GARDENING

SHORTCUTS

Shameless shortcuts, tips, and tricks

for a great garden super-fast!
GARDENING
SHORTCUTS
 LONDON, NEW YORK, MUNICH,
MELBOURNE, DELHI
PROJECT EDITOR Lee Wilson
PROJECT ART EDITOR Alison Gardner
PICTURE RESEARCH Rose Horridge, Susie Peachey,
Romaine Werblow
PRODUCTION EDITORS Sarah Isle, Clare McLean
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MANAGING EDITOR Penny Warren
MANAGING ART EDITOR Alison Donovan
PUBLISHER Mary Ling
ART DIRECTOR Peter Luff
PHOTOGRAPHY Peter Anderson, Brian North
US EDITOR Rebecca Warren
First American Edition, 2012
Published in the United States by
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001—181301—Mar/2012
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GARDENING
SHORTCUTS
Jenny Hendy
Contents

Introduction Relaxed patios Beautiful borders Smart features

6 Life in the fast lane 12 Spruce up your patio 44 Spring makeover 78 Outdoor lighting
7 Basic tools and 14 Spring planting 46 Late spring border 80 Shapely topiary
handy supplies 16 Spring pots 48 Summer makeover 82 Instant ivy topiary
8 Knowing your soil type; 18 Summer pots 50 Summer border 84 Streamlining shrubs
ground preparation 20 Potted shrubs 52 Instant color lift 86 Decorating walls
9 Container planting; 22 Fall pots 54 Planting a tree and fences
sowing seeds; 24 Winter pots 56 Fall border 88 Inspired planters
buying plants
26 Low-water pots 58 Winter border 90 Special occasions
28 Patio planting 60 Plants for shade 92 Pebble beach
30 Hanging basket care 62 Plants for poor soil 94 Placing sculpture
32 Summer basket 64 Raised-bed gallery 96 Mini waterlily pond
34 DIY patio canopy 66 Assembling a raised bed 98 DIY sculpture
36 Providing quick privacy 68 Prairie planting 100 Light up a shady corner
38 Patio cleaning 70 English charm 102 Lawn into meadow
40 Mosaic tile 72 Annual climber tripod 104 Shaping a lawn
74 Urban chic 106 Stepping-stone path
Grow it, eat it Better boundaries Welcoming wildlife Easy care

110 Trained fruit 142 Hedge makeover 158 Wildlife habitat 176 Automatic irrigation
112 Blueberry pot 144 Creative fences 160 Mini bog garden 178 Lawn makeover
114 Container fruit 146 Cool exposure 162 Planting for bees 180 "Beat the drought" border
116 Strawberry basket 148 Warm exposure 164 Homegrown bird food 182 Late winter pruning
118 Edible climbers 150 Planting climbers 166 Winter bird care 184 Spring pruning
120 Growing herbs 152 Brightening walls 168 Planting for butterflies 186 Summer pruning
122 Spicy leaves 154 Plant a boundary 170 Wildflower meadow
124 Kitchen-door salad 172 Healthy pond
126 Winter salad
128 Funky pots
130 Sprouting seeds
132 Vegetables from seed
134 Container crops 188 Index
136 Sack of potatoes 192 Acknowledgments
138 Homemade compost and credits
 6 INTRODUCTION

Introduction
With all that we cram into our lives, it is hardly surprising that gardening
often takes a back seat, but working in the fresh air, growing your own
food, and exploring personal creativity are great ways to combat stress.

172 WELCOMING WILDLIFE HEALTHY POND 173

Y TARGETED TO-DO LISTS
Life in the fast lane Healthy pond CLEAN FILTER
In late autumn, remove the
pond filter and clean with the
These detail essential jobs for
hose to remove weeds or

Most of us would prefer to have

Not only are ponds a soothing spot for a gardener to while debris. Store away for the winter.
away a few hours on a warm day, but also a welcome home
for a multitude of wildlife. However, no matter how informal
your pond, it does demand care and attention to keep it
RAINWATER TOP-UP
Wildlife ponds in particular
different areas of the garden
looking at its best and to provide a healthy habitat for any benefit from being topped up

more time to relax and enjoy

visiting creatures. Left untended, weeds and planting can
take over, and decaying vegetation can taint the water and
encourage unwanted algae and bacteria.
with rainwater rather than
tapwater. Position water butts
near the pond where they can
catch and store water, ready
so that you can focus on what
to be piped in when needed.

