Gardening Dilemmas - Part 3

Welcome to the third in our new series where Head Gardener Åsa and Head of Horticulture Steve share their expert advice on tackling your gardening and garden design dilemmas.

'I have recently moved to a new house and whilst the builder has done some hard landscaping I've been left with some problems, (or what others might call thought provoking dilemmas or even a wonderful blank canvas).

I've inserted a photo of the area- and would be grateful for your design suggestions as to what can be done with this area and how it can be planted up. Behind the rocks is our neighbour's garden and the ivy covers a fence the other side of which is a public thoroughfare. I had thought of creating (somehow) a sort of waterfall and a gravel area.'

-Gill

My first reaction is that this doesn't need a waterfall. In fact, I think the rocks are one of the space's biggest assets, and I'd be inclined to work with them rather than disguise them.

Rather than trying to turn it into a formal feature, I'd embrace the feeling that the rocks have always been there.

The large boulders could become the focal point, maybe introducing some plants to soften and tumble between the crevices.

Plant suggestions for the beds depending on your conditions:

Sunny

Verbena bonariensis

Euphorbia wulfenii

Nepeta

Achillea

Small cistus

Helianthemum

Helichrysum

Shade

Brunnera

Ferns

Epimedium

Hakonechloa

Euphorbia amygdaloides

Foxgloves

Japanese anemone

So, in summary:

1. The boulders as the focal point.
2. A pathweaving through the space.
3. Drifts of planting rather than individual specimens.

The result would feel calm, natural and as though it had evolved over many years.

One final thought: because this is tucked away and enclosed, it has the potential to become a little retreat. If space allows, even a single stone bench or a weathered timber seat nestled among the planting would transform it from an awkward corner into a place that invites you to pause.

Be the first to hear about our next Gardening Dilemma invitation by subscribing to our newsletter HERE

Head Gardener Åsa