GARDEN DESIGN
PERFECT THE ART OF THE GARDEN BORDER
With spring fast approaching, we look at the winning formula for introducing colour, texture and interest to an outdoor space using border plants, whilst keeping to your client brief.
Consider your aspect and light levels Clients may have a vision for their outside space but it’ s always worth paying heed to Beth Chatto’ s wise words of finding the“ right plant for the right place“ when you select the planting scheme for any border. South-facing borders need plants that love full sun, from alliums to succulents, whilst shadier spots in north-facing borders can be pepped up with dramatic foliage and pale flowers to create a tranquil ambience.
They key to success is longevity, siting plants where they will thrive, and creating something that is realistic for your client to maintain. With climate change wreaking havoc on our seasons and predictable rainfall levels, it is also worth considering drought-tolerant varieties, hardy plants that can tolerate temperature fluctuations or native species that can help develop biodiversity in the space.
Be repetitive Repetition is a very powerful tool in garden design, helping to create pleasing patterns that draw the eye around the entire border. This can be done effectively using colour, texture, statement plants, or even height. Make your scheme more cohesive by repeating at least one or two main colours throughout, whether by contrasting colours, or toning various shades from eth same palette.
Meanwhile, an array of exciting textures, from smooth, glossy leaves to delicate fern fronds, adds spectacular interest and is particularly effective in a foliage border, where the colour palette is often mostly shades of green. Repetition – whether in an ordered or more random pattern – is key to the success of this type of border to pull the look together.
Playing with height in your border can have real impact. Taller things tend to catch the eye first before drawing the eye down to the planting below. Try interspersing your planting scheme with a repeating pattern of taller plants, such as small trees, tall shrubs or tall perennials, such as lupins or agapanthus, underplanted by a covering of low-growing perennials like hardy geraniums, heuchera or even creeping herbs for great ground cover.
Maintain an edge You’ ll always have your traditionalists but, for some clients, it pays dividends to keep ahead of the curve and tap into the latest gardening trends. Experts suggest that bedding plants are falling out
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