PLANTING UP will make the biggest impact

being outdoors rather than
STOP BLANKET WEED
A submerged bag of barley straw Lower deep-water plants into
discourages troublesome algae. Use a the pond in mesh baskets,
bundle of about 50g of straw per sq m which will allow them to take
(1½ oz per sq yd) of water surface area
for the best results. Lower the bundle in
place in spring and remove it in autumn
root. Covering the surface of
the compost with pebbles
prevents the soil dispersing
into the water and clouding it.
now and in the months ahead.
feeling like a slave to the
when it has turned black.

CLEAR OVERGROWTH REMOVE LEAVES

It is important to remove leaves
Oxygenating plants are necessary in a
from the pond as they fall to
healthy pond, but can be over vigorous
prevent too many decaying in
and require thinning out routinely.
the water. Scoop them out with

garden. Fortunately, this book

Gently remove excess by gathering with
a net, or place netting over the
a spring-tined rake. Pile onto the sides
pond surface at peak leaf fall,
to allow creatures to slip back into the
but remove it before winter.
water overnight, and then compost.

INSTANT IMPACT IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME

can not only help you improve F Elegant lilies Water lilies add a sophisticated
touch to a sunny pond and a welcome splash of
colour. Choose a plant for the size of your pond.
F Wind up weeds To clear unsightly blanket
weed, take a bamboo cane, insert it into the
bulk of the algae and turn it. The weed will
wrap itself around the cane and can be simply
lifted out. Leave it at the side of the pond
overnight to allow insects to return to the water.
F Night vision If you fancy wildlife-watching by
night, position solar-powered spike lights around
the edge of the pond.
F Dividing marginals The planting around the edges of the pond can get a
little overcrowded over time. In spring, lift congested clumps of plants and
divide them into chunks. Replant the healthy roots and compost the rest.
F Slipway If you want to encourage wildlife into your pond, make sure they
have easy access to the water. Build pebble slopes for them to walk down,
and position large stones at the edge for sunbathing creatures.
116 GROW IT, EAT IT STRAWBERRY BASKET 117

your plot, but perhaps even Strawberry basket TIMELY ADVICE

F Water regularly Plants can rot in soggy

give you some time to spare.

compost so don’t overwater and keep water
PLANT Early to mid-spring Strawberries make attractive pick a few strawberries every off the foliage to avoid fungal diseases.

STEP-BY-STEP Z
HARVEST Early to late summer
hanging basket plants and are few days for a couple of months. F Fertilize Use liquid tomato fertilizer once
ideal if you don’t have much When planting in strawberry flowers begin to form.
YOU WILL NEED F Ensure even light Turn the basket weekly
growing space. This method of beds, it’s best to remove the first
to ensure that the fruits ripen evenly.
35–40cm (14–16in) lined basket cultivation means you don’t get season’s flowers to encourage a F Remove runners New plants form at the
Large pot for support fungal damage from soil splash, strong root system, but that isn’t end of stems; remove to improve fruiting.
Freshly cut runners can be rooted in lightly

Easy-to-follow pictures and

Multi-purpose potting compost with and it stops slugs and snails from the case with baskets. Planting
added John Innes shaded pots of moist compost to create
eating the fruits. in spring with pot-grown plants new stock. In strawberry beds, root
Scissors
Plant a mixture of varieties allows you to crop in the first runners in the soil before severing.
Slow-release fertilizer granules F Encourage a second year of fruiting
with different cropping times to year and, if you are a bit late
Water-retaining gel crystals (optional) Take the basket down at the end of the
ensure a long season of fruiting. planting, you can use garden-

It all adds up captions, together with a tools

season and remove old leaves. The
3–5 strawberry plants (choose a mixture
of varieties for a long season of fruiting) In return for regular watering and centre plants that have already following spring, replenish the compost
with fertilizer.
feeding, you should be able to started to flower.

