a precise but free-flowing approach. His
practice is based in central London.
Tel: +44 (0)7742 301799.
www.iankitson.com
IN CONVERSATION WITH...
ANDY STURGEON
Slopes, terraces & levels
ALL IMAGES/ANDREW DUFF
In the first of his new series, Andrew Duff of the Inchbald Garden
Design School talks to Andy Sturgeon, one of the UKs top garden
designers, about how to tackle awkward changes in level
Q Is it hard to sell changes in levels to clients?
A Significant differences in height can offer all
sorts of interesting design potential, particularly
with water, which can cascade from one
level to another. Slopes are more interesting
to design, but the cost can be prohibitive.
To communicate to a client, I often make
plasticine models of the site, as a drawing on
paper just does not present a true picture of
how a sloping garden will look.
Q Is it true that the cut-and-fill method is more

cost effective?
A The cut-and-fill method essentially means
that a terrace is partially cut into the slope, and
the resulting excavated soil is then compacted
and piled up on the outer edge so that
the terrace also protrudes from the existing
slope. The aim is that no extra soil should
be either imported or removed; therefore the
costs are kept down.
Q When w e think of alteri ng the l evel s in a

garden, we tend to think it will be costly.
A Retaining walls and steps will usually be
necessary to make the garden useable and to
create flat terraces. These structures are costly
as they require substantial foundations. If
money is no object, then these walls can
become the major features of the garden, and
often the best solution is a compromise
whereby expensive feature walls are kept to a
minimum and cheaper slopes are used as well.
Q Can sloping gardens simply be turfed?

A As a general rule, slopes cannot be more
than 45 degrees or they become unstable, and
should ideally be more gentle than this. They
can be lawned, although they are difficult and
dangerous to cut. A slope that can be walked
on should ideally be no more than one in 12.
If a lawn can be included then it will bring
space into the garden. A lawn can also make
the garden more useable.
Q What if I am on a budget?
A Cheaper walls made from new sleepers
are useful for retaining banks, and they can
be hidden with planting. Too many visible
walls will spoil a design, and can be quite
intimidating to look at if they tower over you.
Q What are the alternatives to lawn?

A Slopes can be planted, which prevents the
erosion of soil. Hemerocallis are good on banks
as they have contractile roots which hold
the soil together. Low-maintenance evergreen
shrubs are also a good idea on steeper slopes.
They can be planted through a membrane,
which will prevent erosion and weed growth
until the plants are established and knit
together to form a dense mat of foliage. The
result could be a combination of planting,
gentle slopes, steps and feature retaining walls.
Q W h a t s t y l e o f p l a n t in g w o u l d b e b e s t t o
accentuate these levels?
A I like to use large blocks or drifts of plants
or mono-cultures, used to emphasise the
different levels and terraces within a design
and can become an integral part of it. However
if you wish to disguise the different terraces,
mixed planting is preferable.
Q Are there any rules for designing steps?
A Where a garden slopes up away from the
house, steps should be kept fairly wide, as they
encourage movement into the garden. Narrow
TOP RIGHT Leading designer Andy Sturgeon.

ABOVE Add interest by changing the level
of the lawn. BELOW LEFT An example
of raised ponds and a supporting wall in
a show garden designed by Andy.
steps make a psychological barrier, which

would tend to encourage people to stay at the
bottom of the steps.
Q Do I need to think about drainage?
A Yes. Drainage on a sloping site is usually
not a problem, as the water will naturally flow
away down the slope, although you may need
to install gullies to direct surface water in
heavy rain, as it can erode soil and pathways.
Where the garden slopes down towards the
house, it is vital to ensure good drainage at the
base to avoid flooding.
For design courses, visit www.inchbald.co.uk
The English Garden
63
T: 01767 262636 F: 01767 262288
Please visit our website www.deepdale-trees.co.uk
A GARDEN REBORN
NORTHUMBERLAND
ABOVE The flower garden is awash with colour as California poppies, anthemis and yarrow come into flower. BELOW LEFT Cornflowers stand out against
bright orange poppies. BELOW CENTRE The old roller is put to good use levelling the paths. BELOW RIGHT Stargazer lilies thrive in containers.
Making progress
As paths are laid and preparations made for a new summerhouse, Susie and David discover they
arent the only ones enjoying the fruits of their labours - wildlife is thriving in the garden too
PHOTOGRAPHS TOM WHITE WORDS SUSIE WHITE
The English Garden
65
A GARDEN REBORN
NORTHUMBERLAND
ABOVE LEFT Susie records which wildflowers are growing in the meadow strip before adding more varieties. ABOVE RIGHT David finds time to
complete the path in the flower garden - he starts with a base layer of rubble, covers it with black membrane and finishes with a layer of dolerite.
he flower garden here at Bridge

only design constraint being to use hot colours
with other soft colours for later. There will be
Eal has suddenly taken off.
near the house and muted colours at the back,
white daisies on slender stems, which angle their
Last month I described how the
to give an enhanced sense of space. The annuals
faces towards the sun; pink speckled trumpets
drought was keeping the plants
have followed this pattern too, so I have orange
of stargazer lilies; pale violet asters; and a blushstunted, but now, with soft
and yellow California poppies at the front,
coloured old rose that I grew from a cutting.
July rain, the whole place is blooming like
mixed with rich blue cornflowers, a wonderful
Now a large bush, I have been willing it to live,
a desert after a cloudburst.
combination. Further back, I have introduced
along with the other large shrubs that we moved
Towards the front are swathes of yellow that
the different blues of larkspur, and beyond that
in difficult weather conditions, including the
give the impression of sunlight, even on a dull
in August will be a great froth of white Ammi
dainty, late season Fuchsia magellanica Alba.
day. Gardeners often avoid yellow and it is not
majus and pale, narrow spikes of annual lupins.
Around the base of two richly green topiary
a colour that I have used in the past. Now I am
For now, there is calm from the pure spikes
yews, I planted a circle of Lamium maculatum
revelling in the uplifting,
White Nancy, which draws
light-filled joyfulness, and at
bees to its white flowers.
Im thrilled my favourite thyme has survived the move
the different heights of lemon
It is fascinating to see
anthemis daisies, burnished
the
self-seeders that I have
and is already cascading over the retaining wall
heleniums, shaggy inulas
unwittingly brought with
and flat-topped yarrow.
me. Long used to spotting
of white willowherb, Chamerion angustifolium
them at seedling stage from the informal way
Out of all this profusion rise the sturdy spires
Album, which looks serenely beautiful against
that I managed the garden at Chesters, I spare
of mulleins, and flouncing around them are
the lichen-covered old stone wall. Its shorter
them the hoe and am rewarded with pokeroot,
luminous orange California poppies. These are
relative, a bi-coloured willowherb named Isobel,
onorpordum thistles, purple toadflax, musk
the first to bloom of the large swirls of annuals
has pretty salmon and deep-pink flowerheads,
mallow, bronze fennel, sweet rocket, black
that I sowed to fill in gaps between the first-year
and is growing next to the candy-coloured
mullein, purple plantain and feverfew. This last
perennial plants. I bought seed by the gram so
sidalcea. At Chesters Walled Garden, I used to
one I let flower so I can keep the double forms,
that I could sow plentifully, and raked it into
grow another willowherb, Stahl Rose, with
and put the singles on the new compost bins.
loose shapes in the soil. It was great fun to do,
flowers very similar to Isobel - but taller and
David has just dug up the first potatoes, the
playful and exuberant, especially not knowing
much more of a thug. Lovely if you have the
first of our garden produce from Bridge Eal. It
quite how it would look later.
space, but I decided it was just too big for here.
feels like quite a celebratory moment, for not
With no planting plan, Ive delighted in the
These are planted furthest from the house along
only have they helped to break up the ground
freedom to make it up as I go along, with the
66
The English Garden
A GARDEN REBORN
NORTHUMBERLAND
ABOVE LEFT Bridge Eals first harvest - David digs up Charlotte potatoes. ABOVE RIGHT Susie grows a wide variety of annuals and perennials,
including foxgloves, vipers bugloss, thyme and heleniums (pictured), all of which attract hoverflies, bees and other flying insects.
after so many years, but we have a supper of his

heavy old garden roller to firm it in. After
garden is coming truly alive as it beckons such
favourite variety, Charlotte. He finds these the
months of teetering on uneven stones, its
an abundance of insects. The numerous bees
best for Northumberland: reliable, generous and
such a treat to walk on.
that are now visiting the flowers are watched
less likely to get blight or scab. The new herb
He also builds some stone steps to lead up
with fascination and wariness by our tabby
border is doing amazingly well, with plants
to the central path, using some of the large
cat Jack, whose favourite stakeout is below
revelling in the free-draining alluvial soil, and
blocks that were unearthed by the digger back
the vipers bugloss. The wildlife in the
we have plentiful parsley, thyme and chives too.
in March. These rise out of a rectangle that we
valley is fantastic, with huge variety of birdlife,
David is very busy with the structural side of
created in the low retaining wall that edges
tawny owls calling at night, bats emerging at
making the garden, creating paths, steps and
the flower garden, and which we made the
dusk and a hedgehog often found wandering
constructing the base for the summerhouse.
same width as the stone steps that lead down
among the potatoes.
A small, square Amdega design, it is arriving in
to the house. Around the base of this rectangle,
To allow this naturalness into the garden, I
August. We hope it doesnt
am tweaking the area of
rain too hard beforehand and
long grasses that leads to
Tawny owls call at night, bats emerge at dusk and
make our long, rutted track
the river gate, recording
impossible for the wagon.
what is there already,
a hedgehog often wanders among the potatoes
Bridge Eals abundance of
planting more wildflowers
stones is at least of some use
into the turf and, just for
I have planted Alchemilla mollis, determined
the first season, using a lawn weedkiller
in making the base, which he concretes and
that this is the only place where I will allow it,
to eliminate nettle and burdock but save
methodically checks with a spirit level to make
and visualise its cool apple-green colour leading
the grasses. Foxgloves are blooming by the
sure he gets it exactly right.
the eye up to more vibrant colours. I am thrilled
wall, polypody ferns crest the coping stones,
Fed up of nearly breaking our ankles on the
that my favourite thyme has survived the
and hogweed, crosswort, wood avens and
rocky sub-base of the garden paths, we are
move and is already cascading over the retaining
woundwort are already there. I also add
delighted when a lorry arrives with 10 tons of
wall, and that the rooted pieces of Thymus
meadowsweet, scabious, cranesbill, ragged
crushed dolerite, to be deposited in a golden
longicaulis I pushed into the soil in spring are
robin and the beautiful melancholy thistle. It
pyramid just outside the kitchen window. We
doing so amazingly well.
is all part of making a garden that is perfectly
cut strips of black membrane to the width of
Thymes are wonderful bee plants, and from
in tune with the valley.
the flower garden paths, and David spends the
the moment I saw the first bumble bee on a
next couple of days barrowing in the honeylungwort back in early spring, I have felt the
Next month: Susie focuses on the back terrace
coloured gravel. He rakes it level and uses our
The English Garden
67
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RHS CHELSEA REVIEW

