Long Border
The site was long (35m) and flat, having been terraced by the previous homeowners. The aspect was east to west, running in a perpendicular fashion across the south-facing slope, therefore creating a very warm microclimate. The brief here was to create substantial beds that would show off North American Prairie planting and a Tropical Scheme to sit opposite the Mediterranean Terraces, which would be seamlessly linked to the rest of the garden.
The original design incorporated a sweeping layout that was a continuation from the cottage garden link. However, this did not sit comfortably with the house and had to be redesigned; as with all great designs, they often require adjustments until the final design is delivered. Therefore, the borders were straightened, linked to the central axis of the house and crossed with a path, that dissects to the bottom part of the garden.
Before:
After:
The prairie border scheme included many grasses but not limited to Stipa gigantea, Miscanthus sinensis zebrinus, Festuca glauca and many wonderful perennials arranged in large sweeping drifts within the long rectangular bed; the border itself was 26m long, so groups of up to 11 were used. Notable inclusions were: Helenium 'Moreheim Beauty' and 'Sahins Early', Echinacea purpurea, Hemerocallis 'Fulva', Crocosmia 'Lucifer', Aster frikartii 'Eiger', Salvia 'Amistad' and Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm'.
The tropical border was much shorter at 7m, but was a real success with a vibrant planting scheme that included a backdrop of Musa basjoo, lowering to many varieties of Hedychium, Brugmansia, Canna, Salvias and Dahlias in the mid tier, with Eucomis 'sparkling burgundy'. Persicaria microsephala 'Red Dragon' and lower growing Salvias in the foreground.
The intersection through both borders was framed with two large Eriobotrya japonicas, which in turn accent the journey down to the bottom garden.