and ingredients list, make

Broken down into bite-sized creating a new planting or
activities, Gardening Shortcuts decorative feature simple.
1Prepare the basket 2Add the fertilizer 3Plant the basket 4Leave to acclimatize
is easy to follow even if you Sit the basket on top of a large pot
to steady it. Cut a few drainage holes in
the lining, a third of the way up the sides.
Leave the bottom intact to retain water.
Ensure plants don’t run short
of nutrients by adding slow-release
fertilizer to the compost. You can also
add water-retaining gel crystals.
Plunge the strawberry plants in a
bucket of water then space them evenly in
the basket. Plant them at the same depth
as they were in their pots. Gently firm the
compost around the plants.
After watering, stand the basket in
a sheltered spot to get over the shock of
planting. Leave for around ten days then
hang the basket on a sunny wall.

102 SMART FEATURES L AWN INTO MEADOW 103

don't have previous experience. Lawn into meadow FINISHING TOUCHES

At first, your meadow might contain
mostly grasses, but even these add a

Projects and tasks are organized

If you have quite a lot of regularly mown grass in your wild feel when in flower. Follow the
garden you might want to consider converting some of it, advice below to enhance the look.

Y ACHIEVING A LOOK
in order to create a wild meadow effect. If you don't routinely F Maintain pathways Keep a crisp edge
between long and short grass. Make main
use selective lawn weedkillers, you might be surprised at the thoroughfares wide and cut regularly.
number of wildflowers that you find growing in the turf. Stop F Add plants To speed up colonization,

to achieve a whole lot of

buy plug plants from specialist wildflower
mowing and let the grass grow to see these wildflowers nurseries and plant in autumn or spring
bloom. Introduce some other wildflowers for extra effect.
Broken down into key plants,
into short turf. Naturalize bulbs.
F Weed Dig out coarse weeds, such as dock,
bramble, tree seedlings, and rapidly colonizing
GET THE LOOK weeds such as thistle, dandelion. Alternatively
spot-treat with glyphosate weedkiller.
Mark out the areas you want to convert into meadow, using posts and string F Cut and clear At the end of summer, cut

gardening in short time frames.

as guidelines. The shapes can either be organic with meandering pathways
or quite formal, perhaps a sequence of squares or rectangles. From spring,
begin mowing regularly, but leave the marked areas to grow. After missing a
few cuts, you will be able to see the areas clearly against the short turf and
BEE FAVOURITES
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) bears
its nectar rich blooms all summer,
providing an important food stop for
your meadow with a nylon line trimmer.
Leave material for a few fine days to allow
seed to drop, then remove hay with a rake.
This keeps coarse grasses at bay and
encourages self-seeding.
elements, and techniques,
then you can remove the string. bees, butterflies and other insects.

these pages help you to capture

The timer symbol indicates
MORE PLANT OPTIONS
BEE FAVOURITES Stachys officinalis; field
scabious (Knautia arvensis); Centaurea nigra;
mallow (Malva sylvestris); meadow cranesbill
(Geranium pratense); selfheal (Prunella vulgaris);
speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys); tufted vetch a look or style and add some
activities that can be completed
(Vicia cracca)

TOUGH WHITES Cow parsley (Anthriscus

sylvestris); white clover (Trifolium repens); wild
carrot (Daucus carota); yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

YELLOW HAZE Bird's foot trefoil (Lotus

corniculatus); cowslip (Primula veris); Galium
designer flair to your garden.
in 30 minutes or less once the
verum; St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum);
TOUGH WHITES YELLOW HAZE DAISY DAYS yellow rattle (Rhinanthus minor)
The ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) Floating over the top of long grass, the The ox-eye daisy (Leucanthemum
is a survivor even on dry ground, producing cup- shaped blooms of meadow buttercup vulgare) can be easily introduced to DAISY DAYS Common cat's ear (Hypochaeris
radicata); daisy (Bellis perennis); fox and cubs
abundant brown poker heads, each with a (Ranunculus acris) give an eye-catching your converted lawn as a plug plant
(Pilosella aurantiaca); hawkbit (Leontodon)
haze of tiny white blooms. Its deeply veined display. It is ideal for slightly damp or (see "Add plants" opposite). The iconic
leaves are narrow and pointed. heavy ground. blooms produce a instant meadow look.
64 BEAUTIFUL BORDERS RAISED-BED GALLERY 65