GLASSHOUSES DISPLAY
Hartley Botanics glasshouses are the stuff of dreams, so The English Garden magazine was
thrilled to accessorise three of their designs on display at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
PHOTOGRAPHS PAUL DEBOIS
wning a glasshouse is likely to feature at the top of

any gardeners wish list. Whatever the structure, from
simple aluminium frame to the most luxuriously
crafted designs, most of us would love the opportunity
to garden under glass. It promises a world of new
and exciting horticultural opportunties, where you can try out new
techniques and flex your greenfingers.
Working with Hartley Botanics latest designs, including the Grange,
the Victorian and the Vista, we created three different interiors at the
RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year. They were filled with tools,
products and furniture to inspire you, and show how easy it is to
create the perfect space to grow in.
Hartley Botanics glasshouses inspired the crowds, as each offered a
very different growing environment - one to suit every gardener, from
the beginner who wants to try their hand sowing seeds and growing veg;
to a more experienced gardener, cultivating rare orchids and other tender
species in need of tropical conditions; as well as the leisure gardener who
regards a glasshouse as both a practical and recreational space.
The English Garden
69
COMPILED BY/TAMSIN WESTHORPE & CINEAD MCTERNAN

AND WITH THANKS TO STYLIST KARINA GARRICK
Heaven is a hothouse
RHS CHELSEA REVIEW

GLASSHOUSES DISPLAY
The Victorian Terrace

The Victorian Terrace, a new addition to the
Hartley Victorian range (left), is an elegantly
proportioned glasshouse, designed to suit both
small and medium-sized gardens, or for those
who might just prefer its particular dimensions.
It is the perfect solution for the leisure gardener,
and offers a very flexible growing space, with
plenty of room for a comfy chair to allow you to
relax in the warmth of the house.
With solid cast aluminium ball finials as an
interesting design feature, plus many optional
accessories and a range of colour options to suit
your specific taste, it could easily be your very
own pied--terre in the garden. The highly
durable polyester powder-coated finish that is
applied to the glasshouses is available in a range
of nine natural heritage colours to complement
the aspects and character of its surroundings.
As designer Roger Platt demonstrated in his
planting at the show, you can have great fun
co-ordinating the glasshouse to the planting. With
such an attractive feature, its no longer necessary
to tuck the greenhouse in the far corner of the
garden: now you can use it as a focal point.
The Hartley Vista

You know youve reached giddy heights as a
gardener when you can find the space for a
glasshouse. While gardening without this luxury
item is not to be sniffed at, you simply cant
beat having all the benefits that this structure
provides. Just think what you could grow!
For your first forray into greenhouse gardening,
you cant go wrong with Hartleys new Vista
Greenhouse (right). A more robust alternative to
standard aluminium designs, the distinctive
lean-too shape provides maximum height and
internal space for the size of footprint too.
This contemporary greenhouse with its
distinctive modern curved roofline will fit any
size garden - large or small, urban rooftop or
country plot. It offers a contemporary look that
will appeal to those that want the option to
propagate plants in a modern space.
RHS CHELSEA REVIEW

GLASSHOUSES DISPLAY
The Grange
which makes it the ideal spot for creating
impressive displays of tender specimens. For
more hands-on endeavours - propagating,
sowing seeds, potting-on - you can access
tools, compost and pots from both sides.
Hartley Botanics latest design, The Grange
(above), features a high pyramid roof, which
has an integral apex vent that sets the
temperature and allows air to circulate. It is
also excellent news for tall gardeners, as well
as offering a solution to the problem of
overwintering precious - and large - specimens

like tree ferns, olives and banana plants. It
provides ample room for furniture too, so you
can sit and relax among your tropical plants.
This would make a stunning addition to
any garden, and offers an ingenious design for
experienced greenhouse gardeners.
For more information, contact Hartley Botanic Ltd,
Wellington Road, Greenfield, Oldham OL3 7AG.
Tel: 0800 7838083. www.hartley-botanic.co.uk
The English Garden
71
While square glasshouses, like their octagonal

and rectangular cousins, are an attractive
feature in a garden, they are also exceptionally
practical when it come to siting staging. Not
just because they allow for generous lengths
to run along three edges, but also because they
offer the opportunity to have a central island
bench - the same sort of thing you might see
in a well-designed kitchen.
If the staging is placed in the middle of the
building, plants can be seen from all angles,
make an entrance...
door canopies
wall trellis
planters
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A veranda is a sheltered space that helps you to extend the

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at sunset a veranda puts you in touch
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RHS CHELSEA REVIEW

GLASSHOUSES DISPLAY
Fabulous features & top tips

Hartley Botanic was delighted to be awarded the crystal trophy for Excellence of Presentation from the RHS for their
exhibit at this years Chelsea Flower Show. Weve picked out some features that made them stand out from the rest
UP, UP AND AWAY
Experienced gardeners will tell you that
a tidy and ordered glasshouse will result
in a more successful growing space.
Though it can be hard to keep everything
looking ship-shape if space is an issue.
Hartley Botanic suggest aiming high if
this is an issue for you, with a range of
shelves that come in varying widths and
lengths - just the place to get seedlings
off to a great start (below).
A MOVEABLE FEAST
Containers are a flexible idea when it
comes to growing fruit and veg in a
glasshouse. Starting them off under glass
will encourage early crops as well as
offering protection from wet and cold
weather. You can then take them outdoors
on hot sunny days. This strawberry planter
from Crocus (above) - see panel for details -
BREATH OF FRESH AIR
can also be used for herbs.
Keeping the air circulating in a glasshouse,

whatever the size, is vital to the success of
growing in this type of environment. While
BORDERING ON GENIUS
you can buy an automatic vent system to
Soil beds are a useful feature in a glasshouse,
add as an accessory, they come as an
though can be untidy if soil spills out onto the
integral fixture (above) with Hartley Botanics
floor. Hartley Botanic solve this issue with
glasshouses. Fitted on the roof or on the
woven hazel hurdlesfrom Burgon & Ball.
sides, they allow the internal atmosphere
Other practical, as well as tidy, solutions for
to remain cool when needed, as well as
creating veg beds are these clever potato
help reduce the risk of pests and diseases.
bags that can be packed away after use (left).
TIPS FROM HARTLEY BOTANIC

MD JOHNNY MOBASHER &
DESIGNER ROGER PLATT
WITH THANKS TO:
Choose the right location for your glasshouse.
8899. www.conran.com
Dont pick a shady spot - youll want to benefit from
Crocus. Tel: 0844 5572233.
plenty of sunshine. Also, overhanging trees will result
www.crocus.co.uk
in debris blocking the guttering. Use blinds to add any
Garden Trading. Tel: 0845 6084448.
shade you need during summer months.
www.gardentrading.co.uk
Think about your glasshouse as an integral
Hen & Hammock.
part of your garden design, and create borders and
Tel: +44 (0)1844 217060.
beds around the structure.
www.henandhammock.co.uk
Dont be afraid to experiment. Grow more exotic,
Oka Direct Ltd. Tel: +44 (0)1865 342300.
unusual plants or propagate favourite varieties.
www.okadirect.com
Make the most of your glasshouse as a growing
Petersham Nurseries.
space. Youd be suprised how often gardeners start to
Tel: +44 (0)20 8940 5230.
see them as an additional store for tools!
www.petershamnurseries.com
Burgon & Ball. Tel: +44 (0)1142 338262.

www.burgonandball.com
The Conran Shop. Tel: +44 (0)20 7403
The English Garden
73
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RHS CHELSEA REVIEW

CREATING A SHOW GARDEN, PART3
Cornish dream
In the last of his series, designer Tom Hoblyn looks back at

the exciting build up to his RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden
PREVIOUS PAGE Toms 2011 show garden. ABOVE, FROM LEFT Work gets underway on the garden for Homebase; its hard work getting the big trees into
their final position; Scots pines must be craned in; planting is a crucial element; polythene protects the pavilion during the build. BELOW Tom Hoblyn.
t the end of April, during a spell

off my beautiful granite pool edging, I know
of unseasonably warm weather,
that we have some re-constituted granite for
I nervously do the nursery
repairs. When my amazing pavilion roof was
rounds to check up on my show
lifted in and found to be 25mm out, skewing
plants. My rhododendrons are
the pillars by a few millimetres, I knew we could
at the swollen bud stage, with one of my
comfortably accommodate this discrepancy
Cunninghams Blush beginning to bloom.
within our precision-cut granite floor.
Deepdale Trees owner Matthias assures me that
Much of this is down to the pre-Chelsea
the shock of re-potting and transportation will
organisation Ive done, and the experience of
retard flowering sufficiently - phew.
my contractors. For example, this year they
My visit to Howard Nurseries, grower of my
arranged use of a type of mini remote-controlled
perennials, isnt so good. A lot of my first-timecrane, so we can lift the one-ton granite pieces
seen-at-Chelsea plants are in full flower. Even
and place them with millimetre precision while
though in a shade tunnel, Disporum cantoniense
standing beside the intended destination.
was already blooming furiously. Fortunately
But in the first week of the build, disaster
David Howard has been doing this for more
strikes. The beautiful, 7m-tall Scots pines I chose
than 30 years and was not perturbed; disporum
in Germany all those months ago arrive on site.
has fantastic berries and he is going to push
A full-sized crane is needed to hoist them into
them on past flowering. As for the rest, I pray
position, but despite following the proper treefor cooler weather.
lifting procedure, somehow the last tree gets
this year I am keen to conduct this duty in a
The week before we are allowed to start
damaged and has a gaping bark wound. Mad
calm and controlled manner. I am feeling
building the garden, my mind is completely
panic follows. The tree has to be sent back to
psyched, I have worked out a plan of action
dominated by Chelsea;
and Im ready to begin
anyone talking to me is
in earnest.
In the first week of the build, disaster strikes... a tree gets
on a par with an adult
Then, I check out
damaged and has a gaping bark wound. Mad panic follows
talking to a child in a
the competition. The
Peanuts cartoon: unless it
standard seems very
has the word Chelsea in the sentence, Im just
the nursery, and I have to find another one at
high this year and doubt about my garden starts
not listening. Im desperate to get going. The
short notice. Luckily, the nursery comes to the
to creep in, depriving me of sleep.
plants are ready; the pavilion has been mocked
rescue, and I learn that while I was tagging my
On Press Day, the rhododendrons are greeted
up; water feature tested off-site; and the pots
three Scots pines in Germany, the nursery man
with affection by members of the media and furniture have arrived from Italy.
was running behind me, tagging extra just in
notably by Telegraph writer Steven Lacey. Im
Walking around the corner on the first day,
case plants for exactly this kind of situation.
comforted that fellow designer Andy Sturgeon
Im full of anticipation and excitement. Here is
This accident happened on Friday the 13th,
says: Youve cracked it; and Homebase, my
interestingly - but we mustnt dwell.
delightful sponsors, seem pleased. The wind on
our plot, where Ill be spending the next 17 days
In the last few days of the build process, we
site has been tricky, though, so the tree ferns
overseeing the build up. Our surveyors have
are in the thick of planting up the garden.
have suffered a bit and petals from surrounding
marked out the garden in spray paint. The next
Trolleys of perennials surround me; at first glance
gardens float on the swimming pool.
few days are a blur of machinery; builders
it would appear that I have drastically overThe English Garden editor Tamsin joins me
excavating and revealing the bare bones of the
ordered. I am desperate to get them planted, as
on the garden on the day of judging. Its
design. One gets an idea of the proportions. The
many of the other show gardens appear much
wondeful for people to step onto the plot and
pool looks massive in comparison to the
more advanced than ours. But I have a terrible
see it from another angle. At this point, my
pavilion, the roof of which was craned in one
habit of finding much more important things
nerves are on edge, but Tamsin assures me the
day; and the granite rivulets in a matter of hours.
to do, rather than getting stuck in, as I know
Cornish theme comes accross in spades and
This is my fourth year at Chelsea, and one
this is the element that can make or break the
visitors will love it. A Silver-Gilt medal is
would think it possible to become a little blas
garden. In the past, I have been known to rush
awarded to me, so I can relax in my coastal
about the whole thing. Yes, Im more relaxed
and maybe over-stuff the garden a little, but
retreat - that is, until I have to dismantle it!
about the build: when a chip of granite breaks
PREVIOUS PAGE/PAUL DEBOIS THIS PAGE, TOP ROW/TOM HOBLYN PORTRAIT/PAUL DEBOIS
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Please call or e-mail us for a complete ladder catalogue.
Theres still time to sow some veg, says Mark Diacono, and pick
up tips from the experts at gardening shows and festivals
home of the National Fruit Collection. Its
a great place to visit at any time of year for
courses, tours and events - the Cherry Festival
from 9-10 July is one of the best.
LEFT,TOP TO BOTTOM The orchards at Brogdale

hold an impressive collection of fruit; visitors
enjoy the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower
Show; Florence fennel. ABOVE Try growing the
delicious purple-sprouting broccoli Santee.
MARK/JASON INGRAM BROCCOLI/DELFLAND CHERRY

