A plant-filled garden
As there was calmness and stillness on one side of the path I wanted to incorporate movement and sound in the other part of the garden. A pond and stream were therefore created within the planted half with a dry stream and pond mirroring this on the meditational side, removing any disruption to meditation. To recycle the water for the running stream we created our own version of a bamboo water feature, fed by a pump in the pond.
The planting surrounding the pond includes classic Japanese plants such as Hosta, Pachysandra, Acer palmatum ‘Ornatum’, Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’, Skimmia, Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Goshiki’, Trochodendron aralioides, Chaenomeles and Hemerocallis, as well as Dryopteris, Epimedium, Fatsia japonica, Berberis and Hydrangea.
Aiming for calm tranquility
The more peaceful and meditational half of this garden has three standing stones sourced from a local quarry and laid in a formation that represents peace and tranquillity. I was also very fortunate to acquire a Japanese temple ornament from a local reclamation yard, which sits opposite these stones. The whole area is covered with stone chips, again sourced from a local quarry and, as there is no distracting water in this part of the garden we have raked the aggregate to create a wave effect, to mimic water.
I also wanted to incorporate a cloudpruned conifer, but could not find anything suitable so instead used something completely different, a Cornus. I initially thought of Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’ as it originates from Japan, but it gets too big for this space so I used Cornus alternifolia ‘Variegata’. Although it comes from a completely different continent, it gives a similar look. To complete the minimal planting I have used Phyllostachys nigra to tie in with the bamboo water feature on the opposite side. Although it originates in China, bamboo has become an integral part of any Japanese garden.
■ Barnsdale Gardens in Rutland, East Midlands, has been enthralling garden fans since 1983 when Geoff Hamilton, the much-loved presenter of BBC Gardeners World, bought a Victorian farmhouse with over five acres of land.
Barnsdale was Geoff’s ‘great experiment’ in peat-free and chemicalfree growing, and his legacy continues today with his son Nick, ensuring that the 38 gardens are kept to the stunning standard for which they are renowned.
They include a Cottage Garden, Versailles Garden, Wildlife Garden, Allotment and many more.
Barnsdale Gardens is open to visitors all year round. Visit barnsdalegardens.co.uk