the preliminaries like soil Raised-bed gallery BRIGHT IDEAS

There are many ways to construct and decorate raised beds. Pick a style that
complements your garden's design. Raised beds made from sturdy timbers,

preparation and watering

Lifting planting above ground level has several advantages. It allows you to bricks, or rendered breeze-blocks with comfortable wooden or stone toppings
grow a wider range of plants if your soil is waterlogged, including those that can double as impromptu seating. As well as filling with plants, raised beds
can also accommodate raised pools or sculptural features. Add LED recessed
require good drainage such as alpines and herbs. Aesthetically, raised beds
lighting to make the most of your raised structures at night.
also add interest to a flat site by creating different levels, and, set at the
right height, you can minimize bending and even sit on the sides to garden.

have been taken care of. If PRETTY AND EDIBLE

PROJECTS AND IDEAS Z Raised beds are perfect for growing

herbs as they love good drainage. This
modern scheme has bold, repeating

you can fit several 30-minute

blocks of attractive vegetables, herbs,
and edible blooms such as chives, ruby

Offering inspiration for all

chard, bloody dock (Rumex sanguineus
var. sanguineus), and oregano, with
WICKER COVERS STEPPED TIMBERS
black-flowered violas as edging. Put a stylish façade over cheaply Here, in a new take on the traditional
constructed raised beds using woven timber-edged productive bed, a stepped
wicker panels. To keep the wicker from bed of chunky sleepers has been created

sessions into a week, you will areas of patio and garden,

PLANT A HERB GARDEN rotting, paint with yacht varnish and raise with a strawberry bed, made with the
Add a rubble drainage layer to the base of off the ground on bricks or short legs. same wood, set on top at right angles.
the bed and follow with gritty, loam-based
compost or topsoil. Plant with contrasting
clusters of flowers and herbs.

these gallery sections also

soon start to see real progress.
CHUNKY TYRE PLANTER
In a contemporary setting, recycled
tyres, stacked to create planters,
become edgy urban sculptures. Simply

include planting and building pile tyres of the same diameter on

top of one another, and line with a
black plastic container or refuse bin.
Ensure the liner has drainage holes
and place a good depth of gravel or

projects as well as time- and

TABLE BED
crocks (see pp.8–9) in the base before You can nibble your way through this table decoration made up of
adding compost and planting up. edible flowers, salads, and herbs. The planter is recessed, giving the
impression that the plants are literally growing out of the table.

labor-saving tips.
 INTRODUCTION 7

BASIC TOOLS
If you gather together a basic kit of garden
tools and supplies and keep them in one
place, you won't waste time looking for
tools, borrowing them, or making do with
implements not suited to the task. Treat
yourself to a good-quality stainless-steel
hand trowel and fork, and buy a pair of
shears that suit your hand size and grip.
Having a range of supplies in stock also
means you won't have to go shopping
every time you want to garden. A garden
shed, locker, or built-in storage space is
ideal for keeping everything together.