TREES/BROGDALE LADIES/RHS FENNEL/MARK DIACONO
ummer proper, and Im feeling fruity:

almost everything thats newly coming
out of the kitchen garden is sweet.
Early apples, crisp and perfect from the tree;
apricots; and the first of the blackberries,
blueberries, cherries, peaches and plums. Even
the beetroot making it from the veg patch are
stacked with sweetness. But as well as enjoying
edible rewards, make time to enjoy gardens
and events around the country - its a great
time for picking up ideas.
COURSES & EVENTS
You should visit the RHS Hampton Court Palace
Flower Show in London between 5 and 10 July.
Gardens, stalls, exhibits and talks will fill your
day, many of which have an edible leaning. The
RHS Edible Garden should be a particular treat.
Book tickets online at www.rhs.org.uk or call
the box office on 0844 3387505.
If you feel like celebrating the start of the
home-grown fruit season, few places are better
than Brogdale (www.brogdalecollections.co.uk),
IF YOU HAVE NEVER GROWN IT

Nows your last chance to sow Florence fennel.
Closely related to herb fennel, this variety
forms aromatic, aniseed-flavoured bulbs at its
base that are as delicious raw as they are
cooked. Late direct sowings are good, as it can
bolt if sown earlier in spring, and it means that
you can enjoy eating it up until November.
Thin sowings to 25cm or so apart and water
frequently, but not too heavily. Romanesco
and Finale are two excellent varieties - go to
www.otterfarmshop.co.uk for seeds.
THINK AHEAD TO NEXT YEAR
July is a good time to be thinking about what
fruit you might want to grow next year. It
might seem a little early, but if you think
about it now, you give yourself chance to taste
plenty of varieties ahead of ordering for winter
delivery and planting.
Jill runs the mail order enterprise at Delfland
Nurseries (www.organicplants.co.uk), which
specialises in high-quality organic seedlings.
Were busy throughout the season, she says,
but the summer is particularly flat out, as people
either get the bug for growing some of their own
food, or have realised that they forgot to sow
some varieties in the spring. Luckily, our
successional sowing programme means we send
out many plants over extended periods, so even
in July people can play catch up - ordering
collections of cauliflowers, sprouting broccoli,
kale, beetroot and salads that will be productive
over a long period. Starting with seedlings also
means beginners bypass the often intimidating
step of sowing and nurturing young plants
through early weeks. It helps build confidence.
The English Garden
79
Hampton Court
Stand No PK/149
THE EDIBLE GARDEN

COOK YOUR OWN
TOP LEFT Jacky helps to pick

Autumn Bliss raspberries for
a class at Ballymaloe Cookery
School. BELOW LEFT Its
hard to beat a simple bowl of
freshly picked berries. RIGHT
Red currant Red Lake.
Summer
berries
Tempting as they are to eat straight from
the bush, home-grown berries are the
perfect ingredient for delicious desserts
PHOTOGRAPHS MICHELLE GARRETT WORDS JACKY HOBBS
uly, and were off to taste the delights at the world-famous

Ballymaloe 100-acre organic farm and cookery school in Co.
Cork, Ireland. Here armfuls of fresh produce are picked every
day for use in the cookery school kitchens, and eager students
of chef Darina Allen magic up a delicious lunch that also serves
to feed staff, students and visitors alike. The big lesson is the ingredients:
organic, flavoursome and bursting with freshness, a luxury afforded to
kitchen gardeners. Visiting here, it became difficult to pick one produce
of the month, but we finally plumped for summer berries.
There are sun-drenched avenues of summer fruits beside the beehives,
so placed to ensure a good harvest. We find raspberries; red, black and
white currants; and blackberries; as well as alpine strawberries in the
herb garden. They are complementary fruits, in the growing site and
situation as well as in the kitchen, where they seem to combine perfectly,
whatever the proportions - invaluable when you have a handful of
each, but not enough for a single dish. While the quantities at Ballymaloe
are not an issue, they still combine the berries for taste. Surpluses are
frozen, jammed or even lollipopped.
To grow your own fruits, buy all plants, whether bareroot or pot grown,
from a certified supplier, and plant them during the dormant season from
November to March. Autumn-fruiting raspberries are the key to hasslefree success, as they dont require supports, are relatively disease-free and
simple to winter prune (just cut all canes back to ground level).
81
The English Garden
THE EDIBLE GARDEN

COOK YOUR OWN
Recipe 1
Summer fruit
salad with sweet
geranium leaves
Sweet geranium (Pelargonium
graveolens) sunbathes on the
Ballymaloe windowsills. Its
scented leaves make this dish
a perennial favourite.
Serves 8-10 people
Ingredients
- 110g raspberries
- 110g loganberries
- 110g red currants
- 110g black currants
- 110g small strawberries
- 110g blueberries
- 110g wild strawberries
- 110g blackberries
(You can alter the ingredients
proportions according to supply.)
And for the syrup:
- 400g sugar
- 450ml water
- 6-8 large sweet geranium leaves
Hull the freshly picked berries
and put them into a bowl.
Combine the sugar, water
and sweet geranium leaves in
a saucepan and bring to the boil,
stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Boil for two minutes.
Cool for four to five minutes,
and then pour the hot syrup
over the fruit. Leave the dish
for several hours.
On returning, remove the
sweet geranium leaves.
Serve chilled, garnished with a
few fresh sweet geranium leaves.
THE EDIBLE GARDEN

COOK YOUR OWN
OPPOSITE PAGE, FAR LEFT Summer berry salad. CENTRE Scented

pelargonium leaves add a distinct flavour to the syrupy dessert. THIS PAGE,
LEFT A mix of fresh organic berries from the garden. BELOW Darina Allen
(right) with a student on a rare break from her busy teaching schedule.
Fruit events and contacts

Visit Ballymaloe Cookery School garden or book yourself on
a demonstration or culinary course. For more information, tel: +353
(0)21 4646785 or visit www.cookingisfun.ie
Pick your own is the the next best thing to having a berryfilled plot. To find your local farm, visit www.pickyourown.info or
www.pickyourownfarms.org.uk
Ken Muirs specialist fruit nursery holds a selection of certified fruiting
canes and bushes. See www.kenmuir.co.uk for varieties available.
The English Garden
83
Prune blackcurrants in winter, removing about 30% of the older,

At Ballymaloe, they only grow high-yielding Autumn Bliss, on a
darker stems, leaving one- and two-year stems untouched to bear next
post-and-wire system. Autumn Bliss is a bit of a misnomer, fruiting
years fruit. Prune red and white currants in late autumn/winter, cutting
from July until October, with timed pruning trials promising to bring
back the main branches by a third. At Ballymaloe, old Irish varieties
it forward to coincide with summer-fruiting varieties. Plant in a
are grown that are periodically attacked by sawfly. They demolish the
5-8cm trench, 30cm apart, in a well-drained, open, sunny spot
foliage, but thankfully leave the fruit. You can combat them organically
prepared with lots of rotted manure and compost (Ballymaloe make
by hand-picking off the sawfly larvae or spraying with pyrethrum.
all their own and also winter mulch with a top dressing of local
Varieties to try incude Red Lake, which is a great, prolific red; Ebony,
seaweed). Expect heavy crops from year two. Head gardener Eileen
a huge, plump and sweet black; while Blanka and White Dutch
ODonovan swears that the more you pick, the heavier the total yield.
are reliable, high-yielding whites.
Other autumn varieties include Joan J, which is really big and juicy;
If you cant access abundant supplies of hedgerow blackberries,
and Allgold - a colourful golden variety.
which are trouble free, introduce at least one big-berried cultivar
Summer-fruiting varieties ripen sooner - the Malling Minerva
to your plot. They
variety is one of
are tasty and they
the earliest, while the
Red, black and white currants are jam-packed with
extend the season
Glen Fyne variety is
vitamin C, and colourful and fun to mix together
for summer berries.
a flavoursome midPlant them in a less prestigious, shady, damp part of your garden,
season berry, its thornless stems making picking and pruning less painful.
and support them up a fence, shed or wall. To maintain them, prune
Tulameen was introduced in 2010, a heavy cropper thats good in
out all in-season fruiting stems and tie in new shoots for next years
containers. These types all need robust support, however, and the
crop. Like roses, they are more productive if stems are held
canes have a life span of about 10 years. Pruning them is also more
horizontally. Karaka Black produces enormous fruits from July
complicated. Summer varieties fruit on new canes from the previous
onwards, and Loch Maree has pretty, double, pink flowers before
season, so you have to cut back all the current years canes, leaving
producing sweet autumn berries.
new ones for next years crop. Raspberry beetle is a problem pest,
Ideally, we would protect all of these berries from birds in purposeand is best avoided by planting autumn varieties.
built fruit cages. I love the new pavilion-like metal one from Room in
Red, black and white currants are jam-packed with vitamin C,
the Garden (www.roominthegarden.com) but regular meshed structures
and colourful and fun to mix together. They grow on free-standing
will do the job too. Harrod Horticultural have styles and sizes to fit
bushes or against warm west-facing walls. At Ballymaloe, they always
every plot and pocket (www.harrodhorticultural.com). Failing that,
put in an extra bush for the pigeons. Plant at 1.5m intervals in good,
you can do your best with bird scarers!
rich soil. Water in well and mulch.
THE EDIBLE GARDEN

COOK YOUR OWN
Recipe 2
Almond tartlets
with raspberries
This recipe makes 12 tartlets.
Ingredients
- 55g butter
- 55g caster sugar
- 55g ground almonds
- Fresh raspberries
- 150ml whipped cream
Cream butter well before
adding sugar and ground almonds.
Spoon the mixture into 12
individual patty tins.
Bake at 180C for 10-12 mins
or until golden brown.
Allow to cool and set for five
minutes before turning out
onto a wire rack.
Just before serving, arrange
fresh raspberries on the tartlet
base, and glaze with red currant
jelly (warm to thin, adding a tiny
dash of water if necessary, so
that you can easily brush it over
the fruit). Decorate with piped
rosettes of whipped cream.
Recipe 3
Raspberry
ice lollies
These measurements make
eight 75ml ice lollies.
Ingredients
- 400g washed, hulled raspberries
- 150ml syrup (as for the fruit
salad recipe featured overleaf,
but without the leaves)
- Lemon juice, to taste
- Ice lolly moulds
Liquidise the raspberries.
Strain, and add the stock
syrup (dissolve 110g sugar in
120ml water, boil together for
two minutes and then cool) and
then the lemon juice to taste.
Pour into 75ml ice-lolly
moulds and freeze for at
least three to four hours.
Beautiful buildings for the finest of gardens.
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THE EDIBLE GARDEN

EATS & TREATS
Passion for produce

Set your sights on a kitchen garden in the grounds of a newly restored hotel in
West Wales, run by a dedicated couple who love nothing more than a project
WORDS VICTORIA KINGSBURY
he Grove, a charming 18thfirm believer in working with nature, David

