EIGHT KEY PLANT S
1 Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’ ‘Hidcote’ lavender is planted alongside paths to release its fragrance as you brush past; it also attracts pollinators. 50cm. AGM*. RHS H5, USDA 5a-8b†.
2 Acanthus mollis
The architectural flower spikes provide contrasting colour and shape among lower-growing companions. 1.5m. RHS H6, USDA 7a-10b. 3 Cistus x purpureus The foliage releases a resinous scent and the tissue-paper-like flowers provide splashes of colour. 1m. AGM. RHS H4. 4 Helenium ‘Moerheim Beauty’ A perfect addition to the sunniest borders where it intermingles with shrubs and grasses, producing a succession of copper-red daisies throughout the summer. 1m. AGM. RHS H7, USDA 3a-8b.
5 Leucanthemum vulgare
The wildflower meadows feature a changing tapestry of flowers, including swathes of ox-eye daisies. RHS H7, USDA 3a-8b. 1m.
6 Phlomis russeliana
Known as Turkish sage, although actually from Syria, it has whorls of pale-lemon flowers on tall, erect stems accompanied by heart-shaped leaves. 1m. AGM. RHS H6, USDA 5a-9b. 7 Echinops ritro ‘ Veitch’s Blue’ This long-flowering, prickly globe thistle with deep-blue flowers is much loved by pollinators. If cut hard back after flowering, it produces a second flush. 1m. RHS H7, USDA 3a-8b.
8 Alchemilla mollis
Being resistant to rabbits and deer, this is included in the plantings outside the garden’s fenced area. 50cm. AGM. RHS H7, USDA 3a-8b.
you have to journey through the garden from the outset. The arrival, with its formal borders, straight paths and lawn, is very structured.” Either side of the paths, low-clipped blocks of yew are interplanted with perennials and grasses, including Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Ingwersen’s Variety’ and Hakonechloa macra. Clusters of amelanchier are underplanted with white-flowered Libertia chilensis and a long, low bed of ‘Hidcote’ lavender adds fragrance and colour. As the planting moves away from the house, it gradually becomes softer and more colourful, with a mixture of shrubs, grasses and herbaceous perennials woven together to form undulating borders. A beech hedge at the western end of the garden disguises the fence that is essential to keep the rabbits, deer and badgers at bay, and also provides shelter from the strong prevailing southwesterlies. Tucked into the lee of the hedge, a group of metal planters raised up on brick piers allow the owners to grow a few vegetables.
“Living in this landscape is my clients’ primary reason for being here,” says Andy. “So I have created different pockets with seating areas so that they can chase the sun round the garden and be just a step away from the nature that surrounds them.” While most of these areas look outwards, there is a small, sheltered spot outside the ground-floor bedroom window on the eastern end of the house that is entirely enclosed by a stand of Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’, allowing the owners to enjoy the morning sun in complete privacy.
It’s a clever trick to pull off, creating two gardens with such distinct characters as the setting for this modern house. The owners think it a great success and revel in the view from every window. It’s no wonder that they look forward to Andy’s visits as he continues to offer guidance in maintaining and developing this much-loved garden.