HANDY SUPPLIES
F Gel crystals These water-retaining crystals
turn into a gel when water is added, helping
to keep compost moist.
F Granular fertilizer Use a general-purpose
fertilizer to improve soil before planting new
areas or when dividing perennials. Slow-release
fertilizers will last longer.
F Liquid fertilizer Dilute concentrated feeds and
apply with a watering can, or buy ready mixed.
F Glyphosate weedkiller A ready-to-use hand
sprayer is very useful for spot-treating tricky
perennial weeds. 1. spade for digging planting holes a large pruning saw or bow saw for
F Garden twine Tie in climber stems and support
and distributing manure and mulches; bigger branches; 10. old knife for
tall herbaceous perennials with twine and stakes. 2. fork for weeding, aerating lawns, easing out tap-rooted weeds in lawns;
and breaking up compacted soil; also for paving joints; 11. scissors
F Multi-purpose compost Keep a bag with added
soil-based compost for container plantings. 3. brush for sweeping soil and debris for cutting twine, deadheading, and
from hard surfaces and dispersing worm harvesting vegetables and fresh flowers;
F Crocks and gravel These provide drainage in
casts; 4. garden rake for preparing and 12. plastic trug (flexible container with
pots and planters (see over). Crocks can be broken
pieces of clay pots, stones, or you can even use leveling soil for sowing, etc.; 5. spring handles) for plunging plants prior to
broken-up styrofoam packaging. tine rake for scarifying turf and clearing planting, moving compost, and collecting
up fall leaves; 6. half-moon cutter for weeds and clippings; 13. watering can
F Ornamental bark Mulching with bark helps
retain moisture and suppress weeds. Top off cutting and re-edging lawns; 7. shears for watering in new plantings and
any thin patches regularly. for clipping hedges and topiary, as well applying diluted fertilizers;
F Oil can and rags Keep a can of lubricating,
as neatening herbs and perennials; 14. lawnmower choose an appropriate
anti-corrosion product and a rag for lubricating, 8. clippers for deadheading and size for your garden; 15. string trimmer
waterproofing, and rust-proofing cutting tools. pruning; 9. pruning saw a small for neatening long grass by boundaries
foldaway model for medium stems; and cutting meadows after flowering
 8 INTRODUCTION

Nitty gritty
SPOTTING YOUR SOIL TYPE
Basic ground and container
Knowing your soil type and its pH (acidity or alkalinity) allows you to choose
preparation, planting, sowing, suitable plants. Buy a pH test kit to see if you have acidic (suitable for
and watering instructions are lime-hating, ericaceous plants), neutral, or alkaline soil. If your sample feels
given here to avoid repeating the gritty and crumbles under pressure, it is sandy and typically free-draining.
same advice in each step-by-step Heavy clay can be rolled and formed into a ring. It normally drains poorly.
sequence. The timing of the
projects assumes that you have
completed these preparations;
gathered all the necessary tools,
supplies, and plant material;
and are ready to go! Common
tools are not included in the SANDY SOIL CLAY SOIL pH LEVEL
"You will need" list.

GROUND
PREPARATION
If soil is compacted, break
it up by digging or forking
over and reducing large
clods. Don't dig clay if it
is too dry since this
destroys the crumblike REMOVE WEEDS ORGANIC MATTER
structure, making it even Clear annuals by hand. Dig Fork well-rotted manure
more poorly drained and out or spray perennials or garden compost into
likely to dry like concrete. with weedkillers. the area to be planted.

FERTILIZER FIRMING IN WATERING

Add slow-release fertilizer to the Press loose soil down around Soak the area around new
soil according to the packet the root ball using the flat plantings to settle soil
instructions and mix in well. of your hands. around the roots.
 INTRODUCTION 9

CONTAINER PLANTING
Larger pots and baskets need less watering than smaller ones and also have room for
roots to grow, which in turn supports top growth. Leave a gap between the compost
surface and the top of the pot to allow water to pool; this gives the water time to soak in.

DRAINAGE HOLES LINING POTS PRE-PLANTING SOAK CROCKS

It is essential for pots and Add an insulating liner to metal Push root balls below the Use broken clay-pot pieces,
baskets to have drainage holes. pots to protect roots from surface of the water, and wait stone shards, or large gravel
Drill or punch holes through. temperature extremes. until the bubble stream stops. to cover holes.