Historical Monuments of Wales uncovered what
century country house with four
says, so we converted the whole site to organic
could possibly be lost formal gardens that preself-catering cottages, is in the
with the help of the Soil Association, using green
date the existing walled garden, set well away
heart of the rolling Pembrokeshire
manure crops and home-made composts.
from the main house. This area has recently
countryside. There are 20 acres of
The head chef Duncan Barham also has a
been devotedly restored, with the help of
beautiful grounds and parkland to wander
passion for organic veg and local food. He works
Monmouth-based designer Cheryl Cummings,
through, offering a beautiful display of colour
closely with David and his kitchen garden team
to create the extensive kitchen garden.
in every season, but especially in spring with
to ensure that the right produce makes it onto
Head gardener David Butt has divided the
his seasonal menus. I am
crocuses, daffodils and
in the privileged position
bluebells. There are now
I have an amazing resource... it gives me the opportunity to
of having an amazing
also more than two acres
use ingredients I wouldnt have been able to source
resource in the grounds,
of kitchen garden, which
he says. Working with David gives me the
supply the hotel restaurants kitchen with
main growing area into eight beds and created
opportunity to use ingredients I wouldnt have
plenty of home-grown fruit and veg.
an eight-year crop rotation. This year, the first
been able to source from local vegetable
Owners Neil and Zoe Kedward fell in love
full growing cycle of the plot, he is growing
suppliers, such as micro herbs, seed pods and
with the area and bought the then derelict
more than 70 varieties of vegetables, summer
edible flowers; all of which give me unique
house in 2007. They were eager to turn their
fruits and herbs, providing delicious ingredients
flavours and textures on the plate.
renovation ideas into projects, and were
for the restaurant including asparagus, early
Its no wonder The Grove has won numerous
interested to learn about the history of The
purple-sprouting broccoli and rhubarb.
awards. These include the accolades of two
Grove. Aerial archaeological photographs taken
Traditional crops and unusual salads are also
AA Rosettes, awarded in September last year to
by The Royal Commission on the Ancient and
grown, all using only organic methods. I am a
86
The English Garden
THE EDIBLE GARDEN

EATS & TREATS
OPPOSITE PAGE The Grove, an 18th-century country house. THIS PAGE,

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The outdoor eating area; after your meal, you
can relax in the hammock and soak up the sun; the beautiful rear gardens
of the self-catering holiday cottages; the kitchen garden in its full glory;
head chef Duncan Barham proudly picks home-grown fennel.
The Grove Restaurant. In addition to this, the

main eaterie, there is also a new Garden Room
Restaurant and Terrace at the rear of the
house. It is surrounded by trees, gardens and
wildflower meadows - the perfect place for
guests to sit and enjoy freshly prepared dishes
during the warm summer months.
Those who stay in the self-catering holiday
cottages have the luxury of picking their own
fruit and veg for their meals, and also have free
use of the garden. Any excess produce is sold
to the local fruit and vegetable shop, making
sure these tasty treats dont go to waste.
Neil and Zoe still have lots more plans and
ideas, such as adding a herb topiary to the
kitchen garden, as well as meandering footpaths
bordered with lavender and local varieties of
fruit trees. They also wish to continue the fresh
and local theme by investing in beehives and
chickens. And as if thats not enough, next year
they will develop a water garden using the
lovely stream that runs through the property.
So much yet to come - but with the enthusiasm
of their fabulous team, Neil and Zoe have
already perfected a newer and fresher look to
The Grove and its gardens.
The Grove, Molleston, Narberth, Pembrokeshire,
Wales SA67 8BX. Tel: +44 (0)1834 860915.
www.thegrove-narberth.co.uk
The English Garden
87
EG411
Broadwalk Wave Seat, hand-crafted in oak
The Broadwalk Wave Seat

Tel: +44 (01420 588444
Email: info@gazeburvill.com www.gazeburvill.com
Clive Nichols
PARTTIME DIPLOMA STUDIES IN

GARDEN DESIGN
HORTICULTURE
PLANTSMANSHIP
BOTANICAL PAINTING
WORLD RENOWNED
TUTORS
SHORT COURSES
DISTANCE LEARNING
Tel: 020 7352 4347 email: info@englishgardeningschool.co.uk www.EnglishGardeningSchool.co.uk
PLANT FOCUS
PRAIRIE PLANTS
GOING NATIVE
Neil Lucas champions the perennials and grasses that were once
found in abundance on the plains and prairies of North America
PHOTOGRAPHS DIANNA JAZWINSKI
The English Garden
89
PREVIOUS PAGE
Echinacea purpurea
Leuchtstern. ABOVE LEFT
Rudbeckia laciniata can
reach up to 3m in height.
ABOVE RIGHT Papaver
orientale Goliath Group
Beauty of Livermere
makes a bold addition.
OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE
FROM TOP Thalictrum
Elin provides a mass of
purple flowers from mid- to
late summer; seedheads of
Chasmanthium latifolium;
Panicum virgatum Hnse
Herms with its striking
wine-red tips.
The English Garden
90
o the purist, prairie planting involves recreating

style - the mix of grasses and forbs is open to personal
the rich mix of native vegetation that once covered
interpretation. The percentage of grasses used can be
vast expanses of the USA. Although as most of us
anything from about 20% to up to 80%. It is important
do not measure the size of our garden by the acre,
to use enough grasses to achieve that open grassland
especially here in the UK, prairie planting is for the most
feel, but not too many varieties.
part an evocative term referring to a style that imitates the
The choice of plants is also wide: there are many true
ethos and effect of those wide open spaces, and, as such,
prairie plants that we already recognise as excellent garden
can be equally effective in comparatively small areas.
plants, such as echinacea, rudbeckia and eupatorium. But
Prairies are primarily a mix of grasses and perennials
there are many other non-prairie plants that will serve
(also known as forbs), which can comprise relatively
equally well in our gardens.
few or a complex matrix of different plants. Tall or
Aquilegias and Pulsatilla vulgaris make an early
short, early or late, acid or alkaline, and wet or dry,
show, while poppies such as Papaver orientale Goliath
G ro up Be a u ty o f
this style of planting
Li v ermer e will go
can be tailored to
Theres no set formula for planting prairie style:
well with Euphorbia
fit many different
the mix is open to personal interpretation
palustris and maybe
garden situations;
the native daisy
and its regarded as
Leucanthemum vulgare for a late spring display. Always
low maintenance, free from many of the constraints of
popular, rudbeckias such as Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii
more traditional herbaceous plantings such as staking,
and the much taller Rudb eckia laciniata make perfect
deadheading and spraying. When successful, it also
choices. Their clump-forming, erect habit provides an
results in a very long season of interest, extending from
excellent foil for other perennials and grasses, as well
early spring to late winter.
as providing a late show of colour.
As with any planting scheme, the larger the area, the
Cone flowers, the echinaceas, come in myriad bright
easier it is to achieve the wow factor to which we
colours, but are arguably still at their most eloquent in
gardeners constantly aspire, so it is important to make
their seed-raised strains such as the aptly named
the most of any space available. This style encourages
Echinacea purpurea Leuchtstern (meaning bright star).
us to place pathways, seating areas and other features
Joe pye weeds, the eupatoriums, come in several shades
within the zone of the planting, rather than apart from
of purple. Their massive domed heads, which also attract
it, as is found in more traditional layouts. An obvious
butterflies and other insects, are magnificent when
advantage of this is that walking in and through planting
partnered with the blowsy flowers of a grass such as
is a more sensual experience than viewing it from a
prairie switch grass. The more restrained Thalictrum Elin,
remote path. There is no set formula for planting prairie
PLANT FOCUS
PRAIRIE PLANTS
PRAIRIE PLANTING
& CARE ADVICE
Siting is best in open, generally
sunny areas. Extremes of wet, dry,
acid or alkaline soils will limit the
range of plants from which to choose.
Preparation requires the removal
of any unwanted plants, including
perennial weeds. Break up any
underlying compaction in the soil
and prepare the area as for any other
type of planting.
Planting can take place at almost
any time of year, providing the ground
is not frozen in winter or too dry in
summer periods.
Once planted, mulch the area with
home-made compost (up to 5cm
deep). Bark is also a practical initial
covering, especially if it is used to
cover pathways within the planting.
Subsequent care is minimal
compared to more traditional
plantings. Most grasses and forbs are
deciduous, so require cutting back to
the ground in spring (anytime from
late February to early April), to make
way for the new seasons growth.
The debris can be taken away and
composted or if cut into smaller
sections kept on the border as a
surface mulch. This is the ideal time
to carry out any necessary tasks such
as moving, dividing, weeding and
mulching, before the area is clothed in
the new seasons growth. Other than
occasional weeding, if necessary, very
little work is required subsequently.
Grasses and many perennials
require very little in the way of
supplementary feed.
Spring bulbs work well with this
style of planting to cover bare earth at
the start of the season, and can range
from early snowdrops through to laterflowering narcissus and camassias.
After planting, watering may
be required for a period, but once
established these plants are
very drought tolerant.
PLANT FOCUS
PRAIRIE PLANTS
ABOVE The free-flowering

Rudbeckia fulgida var.
deamii or black-eyed Susan
looks best planted in bold
drifts. ABOVE RIGHT
Unlike other varieties,
Euphorbia palustris will
tolerate heavier soils.
92
WHERE TO SEE
WHERE TO BUY
Cambo House, Kingsbarn,
Blooms of Bressingham,
St Andrews, Fife KY16 8QD.
Bressingham, Diss, Norfolk IP22 2AB.
Tel: +44 (0)1333 450054.
Tel: +44 (0)1379 688585.
www.camboestate.com
www.bloomsofbressingham.co.uk
Lady Farm Gardens, Lady Farm,
Knoll Gardens, Hampreston,
Chelwood, Somerset BS39 4NN.
Wimborne, Dorset BH21 7ND.
Tel: +44 (0)1761 490770.
Tel: +44 (0)1202 873931.
www.ladyfarm.com
www.knollgardens.co.uk
RHS Garden Harlow Carr,
Marchants Hardy Plants,
Crag Lane, Harrogate,
2 Marchants Cottages, Mill Lane,
North Yorkshire HG3 1QB.
Laughton, East Sussex BN8 6AJ.
Tel: +44 (0)1423 565418.
Tel: +44 (0)1323 811737.
www.rhs.org.uk
www.marchantshardyplants.co.uk
Veronicastrum virginicum and Verbena bonariensis provide

echinacea appear to simply float. Panicum virgatum Heavy
frothy flowers at height, which is helpful for this style
Metal provides a symphony of blue stems, leaves and
of planting. Divide clumps in early spring to boost
flowers, while the comparatively lax habit of Panicum
virgatum Hnse Herms has wine-red foliage good enough
plant numbers and bulk up the planting scheme.
to drink. Newish and unusually upright, Panicum virgatum
Helenium, baptisia, coreopsis, dianthus, monarda
Northwind is all but fastigiate, and offers warm
and liatris are just a few of the many easy-going perennials
yellow fall colour into the bargain. Reaching heights
that thrive in full sun as well as most soil types, and
of up to 2m, it is a
so find prairie living
useful addition to a
to their liking.
Grasses are a must when it comes to this style,
planting scheme.
Grasses are a
as they thrive with hardly any attention
But Deschampsia
must when it comes
cespitosa offers a
to this style, as they
fluffier effect at a lower height, and being a UK native,
thrive with hardly any attention. Andropogon gerardii and
it has no problem with our climate. Two really excellent
Schizachyrium scoparium are two beautiful true prairie
selections of this species are the shorter Goldtau and the
grasses, but are not always so happy in our climate.
taller variety called Schottland.
Prairie switch grass Panicum virgatum, on the other
Another native to the UK, Molinia caerulea, while
hand, is a true denizen of prairie that has no such
not a true prairie grass, does excellent duty; as does
problem in adapting to our gardens and, together
its magnificent taller relation Molinia caerulea subsp.
with its cultivars, ranks very highly on the list of
arundinacea, especially in heavier or wetter soils.
most garden-worthy grasses for the UK climate.
Both have given rise to excellent cultivars. Sporobolus
Sheaves of initially bright green foliage produce tiny
heterolepis and Ch asma nthium la tifolium are yet more
often purple flowers that are so enthusiastically
options, as are Calamagrostis brachytricha and the rather
produced as to create cloud-like masses, through which
upright Calamagrostis x acutiflora Waldenbuch.
perennials such as veronicastrum, verbena and
The English Garden
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An Cala, Argyll
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Kings Walk, Old Vicarage
THE ENGLISH GARDEN

