A Mediterranean border for the south-facing, sheltered corner of an open site at the back of a former vicarage, planted with evergreen drought-tolerant shrubs and perennials for year-round presence.
Previously overgrown and unkempt, this area is now the end section of a new path that winds gently through a small wooded area to provide access to the back garden from the side of the house.
A high wall backing on a forest creates a protective microclimate, a helpful feature in a region where winter temperatures occasionally drop to -5Co and where the thermometer has hit 39Co in the past few summers.
The clay-chalk soil, which benefits from a thin layer of humus from surrounding trees, was decompacted and well-rotted manure was added to ensure good drainage.
Planting includes classic Mediterranean plants such as Phlomis, Euphorbia, Helychrisum, Santolina and Thyme.
There are also imports from the Americas, such as Stipa tenuissima, and from New Zealand such as the very architectural Melianthus major.
Bulbs have been planted for spring and summer interesting, including tulips, irises and Eremurus.
A small self-seeded southern oak has been kept and straightened a little, while local stones found in the nearby woodland have been placed in the border to create contrast.
Status: in progress
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London-based garden designer covering, Fulham, Hammersmith, Chiswick, Putney, Barnes, Richmond. We’ve also worked in East Anglia and regularly travel to the Loire valley.