BUYING PLANTS
SOWING SEEDS
Whether sowing direct in the ground or F Label check Read plant labels to find
in trays and pots, sow as thinly as possible eventual height and spread; soil and sun
preferences; whether the plant is hardy
to give plants space to grow properly. For for your area; and if it is perennial (lives
indoor sowing, use sterilized seed compost. from year to year) or annual (completes
its life cycle in one year and dies).
SEED DRILL F Picking good specimens Select
Rake the surface well-balanced plants with good foliage
PLANTING DEPTH to fine crumbs. cover that have been kept well watered.
Use a pole to check that Make a shallow Check for any sign of pests or disease.
line (drill), sow, and Avoid root-bound plants (roots matted
the root ball surface is level
then lightly cover. beneath pot) or ones with exposed roots
with the surrounding soil.
on the surface or that have lots of weeds.
THINNING F Perfect plants Buy flowering plants
Keep your seeds in bud or that are just starting to bloom.
watered. Once Select plants that show signs of new
seedlings emerge, growth. Gently remove from the pot
thin some out to give to check for a healthy root system.
others more room. F Plants to avoid Never buy half-hardy
bedding plants or tender perennials if they
PRICKING OUT are being sold outdoors without protection
when spring weather is still frosty. Avoid
If sowing in trays
any with dead or diseased stems or
MULCHING indoors, transplant
distorted or discolored leaves (a sign
Apply 3in (8cm) of bark chips seedlings to
of insect, virus problems, nutrient
to prevent weeds and aid in individual pots disorder, or frost injury).
moisture retention. to keep growing.
Relaxed patios
During the warmer months the patio or terrace
becomes an extension of the house or apartment—
a place to sit and enjoy the fresh air, to cook and
eat meals with friends and family, and to entertain.
It’s well worth focusing some attention on making
this an intimate and beautiful day- and nighttime
space with pots and planters to provide color,
sculptural form, and fragrance.
 12 REL A XED PATIOS

Spruce up your patio

In most properties the deck or patio is the link between
the house and garden. Any paved area or deck can have
a lovely roomlike feel, provided you pay a little attention
to detail. De-cluttering, tidying, and cleaning are just
as important here as indoors. The key to a speedy patio
makeover is to cast a critical eye over the whole space and
target the most urgent jobs. Dead plants, fading flowers,
and limp leaves draw the eye for all the wrong reasons, so
deal with these eyesores promptly, and prune unruly growth.

KEEP IN SHAPE
Lightly trim potted topiary, removing
clippings from the plant and soil to reduce
disease problems. Remove multiple spent
blooms, and shape alpines, shrubby
herbs, and tender perennials using hand
shears. Cut off over-long trailing shoots
to keep arrangements in balance.

FADED GLORY
Remove unattractive brown blooms and
yellow leaves. Use pruners or flower
scissors to deadhead larger faded
flowers, and pull out or trim the dead
centers of flower clusters on plants like
pot geraniums. Remove the flower
stalks of long-stemmed faded blooms.

INSTANT IMPACT
F Quick color Bring out cushions and throws F Clean furniture Spot-clean marks and stuck-on
to add a sense of luxury as well as color. debris on tables and chairs with some warm
F Top dressing Dress the tops of your pots soapy water and a soft-bristled brush.
with slate chips, pebbles, or gravel to create a F Toss it Scoop up litter or debris, and take
fresh new look. Scatter the same material organic matter to the compost bin. Use a small
artfully around the base of a group of pots. hand brush for reaching awkward corners.
 SPRUCE UP YOUR PATIO 13

CLIMBER CONTROL
Tie new shoots of climbers
and wall shrubs onto their wire
or trellis supports. Prune off
any less flexible stems that
are growing outward or that
hang too low beneath pergola
crossbeams and arches.

CLEAN SWEEP
Do a whirlwind sweep of all
paved and decked surfaces.
A soft-bristled indoor broom
handles easier than a stiff yard
broom. Remove debris from
gravel or slate chips with
a plastic rake or leaf blower.

POT REVIVAL
Move planters around to maximize displays (groups of three
work well), and replace individual dead or fading plants with
fresh ones. Give pots a good soak using a hose with a lance
attachment for ease. Follow up with ready-mixed liquid fertilizer.

WEED THEM OUT

Hand pull or use an old knife
to scrape out any weeds that
are growing in cracks between
paving stones or through
gravel surfaces. Alternatively,
spot treat with a ready-mixed
glyphosate weedkiller spray.

IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME

F Plant swap Completely replant any tired-looking patio containers
with new plant arrangements placed in removable plastic pot “liners.”
This will make it easier in the future to swap faded planters with inserts
nurtured in the wings.
F Scrub the decks Scrub away algae and moss from your paving or
decking using a commercial cleaning fluid.
 14 REL A XED PATIOS