READER OFFERS
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lanterns). All plants are illustrated on the Editors Letter page (pg 3). Bareroot plants will be dispatched from October 2011 to ensure
correct time for planting. And while youre at it, take a look at our other fantastic offers, below...
Pinks Collection
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The English Garden
95
ECO-WATCH
Lets get together

Companion planting has long been lauded by organic growers, says Anne Gatti,
but what does it mean exactly and how does the concept work?
he theory behind companion planting is

that certain plants help others to grow
healthily and keep pests under control.
Plant asparagus to prevent a particular nematode
attacking tomatoes; chervil to keep aphids off
lettuce; or strong smelling tansy to deter ants these lists of which plant to use for which situation
can seem bewilderingly specific.
I suspect many gardeners are practising
companion planting without even knowing it. I
planted clumps of chives at the foot of a climbing
rose with a vague memory that the chives, which
I wanted to use in the kitchen anyway, would in
some way help keep the rose healthy. Five years
on, the rose continues to be aphid-free and shinyleaved - I cant say for sure if its because of the
chives, but Im certainly leaving them there.
Interestingly, this pairing, which is often quoted
as a classic example of companion planting, is not
one that Andy Strachan, head gardener at Garden
Organics Ryton garden, has had success with. He
does, however, use the pungent smell of chives to
ward off aphids on three specific plants in the
Warwickshire garden - chrysanthemums,
sunflowers and tomatoes. Like many
other vegetable growers, he also swears
by planting onions or leeks with carrots
to deter carrot root fly, which detects its
foodplant by smell. You have to plant
four rows of onion to every one of
carrots for it to work. Once the onions
or leeks go to flower, the smell must lessen,
because then it no longer works, he explains.
ILLUSTRATION/EMMA DIBBEN
MARIGOLDS & MORE

He uses two other plants that feature in most
organic gardeners list of favourite companions:
marigolds (tagetes species) and nasturtiums. Both
seem to work as multi-functional companions.
Marigolds produce a scent that deters whitefly,
Andy explains, so he puts pots of them in the
greenhouse. Theyre also attractive to hoverflies,
one of the most useful predators of aphids,
so he puts them beside vulnerable plants
such as tomatoes. Mexican marigold (Tagetes
minuta) is planted around potatoes and root
crops, as it releases a chemical from its roots
that keeps wireworms and millipedes away.
This tall annual (seeds are available from Chiltern

Seeds) seems to be a bit of a wonder companion,
as it can allegedly also help suppress troublesome
weeds such as ground elder and bindweed. Andy
reports that colleagues of his have used it to
successfully clear a large area infested with ground
elder, leaving the plants in place for a season.
NATTY NASTURTIUMS
They plant nasturtiums around fruit trees and
ornamental shrubs every year, and alongside
brassicas and squash, where their pungent smell
drives away woolly aphids. Beside cabbages, they
lure the cabbage white butterfly to lay its eggs. The
nasturtiums are then shredded by the caterpillars
but the cabbages are saved. Other veg growers use
nasturtiums specifically as an attractant of blackfly.
Once they become infested and tatty looking, its

easy enough to pull them out.
According to Andy, by far the most important
companion planting at Ryton is incorporating lots
of different kinds of ornamentals in the veg garden
to attract populations of beneficial insects. At least
30% of the planted area should be ornamentals,
and they should be within feet of the crops. I cant
imagine growing our veg any other way.
Jane Moore, head gardener at the Bath Priory
Hotel, needs her kitchen garden to look smart all
season long. The challenge is to find pairings that
work aesthetically as well as horticulturally. For
several years, her carrots were attacked by carrot
root fly, and although planting onions alongside
worked, she didnt like the look of them. Then she
experimented with parsley, another strong-smelling
plant, but with much more attractive foliage, and
found that by brushing the parsley as she thinned
the carrots, their scent was masked by the herb.
To keep aphids off the roses, she uses ornamental
alliums such as A. cristophii rather than chives, and
underplants them with herbaceous flowers such
as asters, geraniums and penstemons, which attract
lots of beneficial lacewings and hoverflies.
WORKING IN PAIRS
National Trust Head Gardener Nick Fraser always
grows either onions or garlic either side of the
carrot rows at the kitchen garden at Nunnington
Hall. Companion planting is never a complete
solution, he says. We use it in combination with
having a good population of blue tits, plenty of
flowers that attract hoverflies, and washing with
horticultural soap. Using one plant to improve the
growing condition of others is another aspect of
companion planting that Nick adopts, underplanting currant bushes with strawberries, which
help keep the weeds down and the soil moist. He
also recommends growing a crop of nitrogen-fixing
beans to improve the soil before making a formal
bed. Lupins, sweet peas and laburnum all make
nitrogen accessible to other plants too.
FIND OUT MORE

Free tours at Ryton every Sat and Sun until Sept,
at 11.30am and 2.30pm. Tel: +44 (0)24 7630 3517.
www.gardenorganic.org.uk
Gloves for people serious

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PLANTS
COASTAL FLOWERS
Going coastal
Toby Buckland explains how to make the most of your plot, whatever the position or season, in his
new book, Flowers. In this extract, he looks at plants suited to poor, dry and sandy soil
PHOTOGRAPHS JASON INGRAM
to stop any moisture escaping. Some, like

eryngium, have very deep, carrot-like roots to
search for water, while others store moisture
in their fleshy leaves.
Many coastal plants are prolific self-seeders,
and look after themselves once introduced.
Self-sown plants acclimatise to the garden they
find themselves in, growing large and lush if
conditions allow or, if times are tough, staying
small and compact, reproducing when young.

True coastal conditions also require plants
to cope with salt-laden winds. There are many
that do this, including shrubby, evergreen
santolina (cotton lavender), elymus, seathrift
and crambe (sea kale). In fact, a covering of
salt crystals on crambe stops it dying out.
Turn over for Tobys picks

The English Garden
99
oastal, drought-tolerant plants

have evolved to survive where
rainfall is sporadic or where the
soil is dry and free-draining.
Many of them have special ways
of conserving water, like the hair-covered
leaves of santolina, designed to slow down
moisture loss; while others stay low to the
ground, shading the soil around their roots
PLANTS
COASTAL FLOWERS
EVERGREENS
Euph orbia my rsinites (AGM)
Fl ow ers: May onwards
This is a ground-hugging plant, with succulent
blue-green leaves and zesty, lime-green bracts.
Remove spent flowers to keep plants neat and
to show off emerging fresh leaves. Use this
euphorbia as an edger, so it gets the light it
needs and to bring its evergreen leaves to
the fore in winter. Holds the RHS Award of
Garden Merit (AGM).
Phormium Sundowner (AGM)
Flowers: July
A lax-leaved evergreen with sheaves of arching
foliage striped with coppery-red, pink and
chocolate. Mature specimens grow to 2m tall
and sometimes produce dramatic, zig-zagging
flower stems. Cut out tattered leaves in early
spring, along with any that have reverted in
colour to green or grey-brown. Itll provide
interest and stand out through winter. Its a
good plant for exposed gardens on the coast
and takes some shade.
PERENNIALS
A rmeria marit ima
Fl ow ers: May-August
Thrift is a coastal-garden classic, which pops
all around the British shoreline. I like the
powder-pink drumsticks, although white
and dark pink forms are available. Id grow
it in extremely sandy soil as it has deep roots
that hunt out moisture, and self-seeds freely.
Ce ntranthus rube r Alb us
Fl ow ers: May-October
A white form of valerian with textured grey
leaves and lovely airy flowers that give two
flushes per year - one in late spring and
another in late summer. It has really fleshy
roots so is a survivor in inhospitable spots. Its
also a magnet for bees and butterflies. Valerian
self-seeds profusely, so be careful it doesnt
take over. If you start to feel overrun, deadhead plants immediately after flowering.
Youll miss out on fluffy seedheads, although
it will encourage another flush of flowers.
The dark red and pale pink forms are also
excellent dry garden plants.
Santolina chamaecyparissus (AGM)

Flowers: July
Cotton lavender is a tough, knee-high,
sprawling shrub with woolly, grey foliage. It
has small, yellow pompom flowers, although
you can trim these off if youd rather just grow
it for the leaves. Santolina thrives in dry
weather - in fact, the tougher the conditions
the longer they live. They are also fairly easy
to propagate by taking summer cuttings. Trim
plants in late summer to keep them in shape
and stop them becoming bare at the base.
GRASSES
S tip a tenuissima
Fl ow ers: June-September
A small grass, which looks particularly good
in swishing drifts around boulders. Comb out
dead growth with your fingers in early spring,
and replace plants when they start to look
tired. Its a reliable self-seeder that looks
beautiful back-lit by sunshine.
Ely mus hispidus
Fl ow ers: July
A knee-high grass which brings an authentic
sand-dune look to a scheme. Its amazingly
resilient to hot conditions thanks to its fleshy
roots and silver leaves. Cut out the flowers to
keep the plant tidy. Its short-lived so collect
seed and re-sow every few years. It may also
self-seed and spread of its own accord. Plant
singly or in ribbons.
100
The English Garden
schemes together and cover bare gaps. Cut back

dead and tatty growth in spring.
Eryngium giganteum (AGM)
Flowers: June-August
A must-grow perennial with beautiful, silver
thistle flowers that develop a metallic sparkle
in dry conditions. Its a delicate-looking plant,
but it doesnt need staking and its perfectly
proportioned. Its also called Miss Willmotts
Ghost after a 19th-century lady gardener
who was apparently known for sprinkling
the seed when she went garden visiting. Im
thinking of trying that.
Eryngium pandanifolium (AGM)
Flowers: July
Silver-grey leaves with tall, spiky flowers that
stay intact through winter, and look stunning
back-lit by low sunshine. Although a real
showstopper, this plant doesnt enjoy severe
winters. With this in mind, its worth taking
root cuttings to ensure youve always got spare
plants in the wings.
Glaucium fl
flaavum f. fulvum
Flowers: June-August
This is a horned poppy that produces tangerine
flowers, which shimmer like a silk skirt. The
foliage is silver-grey. The seedpods have long,
curved, raptor-like claws, hence the plants
common name. As autumn approaches, the
pods dry and crack open, spilling their precious
progeny about.
Crambe maritima (AGM)

