We took on the maintenance of this garden a few years ago and have been gradually evolving the planting. The house features a raised bed at the front, visible primarily from the lower ground kitchen. At the rear, a roof terrace overlooks a courtyard garden, bordered by raised beds on three sides. Our goal was to create a vibrant, informal design, blending lush textures with year-round interest, while keeping maintenance to a minimum.
View from the front door shows the textural variation of the plants.
New planting on a rear terrace is a decorative means to privacy.
Planting was chosen to look generous even with the low level of light in the basement bed.
Hostas, ferns, epimediums and astilbe work well in the shady garden and give good structure.
The rear terrace planting mixes colour and texture to create a rich wall of foliage and flowers with seasonal variation.
Bark mulch positioned after planting, allowing space for the plants to establish. The bark mulch (over a permeable membrane) supresses weeds and keeps in moisture.
A climbing Mermaid rose covers the high trellis and the white wall provides a great backdrop for the Japanese anemones
A variety of textures and shades of green are augmented by the pops of colour provided by the Vanessa Bell standard rose, zantadeschia, mahonia soft caress and by the acacia dealbata above. Tulips and alliums add spring interest.