How to combine structural borders using bold colours

Create focal points

The gentle white stems of Gaura lindheimeri ‘Whirling Butterflies’ (1) along with Verbena bonariensis (2) add lightness to the rich colour of Hylotelephium ‘Herbstfreude’ (3). But it’s the vibrant autumn colour of Euonymus europaeus ‘Red Cascade’ (4) that creates the focal point for this border. Seedheads of Monarda menthifolia (5) mirror the Verbena’s height on the other side of the path, while Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ (6) echoes the gaura and creates a lighter tone.

Plant grasses

Jan has used a wide selection of grasses in this area by the house, from the tall, straight Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Overdam’ (1) and gently arching Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Jan’s Wildwest’ (2) to the light and airy Deschampsia cespitosa ‘Tardiflora’(3) and fluffy Pennisetum orientale (4). However, these are really just the supporting cast as it is the golden, arching, flower heads of Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea ‘Transparent’ (5), which doesn’t self-seed or collapse, that takes centre stage.

Include late-flowering plants

Incredibly floriferous, and flowering well into November, Symphyotrichum laeve ‘Anneke Van der Jeugd’ (1) is the dominant plant in this group. It is a selection of Jan’s and named after his wife. Here it mingles well with other asters, while grasses, such as Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ (2) and the strongly upright Sorghastrum nutans ‘Indian Steel’ (3), provide contrast.

Use layers

This area of planting displays a layered approach, with low-growing plants, such as Geranium sanguineum ‘Apfelblüte’ (1) and the yellow autumn foliage of Amsonia ‘Blue Ice’ (2), edging the path. The centre of the bed is punctuated by bursts of strong colour from the likes of Symphyotrichum novibelgii ‘Schöne von Dietlikon’ (3) while the showy grasses Pennisetum orientale ‘Tall Tails’ (4) and the strongly vertical Calamagrostis x acutiflora‘ Overdam’ (5) add a further layer of interest.