Flowers: June
Sea kale has a mound of gun-metal-grey leaves
that combine beautifully with pebbles. It also
has tall flower stalks, each holding a dome of
sea-spray-like blooms. Young stems emerge
purple and can be eaten if covered for a week
to exclude light and make them tender. Stems
have a salty, cabbage-like flavour and are best
steamed and served with butter, like asparagus.
Sunlight is the key to growing crambe well, so
choose a sun-baked spot. It also self-seeds.
Erigeron karvinskianus (AGM)
Flowers: June-October
This plant has semi-evergreen leaves and white
daisies that are kissed with pink. It flowers for
an incredibly long time among pebbles, cracks
and crevices. Plants eventually create low airy
mats of foliage and flower, helping to knit
Limonium platyphyllum
Flowers: July-September
Sea lavender creates an authentic coastal feel,
as in the wild it colonises sand dunes, salt
marshes and cliffs. It grows best in free-draining
soil and is loved by bees and butterflies. The
papery lavender-blue flowers are borne on stiff,
upright stems and are good for drying. Pinch
out the first flowers for a bushy, floriferous plant.
Verbascum bombyciferum
Flowers: July-August
This biennial verbascum starts life as a rosette
of flat felt leaves, and shoots out tall flower
spikes bearing tactile, wool-covered buds
that open into small yellow blooms. It grows
best in chalky soil, so is good among limestone
chippings. Leave spent flower spikes in place
as theyll look good through winter and
help the plant self-seed.
Flowers, 20, published by BBC Books, is available
from all good bookshops.
PREVIOUS PAGE, OVERLEAF Eryngium

giganteum, also known as Miss Willmotts
Ghost. OPPOSITE PAGE Toby Buckland
brightens up the coastal garden at Greenacre
with lampranthus grown from cuttings.
THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT
Cotton lavender thrives in hot sun and dry
conditions; Stipa tenuissima is best planted
in drifts; white valerian flowers twice a year
but can be a bit of a thug; woolly flower
spikes of verbascum soar to above head
height; the aptly named horned poppy;
fishwives traditionally piled up stones over
the crowns of Crambe maritima to keep
them tender; plant out lampranthus after
the risk of frost has passed; Erigeron
karvinskianus is an excellent plant to fill
small cracks and crevices.
THE ENGLISH
GARDEN
In the AUGUST issue
HOT STUFF
Planting ideas for fiery-coloured
borders... and much, much more
WITH 5 LUSH LATE-SUMMER GARDENS
Flowers that come alive at night

Growing and cooking chillies
Garden art: places to visit & where to buy
Toby Buckland on watering
Expert advice on jungle plants
Chris Beardshaw on weeds we want
PLUS WIN 1,500 worth of Gloster garden
DIANNA JAZWINSKI
furniture* - great plant offers - testing trugs flower arranging - National Trust tips
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BOOKS
Library leaves
This month there are hardback beauties and coffee-table treats
as well as guides, manuals and all sorts of growing advice
CONSERVATION
THE LAST GREAT
PLANT HUNT
(Kew Publishing, 28)
Two years ago, Kews Millennium
Seed Bank announced that it had
succeeded in collecting, banking
and conserving 10% of the
worlds wild plant species. The
programme now works with
more than 120 institutions in
54 countries, and this book
celebrates its history, its work and
the people who are responsible
for making it such a success.
Being a wannabe popular
science nerd, I lapped up this
whole hardback tome over a
weekend, and though it may
Fascinating stuff, presented with beautiful illustrative

photographs; case studies on significant people, plants
and projects; and plenty of well-presented information
not instantly appeal to many

works with hundreds of partners
which are intricately linked to our
there is some fascinating stuff
around the world, identifying and
relationship with plants and seeds.
sometimes be analysed to detect

disorders, seeds too may be able
here, presented with beautiful
and studying plants and their
Authors Carolyn Fry, Sue Seddon
to indicate their state of health.
illustrative photographs from
habitats and assessing their
and Gail Vines handle the material
around the world; case studies
complex relationship to human life
well, explaining the scientific side
The seed bank itself at

Wakehurst Place is a wonder of
on significant people, plants and
and well-being. This knowledge
(such as the difference between
architecture, planning and ecology,
projects within the programme;
has never been more important
orthodox, intermediate and
and the people who work there are
and plenty of well-presented
as the world population grows
recalcitrant seed) clearly, and
doing constant research to make
information that made the botany
exponentially and as we face the
engaging the reader with amazing
sure these second 10 years of the
side easy to understand.
consequences of climate change.
seed facts, interviews and stories.
project reveal even more about how
HRH The Prince of Wales wrote
This quest Kew started 11 years
Find out about endangered,
to store, germinate and propagate
the foreword, and as Patron of
ago to save biodiversity is like an
endemic and economic plants; how
the seeds of the millions of species
The Foundation and Friends of the
insurance policy for the planet, the
all the orchid seeds in the world
known and as yet undiscovered on
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, he
book explains, and especially for
could fit in three freezers; and that
our fast-changing globe. Wonderful.
knows better than anyone that it
human history and evolution,
just as human breath can
104
The English Garden
Stephanie Mahon, books editor
BOOKS IMAGE/KELLY WEECH MAIN IMAGE/RBG KEW
gardeners as an interesting read,
Other books out this month
HIGH-IMPACT LOWCARBON GARDENING
(Storey Publishing, 14.99)
GROW YOUR
FOOD FOR FREE
Marketed as the ultimate resource
GARDEN LANDSCAPING
MANUAL
American Tammi Hartungs guide to
(Green Books, 14.95)
for gardeners who are serious
(Haynes, 19.99)
growing, using and enjoying more
Dave Hamilton stuck Well, almost
about green gardening practices,
This step-by-step projects book
than 100 herbs opens your mind
on the title, to show that though its
this in-depth, comprehensive book
is exactly what every gardener
to what constitutes a herb, with
not always possible, he has best
is for the advanced sustainability-
faced with a blank plot and no
some nice ideas for designing herb
intentions of being self-sufficient,
concious gardener.
idea how to start needs.
gardens and good plant profiles.
eco-aware, and gardening frugally.
(Timber Press, 16.99)
HOMEGROWN HERBS
COFFEE TABLE
GREAT GARDENS
OF BRITAIN
The complete package: a first-class

introduction to Britains great gardens
(Frances Lincoln, 16.99)
knowledge. Each of her books is
INDOOR ADVICE
DONT THROW IT,
GROW IT
the result of serious research and
(Storey Publishing, 6.99)
Helena Attlees writing bears

the stamp of experience and
repeated visits, but she wears her
For people with little garden or
learning lightly, charming her reader
room to compost, there is now, it
with evocative and engaging
seems, an alternative to throwing
descriptions of style, setting,
out some kitchen waste - simply
history and creator - even the
condenses the ideas behind the
effects of changing light and
more challenging gardens and
York-based authors Deborah
weather are covered. Her choices
reveals their mysteries. At the
Peterson and Millicent Selsam, you
for this book are wise, ranging from
start of each section, she deftly
could grow 68 windowsill plants,
how to grow them. This little book
the conceptual (Garden of Cosmic
summarises a gardens essence
from kitchen veg, fruits, nuts,
is an interesting guide with simple
Speculation, Little Sparta) to the
into a few short, pithy sentences,
herbs and spices, to more exotic
instructions and surprising results.
natural (Scampston, Beth Chatto
and sets it in within its unique
plants. The first section of the
Although there are illustrations on
Gardens); the historic (Kew) to the
context, leading the reader on a
book contains basic horticultural
each page, I cant help but feel
quirky (Mount Stewart); and the
short and compelling journey of
information as well as descriptions
cheated by the lack of photography
iconic (Great Dixter, Hidcote) to the
discovery. The photos - shot by
of the pests you may encounter
and colour, especially as the front
dramatic (Powis Castle, Alnwick).
Attlees partner, award-winning
and how to deal with them. The
cover is so bright and enticing.
Fundamentally, Attlee is a holistic
photographer Alex Ramsay - are
next section covers propagation;
That said, the book may encourage
writer, and this is what makes this
gorgeous too, making this book
how to take the seed, pit, root or
people to think about what they
book truly gratifying. She moves
the complete package: a first-
stem of each plant to get it to
put in the bin from now on.
from specific plant species to
class introduction to Britains
sprout into a new one. The final
An inspiring guide.
garden history to descriptions of
great gardens.
chapters detail different types of
a gardens atmosphere. She ably
Claire Masset, gardens editor
growing it. With help from New
Victoria Kingsbury,
plants from around the world, and
editorial assistant
FOR GREAT OFFERS ON THESE BOOKS AND FREE UK DELIVERY, VISIT OUR NEW
BOOKSHOP AT WWW.EFCBOOKSHOP.COM/TEG OR TEL: +44 (0)1872 562327
The English Garden
105
ADVERTORIAL
Summer gardens to
2
BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL
Westbourne Road, Edgbaston,

Birmingham B15 3TR
Tel: 0121 454 1860
admin@birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk
www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk
Fifteen acres of landscaped gardens containing over
7000 trees, shrubs and plants including four
glasshouses and Rose, Alpine, Historic and Cottage
Gardens; Woodland and Rhododendron Walks, Rock Pool, Pinetum, Herbaceous Borders and Japanese Garden.
WADDESDON MANOR
GARDENS
Waddesdon, Nr. Aylesbury

Buckinghamshire HP18 0JH.
Tel: 01296 653226
waddesdonmanor@nationaltrust.org.uk
www.waddesdon.org.uk
Also Childrens Playground, Growing Schools Garden, four-flight Lawn Aviary, art gallery, gift shop and tea-room.
OPEN: Every day except Christmas day 9.00 -7.00. Bank Holidays open at 10.00. Family ticket 22, adults
7.50 and children over 5, students, senior citizens, disabled and helpers 4.75. Children under 5 Free.
This National Trust property has one of the

finest Victorian gardens in Britain and can be
enjoyed at any time of the year. Its main
features include a parterre, seasonal displays,
intricate carpet bedding, fountains, statuary,
parkland, contemporary sculpture, a woodland
playground and an aviary housing many exotic

birds. Guided walks take place daily from April
to September. There is also a restaurant, caf,
shops and plant centre.
OPEN: Wednesday-Sunday and Bank Holiday
2
4 1
Mondays 10.00-5.00. The Manor is open on

the same days from 12.00-4.00. Call or check
on line for admission prices.
NEWBY HALL
Newby Hall, Ripon, North

Yorkshire, HG4 5AE.
Tel: 01423 322583 opt 3
info@newbyhall.com
www.newbyhall.com
Newby Halls 25 acres of award winning gardens
WATERPERRY GARDENS
Waterperry, Near Wheatley,

Oxfordshire OX33 1JZ.
Tel: 01844 339254.
office@waterperrygardens.co.uk
www.waterperrygardens.co.uk.
include superb double herbaceous borders,

flanked by smaller compartmented gardens. A
National Collection of Cornus (dogwood) is held
at Newby and 2011 sees the launch of a new
free publication to guide visitors through this
stunning range of shrubs and small trees. Many
of the rare and beautiful plants found in the
Waterperry Gardens - 8 acres of beautiful gardens, a
gardens are on sale at the plant stall. From June
quality plant centre and garden shop, gallery, gift barn
to September, Newby will host a solo show by
and teashop serving home baked lunches and some of the best cakes and patisserie in the country!
willow weaver Emma Stothard; 15 life-size
Enjoy year round arts, crafts and gardening courses and wonderful summer outdoor theatre, concerts
animal groups can be found in the formal
and special horticultural weekends. Book now for Jekka Mcvicars inspirational talk on planning a herb
gardens. For further details, tickets and events
garden with buffet lunch on August 2nd. Book online now. Party bookings welcome by arrangement.
visit our website.
OPEN: 10am to 5.30pm. 12 Feb to 31 Oct 2011. 10am to 5pm the rest of the year.
OPEN: 1 April - 25 September 2011, Tues - Sun

and bank holidays; every day in July/August.
ADVERTORIAL
enjoy
The best UK gardens to visit right now
HELMINGHAM HALL
Helmingham, Stowmarket,
Suffolk IP14 6EF
Tel: 01473 890799
events@helmingham.com
www.helmingham.com
These beautiful Grade 1 listed gardens have been redesigned by Lady Tollemache (a Chelsea Gold Medallist)
and have an enchanting aura that allows visitors to relax and unwind in the beautiful rose, knot, herb and
walled edible gardens. Garden enthusiasts are fascinated by the rare and beautiful plants, many being
native to Britain before or introduced prior to 1750. Every year Helmingham offers an exciting programme
of events, including a Festival of Classic and Sports Cars, Specialist Plant Sales and a Food Festival. Visit the
gardens website for more details.
OPEN: Open until 18 September on bank holiday Mondays, Tuesdays to Thursdays and Sundays 12-5pm.
THE SAVILL GARDEN
Windsor Great Park,Wick Lane,

Englefield Green, Surrey,
TW2O 0UU. Tel: 01784 435 544
enquiries@theroyallandscape.co.uk
www.theroyallandscape.co.uk
The Rose Garden is an amazing sight with over

2,000 roses chosen for their scent, colour and
repeat flowering. A blanket of perfume greets
you whilst the contemporary design is a
wonderful sight. In the Summer Gardens are
swathes of vibrant colour and variety in the
double, 100m length Herbaceous Borders and
pastel shades of the Golden Jubilee Garden.