Spring planting
By matching a colorful container design together. In this case
YOU WILL NEED
with a coordinated group of the blue stained fence in the
Drainage material (see pp.8–9) spring plants, the impact created background makes an ideal
Multi-purpose potting compost with by a single patio pot is so much foil for both the yellow pot
added soil-based compost
greater. Here the yellow of the and the yellow flowers.
Colored ceramic container
daffodils picks up on the color of Spring bedding planted in the
3 x dwarf daffodils (Narcissi)
the beautifully marked gold lace fall can suffer over the winter,
3 x pots gold-lace primulas
primulas, whose dark markings and by planting a few pots with
1 x black mondo grass (Ophiopogon
planiscapus 'Nigrescens') are echoed by the almost black instant-impact bulbs and bedding
grassy leaves of Ophiopogon once the weather warms up in
planiscapus 'Nigrescens'. Think the spring, the arrangements will
about the likely backdrop to a look nice and fresh. These plants
planter when you are putting a tolerate sun or light shade.

1Prepare the pot

Cover the pot holes with small rocks,
then add some compost so that the largest
2Position the centerpiece 3Add the other plants
After thoroughly soaking the plants,
take the daffodils out of their pots, and set
Take the black mondo grass out of
its pot, and split the wiry root system
plants are setting at the right height. at the back of the planter. Place primulas with your hands, breaking off clumps of
Leave a gap between the top of the root on either side of the daffodils and one in leaves and roots to squeeze in between
ball and the rim to allow for watering. front. Ensure they are upright. the primulas. Work compost into the gaps.
 SPRING PL ANTING 15

MORE PLANT OPTIONS

F Bulb centerpiece Choose medium
height daffodils, like the orange-centered
'Jetfire', or hyacinths. The tulip 'Red Riding
Hood' has showy, weather-resistant
blooms and marbled leaves, and other
early tulips like 'Purissima' (white) or
'Toronto' (pink) will also last well.
F Middle tier Surround the bulbs with
single-color bedding primulas; double
daisy (Bellis perennis); grape hyacinth
(Muscari armeniacum); pansies; or
Chionodoxa 'Pink Giant'.
F Foliage contrast Try English ivies
(Hedera helix); for bronze purple leaves
try Ajuga reptans 'Braunherz' or 'Catlin's
Giant' or the sedge Carex flagellifera; for
bold striped leaves, try yellow-striped
Carex oshimensis 'Evergold'.

4Water well
Check all around the plants, lifting the
leaves of the primulas to see if you've left
any spaces between the root balls. Water
plants gently to settle the compost, and
fill any gaps as necessary.
 16 REL A XED PATIOS

Spring pots
It might take a while for borders to start showing color after
winter, but your patio pots can be like a spring prelude. In
the sheltered environment of a sunny patio or deck,
sumptuous potted tulips and other spring blooms can
perform far better than they might if they were in a more
exposed or poorly drained spot in the main garden.

GET THE LOOK

This elegant design departs from the normal spring palette of blue, white,
FOLIAGE SPARKLE
and yellow. Plant the large perennial wallflower Erysimum 'Bowles's Mauve'
The silver, finely cut foliage of the
at the back of a well-draining terra-cotta pot containing loam-based potting
hardy evergreen Senecio cineraria
compost. Add three Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Purpurea' for foliage contrast in 'Silver Dust' lifts darker tones and
the foreground. Plant another, slightly shorter clay pot with three Tulip 'Zurel' works particularly well with whites
or similar, in bud, and squeeze in 5–6 Senecio cineraria 'Silver Dust'. and pastels.

FLAMBOYANT TOUCH BACKGROUND BLOOM DARK MATTER

The tulip 'Zurel' with its two-tone feather- The hardy, shrublike wallflower Erysimum The dusky leaves of Euphorbia
patterned petals is particularly eye-catching. 'Bowles's Mauve' flowers from spring through amygdaloides 'Purpurea' echo the
Garden centers offer a range of tulips ready to to summer, and the profusion of small blooms deep purple markings of the tulip.
bloom for instant effect. creates the perfect backdrop for bold tulips. Lime greenflower heads add "zing."
 SPRING POTS 17

FINISHING TOUCHES
Settle the plants in by watering.
Consider placing the tulip pots
straight into the larger pot so you
can change them when they fade.

F Before and after Plant early Crocus

chrysanthus around the pot rim, and pick
a later tulip like 'Ballade' to extend the look.
F Shrubby shelter Provide a protected
area for delicate blooms using tough potted
evergreen shrubs and conifers.