OPEN: 10am daily, all year (closed Christmas
Eve & Christmas Day)
ABBOTSBURY
SUBTROPICAL GARDENS
Bullers Way, Abbotsbury, Dorset

DT3 4LA. Tel: 01305 871387
www.abbotsburygardens.co.uk
These Grade one listed gardens boast collections of exotic plants and
trees from all over the world. Many of these were first introductions
to this country.
Thirty acres including the world famous Camellia Groves,

Magnolia, Rhododendron and Hydrangea collections.
Superb colonial restaurant for coffee, lunches and teas.

Specialist plant nursery, buy online.
5
6
MARWOOD HILL
Marwood, Nr Barnstaple, North

Devon EX31 4EB. Tel: 01271 342528
info@marwoodhillgarden.co.uk
www.marwoodhillgarden.co.uk
A magical and inspiring 20 acre private garden

with lakes set in a valley. Offers all year round
interest. National collection holder of Astilbes,
Iris ensata and Tulbaghia. A haven for trees and
shrubs from around the world. A huge variety
of unusual plants for sale in the plant area,
home-cooked food served in the Garden Tea
Room. Groups welcome by prior arrangement.
Dogs are welcome on leads.
Magnificent viewing point over the Jurassic Coast
10am 5pm. Adults 5.50, child (under 12)
OPEN: 10am daily, all year (closed Christmas and New Year)
free, child (12-16) 2.50.
OPEN: Open daily 1 March 31 October
The English Garden
107
ADVERTORIAL
Glorious
gardens
SMALL GARDEN
4
1
3
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Enhance your garden with accessories and features that will make the garden a
perfect place to entertain friends and enjoy the fine weather
LA MAISON BLEUE
Choose from a wide range of quality metal garden furniture from
La Maison Bleue. Made in France and based on classic French designs,
LOVERS OF BLUE AND WHITE

Beautiful and practical, the Sophie Conran designer range from
Portmeiron is perfect for leisurely summer lunches. There is a wide choice of
including iconic bistro sets to the more sophisticated Opera and Montmartre
tableware, cookware and accessories including a great variety of serving pieces,
ranges, this furniture is specially treated so that it can be left outside all year
amongst which are these sinuously shaped salad bowls available in three sizes.
round. Any piece from this range will add a touch of timeless French style to
The sheer white provides a clean, modern ceramic backdrop whatever your
your garden, terrace or conservatory.
menu. All designed for modern day living as each piece is microwave and
Available to order online from www.lamaisonbleue.co.uk or from our shops
dishwasher safe and can move safely from freezer to oven.
in Leamington Spa, tel: 01926 330386 or Lichfield, tel: 01543 481414. Prices
Available mail order from Lovers of Blue & White, The China People, tel: 01763
start from 104 for a pair of bistro chairs.
853 800 and website www.blueandwhite.com
MADE IN OAK
Only English oak is used for these hand-crafted garden swings made
by Cotswold artisans, Made In Oak. The oak is exclusively sourced from the
SCOTTS OF THRAPSTON
Scotts of Thrapston has a wide range of summerhouses that are
perfect for entertaining a number of guests or for holding a dinner party
Cotswolds and only from carefully managed woodlands. They hand pick the
alfresco, whatever the weather. The Burghley Summerhouse (shown) can
trees to make a beautiful and functional range of home and garden accessories.
comfortably seat 6 8 people, making it ideal for dining in the garden all year
Many of their items, including the swings, can be personalised with a hand
round. Scotts offers a variety of shapes and sizes within their range of garden
carved inscription. Prices for the swings start from 95. Buy online at
buildings, as well as exclusively offering the National Trust Summerhouses.
www.madeinoak.com or tel; 01793 750025.
For more information, tel; 01832 732366 or visit www.scottsofthrapston.co.uk
To advertise contact Emily Bevan tel: +44 (0) 1242 216081 email: emily.bevan@archant.co.uk
THE DIRECTORY
BROCHURE
DIRECTORY
To receive a brochure this month from any of
the listed companies please complete and
return the coupon to the stated address or email
brochurerequest@theenglishgarden.co.uk with your requests.
3. MOHICAN WIND HARPS

is a builder/designer of outdoor
metal harp sculptures that sing in
the breeze! Our harps are for
residential or commercial
applications, we will also do special
designs to meet customer specs.
For shipping to UK add $70. See our
video on YouTube.
001-419-368-3415
www.mohicanwindharps.com
dan@mohicanwindharps.com
4. Q LAWNS
Q Lawns specialise in growing top
quality, hardwearing turf for gardens
of all shapes and sizes.
Come to Q Lawns for advice on
creating and maintaining a beautiful
lawn and for sensible prices.
01842 828266
www.qlawns.co.uk
1. PADDOCK FENCING
Enclose all your livestock including
cattle, horses, deer and sheep. With
an all steel construction this fencing
is easy to fix in place.
End posts/corner posts extra.
Bowtop Gates to match fencing
available.
Price list available on request.
French Drove Farm,
French Drove, Thorney,
Peterborough, PE6 0QP
T: 01733 270580
W: www.paddockfencing.com
2. KIRKLEES DEVELOPMENTS
Prestigious 6 burner stainless steel
Gas barbecue with flush fitting side
burner. Supplied with warming rack,
hose and propane reg and overnight
cover. Cupboard underneath for
cooks tools and accessories. Part of
the exclusive range of catering size
barbecues and hog roasters designed
to make you the envy of your friends
and a star chef. Ask for brochure.
Tel: 01484 401134
Email: keith@kdev.co.uk
www.kdev.co.uk
5. WIGGLY WIGGLERS
We're not just worms!
- Wiggly Wigglers has 2000 plus
products to Make the Good Life
Easy... From composting kits,
through to goat socks... from
mushroom logs to Ecover and British
Birdseed, not exactly a farm shop,
not quite a garden centre, we are
most definitely.... Wiggly!
6. ARTISAN POSTBOXES & SIGNS

Beautiful handmade postboxes and
signs in lasting cast aluminium.
All can be fully personalised.
Lots of styles and designs available
including freestanding, built-in and
wall-mounted postboxes.
Contact 01327 351561 or
www.rockartisansigns.co.uk for
a brochure and design ideas.
01981 500391
www.wigglywigglers.co.uk
wiggly@wigglywigglers.co.uk
July 2011
PLEASE
MENTION
7. BETH RUSSELL NEEDLEPOINT

William Morris was inspired to design
Strawberry Thief while watching the
thrushes eat the strawberries in his
garden in 1883. Beth Russells
printed needlepoint adaptation is for
four individual cushions or chair
seats. Indulge yourself this summer
by stitching in the sunshine and
creating something to enjoy for the
rest of your life.
PO Box 565, London SW1V 3PU.
Tel: +44 (0)207 798 8151
www.bethrussellneedlepoint.com
Quote EG7 to receive 10% discount.
The English Garden
THE
ENGLISH
GARDEN
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RESPONDING
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ADVERTISEMENTS
To order up to four of the featured brochures, please indicate the panel

numbers in the boxes below and return to the following address:
Send to: Emily Bevan, The English Garden Magazine, Archant House,
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The English Garden Magazine.
For more information visit us at www.theenglishgarden.co.uk
THE DIRECTORY
ACCESSORIES
COURSES
Support where
its needed.
The new Plant Girdles offer all
round support for flower, plant
and vegetable growing. Create
stunning border displays.
Natural rusted or olive drab to
blend in. Solid steel to last.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
01873 840 297
ARTS AND CRAFTS
A CERAMIC MODEL
OF YOUR HOME
SEE YOUR
GARDEN DESIGN
CAREER BLOOM
Established, accredited, and highly
regarded, KLC School of Design offers:
Professional qualications
Help nding employment
Practical, friendly and
inspiring training
Flexible study options available
TO FIND OUT MORE, CALL 020 7376 3377

OR VISIT WWW.KLC.CO.UK
GARDEN DESIGN
Call me or visit my website

Richard A. Rogers
RAR Ceramics
Tel: 01777 703711
Email: rarceramics@btopenworld.com
Web: www.rarceramics.co.uk
BRIDGES
COULSONS BRIDGES
Tel: 01206 262387

www.coulsonsbridges.co.uk
BLINDS & CURTAINS

For a complimentary
brochure call now on
0800 975 5757

Or visit
www.appealshading.com
May & Watts

Garden Design
THE
DIRECTORY
Creating beautiful gardens

for modern living
GREENHOUSES
For all your garden requirements
Contact Mark on 01892 770284
Quote ref: EG
CONSERVATORY BLINDS
The English Garden
THE DIRECTORY
GARDEN DESIGN
NURSERIES
PET SERVICES
Beautiful plants, order online.

Beautiful plants ,order online
Grown in peat free compost
Grown in peat free compost
andand
sturdy
biodegradable pots.
sturdy biodegradable pots
E: Withleigh@aol.com
www.withleighnurseries.co.uk
T: 01884
253351
T: 01884
253351
E: Withleigh@aol.com
www.withleighnurseries.co.uk
PLACES TO STAY
GREENHOUSES
GARDEN LOVERS BREAK

On the edge of the Cotswolds we are Englands oldest hotel built
in 1220. Standing next to Malmesburys medieval Abbey the hotel
has antique furniture, cosy lounges and is traditionally English.
Our 2 night break is now only 325 until the end of October for
two people, bed and breakfast, dinner on 1 night and tickets to
Abbey House Gardens and Westonbirt Arboretum.
The Old Bell Hotel 01666 822344 www.oldbellhotel.com
PLANTS
Encourage wildlife to your garden.

Plants and seeds of wildflowers,
native trees, shrubs, climbers,
bulbs, meadows, etc.
ye
gu ar 25
ar fra
an m
te e
e
Visitor centre open April 1st-Sept 30th,

11am-5.30pm daily at Coach Gap Lane, Langar, Notts.
dovetail greenhouses
We design and build to suit your requirements
Colour catalogue and growing guide,

send 4x1st class stamps.
Naturescape (EG), Maple Farm, Coach Gap Lane,
Langar, Notts, NG13 9HP
PUBLISHERS
AUTHORS
synopses and sample chapters
welcome, please send to:
Austin and Macauley Publishers
CGC - 33 - 01, 25 Canada Square,
Canary Wharf, London, E14 5LQ
0207 0388212 /
e d i t o r s @ a u s t i n m a c a u l e y. c o m
w w w. a u s t i n m a c a u l e y. c o m
All genres welcome
Tel: 01949 860592

Fax: 01949 869047
www.naturescape.co.uk
email: sales@naturescape.co.uk
Established 1978
PERHILL PLANTS
Worcester Road, Great Witley,
Worcestershire, WR6 6JT
tel:01299 896329
email:perhillp@btconnect.com
Tel: 0121 311 2900
Dovetail Greenhouses
Bonehill Farm,Tamworth
Staffs B78 3HP
All types of glazing
options available.
www.dovetailgreenhouses.co.uk
Specialist growers of rarer

more unusual perennials.
Online shop @ www.perhillplants.co.uk
Mail order catalogue available.(six 2nd
class stamps please).
Open most weekdays, 9am-5pm
(Closed weekends)
POTS & ORNAMENTS
HEDGING AND TOPIARY
Recycling your
HOPES GROVE NURSERIES
magazine means that
THE HEDGING PLANT SPECIALISTS
it could come back
Our full colour brochure is FREE on

request and includes:
HEDGING, TOPIARY, SHRUBS, CONIFERS,
FRUIT TREES AND BUSHES,
RHODODENDRONS, GROUND COVER PLANTS
AND ROSES
VISITORS WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT
HOPES GROVE NURSERIES, SMALLHYTHE ROAD, TENTERDEN,
KENT, TN30 7LT Tel: 01580 765600 Fax: 01580 766894
Email: sales@hopesgrovenurseries.co.uk Web: www.hopesgrovenurseries.co.uk
All enquiries and Credit/Debit card orders welcome. Mail order specialist: nationwide delivery.
Nursery open 9-5 Mon- Fri, 9-1 Sat. Closed Sunday.
VISA, SWITCH, M.CARD, DELTA, AMEX
as a newspaper
within 7 days. This
means using less
raw materials which
in-turn helps the
environment.
The English Garden
CLARE HOUSE
Park Road, Grange over Sands LA11 7HQ

Tel: +44 (0) 15395 33026. www.clarehousehotel.co.uk
We offer rest & relaxation, delightful meals, a garden to sit in,
a promenade to saunter along and wonderful bay views from
our family run hotel.
Any 4-Night Break,
April 30th July 8th from 327 pp D,B&B
THE DIRECTORY
STONEWORK
PONDS
AQUAPLANCTON
HIGH QUALITY GARDEN STONEWORK
No. 1 Gravesend Road, Strood, Rochester, Kent ME2 3PH

email: info@kentbalusters.co.uk
Do you have a
garden pond? Is it
as clear as mud? Is it
murky, muddy, slimy,
smelly, choked with
algae or weed and a
chore to clean out?
If you have a pump,
are you forever
cleaning or changing
the filter?
AQUAPLANCTON
could be just what
youre looking for
www.kentbalusters.co.uk
WEB SERVICES
For Every
SPECIAL
OCCASION
Happy Birthday
Tel: 01939 210380

OVER 1000 Varieties
to Choose From
Special Anniversary
VOTED PRODUCT
OF THE YEAR 2009
www.countrygardenroses.co.uk
Used successfully with

fish all the time. Safe for
ducks, plants, pets, all
forms of waterlife, U.V.
and biological filters.
AQUAPLANCTON has
cleared greenwater,
sludge and
BLANKETWEED
for hundreds of happy
pond owners. It could do
the same for you
Every day more gardeners are turning to the natural way of growing - ORGANICALLY
Name ................................................
If you have difficulties in locating 6x within your local garden centre,

please visit the products page on our website for mail order details
roger@groworganic.org www.6-x.co.uk 01458 272202
www.gardenlines.co.uk
Lawnmowers, Hedgecutters, Strimmers, Garden Furniture
10
% OFF
QUOTE
ELSA45
free 116 page catalogue
The Directory of Garden Designers

www.gardendesign-uk.com
SmartSoil Ltd
COMPOST ALL
COOKED AND UNCOOKED
WILDLIFE
Recycling your
magazine means that it could come
back as a newspaper within
7 days.
This means using
less raw materials which in-turn
helps the environment
..........................................................
Bird
Care
life
Wild
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& Gar Catalogu
2011
Phone................................................
Pond surface sq ft
Algae
Full Sun
Green water
Sludge
Clogged filters
Blanketweed
Murky water
Odour
Koi carp
Ducks
EG
Please tick
The English Garden
harrodhorticultural.com
KITCHEN WASTE INCLUDING MEAT AND FISH
..........................................................
Does your pond have?
call 0845 402 5300
Tel: 01639 701888 Web: www.smartsoil.co.uk
Address ............................................
Postcode ..........................................
TIMBER RAISED BEDS
6x is 100% Natural Fertiliser. The Best Thing on Earth!
For free brochure and price list

telephone 01298 214003
anytime or send the approx.
surface area of your pond to:
AQUAPLANCTON
River Lodge
Bishops Lane
BUXTON
Derbyshire SK17 6UN
www.aquaplancton.com
MISCELLANEOUS
ROSES
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Tel: 01634 711617 - Fax: 01634 714644
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THE DIRECTORY
ACCESSORIES
HOME SERVICES
CLIMATISED COATINGS
ELIMINATES HOUSE PAINTING
Climatised coatings are a superb range of external wall

coatings that are tough, flexible, durable and weatherproof
High build breathing coating suitable for all types of external walls
All latest colourings available
Nationwide service with 30 years experience
Guaranteed not to flake, peel or chip for 10 years
Not affected by acid rain or a salt laden atmosphere
Breathing Coating
This resurfacing is applied by high pressure spray by our own fully trained staff
All our work is done by our own highly trained personnel,to an exceptionally high standard of detail, rarely seen these days.
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To: Climatised Coatings (UK) Ltd, Freepost, Chester CH2 1ZZ or telephone Chester (01244) 378488
www.climatisedcoatingsuk.co.uk
ACCOMMODATION
LIGHTING
The English Garden
GUEST SPEAKER
Gardens in general are an excellent source of sustenance for insects, says

Sarah Raven, but some nectar-rich flowers are more beneficial than others
Sarah Raven is a TV
presenter, writer and
gardener. For details
of her courses, visit
www.perchhill.co.uk
friendly gardening left me cold until I stopped

dismissing it for its image and saw it for what
it is. It doesnt have to mean patches of nettles,
piles of rotting wood and brambles a-go-go,
but rather a few straightforward changes and
being positively aware of the things that I - and
we - can all do to make our back gardens more
insect friendly. Together, we can have a big effect.
Our demand for high glamour has left our insects hungry... Think of all the
bedding schemes in our towns - the same is true of almost all of those
in some tropical paradise, not my back garden.
There they were living happily right outside
my door, and yet until that moment I never
knew of their existence.
My Perch Hill garden (above right) is a varied
and luckily pollen-rich place, as I love lots
of colour and picking flowers for the house.
What suited me previously, it turns out, really
also suits pollinating insects, but the change in
me is that this is now something I want to
positively enhance. The very phrase wildlife114 The English Garden
There are insects, butterflies in particular,

which need a complex set of things to thrive,
and its the destruction of our countryside that
has depleted them so drastically in the past 50
years, but they and all the others will be helped
if we garden with them in mind. Im a lover of
dahlias and am a particular fan of the fully
double cactus forms, but these flowers have
nothing in them on which insects can feed. The
parts of the flower - the nectaries - which used
to hold the nectar, the carbohydrate essential
for insect life, have been bred into extra petals

for show. Our demand for high glamour has left
our insects hungry, and when you think of all
the bedding schemes in our towns, sadly the
same is true of almost all of those. Begonias,
bedding pelargoniums, double tagetes and
cannas (the list of things were likely too see a
lot of in the next few months) are a nectarless
desert as far as insects are concerned.
You can petition the Britain in Bloom brigade
of your local towns and villages to move away
from the busy Lizzies to the plethora of single
dahlias now available - wonderful varieties
such as Bishop of Auckland, Bishop of Oxford
and Bishop of Canterbury, which will flower
as long and hard as any of the list above, and
provide our insects with fuel as well.
But easier than that, you can make small
tweaks in your own garden. Plant these single
dahlias or add more lavender, scabious,
echinacea, hardy geranium, allium, Angelica
gigas, Cephalaria gigantea or sedum. Its a winwin situation. Your garden will look just as
lovely, if not more so, and the insects will have
a free corner shop as well.
ALL PHOTOGRAPHS/JONATHAN BUCKLEY
y attitude to my garden has changed

dramatically in the past year.
Whereas before I loved it for its
abundance, its floweriness, its beauty and
production of all the things I most like to eat, I
now have a new demand of it. As I walk around,
particularly if the sun is out, I hone in on a
whole new dimension. Are there plenty of
hoverflies in their many different shapes and
sizes? A good old occasional wasp? How many
bees can I spot on a five-minute walk? And do
I clap eyes on a single butterfly? In particular,
butterfly populations in Britain are struggling,
and now I almost applaud when one appears.
Then at night, theres the whole moth
department, which has only recently moved on
to my radar. I set a moth trap with Steve Head
of the Wildlife Gardeners Forum (to join, email
wlgf@stephenmhead.net) in my garden last
summer, and we found some extraordinary
moths whose existence Id never even been
aware of. There was a funny, endearing one, a
Buff Tip Moth, which looked like a twig; and
two beauties called the Poplar and Elephant
Hawk Moths. These reminded me of the most
exquisite Venetian marbled paper, with swirls
and curves in subtle yet intense colours - and
they were huge, something youd expect to see
The National Trust

dont open their doors to just anyone.
They have an unrivalled reputation to maintain. So, when endorsing a collection of greenhouses that would
bear their name, they were scrupulous in their selection. Our design expertise and skilled craftsmanship
convincingly earned their approval. As it will, we trust, gain yours.
Alitex. Aluminium made beautiful. 01730 826900 www.alitex.co.uk
THE GRANGE
LAUNCHED AT CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW 2011
F R O M T H E H E A R T, S P R I N G S L I F E
THE FINEST GLASSHOUSES MONEY CAN BUY
APPROVED BY THE
H A RT L E Y B O TA N I C
NOTHING ELSE IS A HARTLEY
Exclusively Endorsed by the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Established Over 70 Years Handmade in Greenfield, England
For our CURRENT OFFERS call or click 0800 783 8083 www.hartley-botanic.co.uk eg@hartleybotanic.co.uk

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THE ENGLISH GARDEN

FOR EVERYONE WHO LOVES BEAUTIFUL GARDENS

GROWING & COOKING

ALSO IN THE JULY ISSUE...

Contains ibuprofen. Always read the label.

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BERKSHIRE Exquisite aesthetic A garden designers

WORCESTERSHIRE Flight of fantasy All the ingredients

HAMPSHIRE Easy on the eye Chalky soil and lots of old

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Feminine charms Find a rather

country plot is a joy of colour, texture and dreamy planting

DESIGN GUIDE Curvy worthy The twists and turns of an

IN CONVERSATION WITH... NEW SERIES! Andy Sturgeon

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A GARDEN REBORN Making progress In the next part of

GLASSHOUSES Heaven is a hothouse Discover how

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For pretty, wild flowers worthy of a spot in your garden,

In the wild, this dainty plant (above) can also

Clusters of yellow flowers (top right) appear

A drought-resistant plant, this is ideally suited

be found in coppice or woodland clearings,

from June to August, followed by spiky

to growing at the base of a hedge, edge of

so find a semi-shaded spot in your own

seedheads, made to cling to animal fur to

a woodland or in dry grassy places. As its