MORE PLANT OPTIONS

FOLIAGE SPARKLE Artemisia stelleriana
'Boughton Silver'; Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack
Frost'; Convolvulus cneorum; English ivy (Hedera
helix) white-marbled cultivars; Heuchera 'Silver
Scrolls'; Lamium maculatum 'White Nancy';
Pulmonaria saccharata Argentea Group

FLAMBOYANT TOUCH Crown imperial

(Fritillaria imperialis cultivars); double daffodils
e.g. Narcissus 'Sir Winston Churchill', 'Tahiti';
parrot tulips; Tulip 'Aladdin' (lily-flowered);
Tulip 'Angélique' (double, late)

BACKGROUND BLOOM Bleeding heart

(Dicentra spectabilis) and Dicentra 'Stuart
Boothman'; dwarf rhododendron; perennial
wallflower (Erysimum 'Constant Cheer');
Viola Sorbet Series; winter heathers (Erica
carnea and Erica x darleyensis cultivars)

DARK MATTER Ajuga reptans 'Braunherz'

or 'Catlin's Giant'; Euphorbia dulcis 'Chameleon';
Viola riviniana Purpurea Group; Heuchera
'Licorice' and 'Obsidian'; bronze fennel
(Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum'—new shoots);
black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus
'Nigrescens')
 18 REL A XED PATIOS

Summer pots
By grouping containers of annual bedding and tender
perennial patio plants together like this, you can create
a mini garden. The effect is more successful when you
keep to a simple color scheme. This elegant look uses
yellows, white, blue, and silver, but if you prefer a hot
mix, why not try orange, deep red, and hot pink
mingled with purple, bronze, and lime?

GET THE LOOK

Plant one Marguerite daisy (Argyranthemum frutescens) into a 12in (30cm)
terra-cotta pot filled with multi-purpose compost mixed with soil-based
compost. Using a 10in (25cm) pot, plant three pale yellow Surfinia petunias
and one Helichrysum petiolare ‘Limelight’ together. In a similar pot, plant
one Osteospermum ‘Whirlygig’. Plant the three Isotoma axillaris in a 9in
(23cm) pot. Position them in a group with the smaller pots in front.

FLOWER POWER FILLER PLANTS FLOWERING SHRUB

Petunias offer non-stop flowers all summer Weaving colorful, small-flowered plants Tender subshrubs like this yellow-flowered
provided they are regularly deadheaded between bigger, showier specimens is a Marguerite daisy are able to stand above
and treated to a generous regime of watering perfect way to tie the collection together. lower-growing patio plants, which helps
and feeding with liquid plant food. Isotoma axillaris is very effective. create a more dynamic arrangement.
 SUMMER POTS 19

FINISHING TOUCHES
After planting, water pots and arrange
them in a sunny spot. If you didn’t use
slow-release fertilizer, start feeding with
liquid fertilizer six weeks after planting.

F Tiered display As the plants start to grow

and become bushy, stand the larger pots on
bricks, and set smaller ones at their base for
a more eye-catching arrangement.
F Dark backdrop These pale-colored blooms stand
out best against a contrasting backdrop, such as a
painted fence or trimmed evergreens.
F Plain floor Fine gravel on the ground makes
an ideal foil for the weathered pots and varied
flowers and foliage. Plain paving or dark slate
chips would also work well.
F Intermingle Add to the collection with another
pot containing a silver Helichrysum petiolare and
plain white or cream osteospermums. Let all
the plants intermingle for an English-garden look.

MORE PLANT OPTIONS

FLOWER POWER Begonia Illumination Series;
Bidens ferulifolia; Petunia Tumbelina and Surfinia
Series; trailing geranium (Pelargonium Mini
Cascade Series); trailing Verbena Temari Series

FILLER PLANTS Bacopa; Diascia;

Lobelia; Nemesia

FLOWERING SHRUBS French lavender

(Lavandula pedunculata subsp.
pedunculata); Fuchsia

FOLIAGE IMPACT Solenostemon;

golden creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia
‘Aurea’); Helichrysum petiolare ‘Variegatum’;
Lysimachia congestiflora ‘Outback Sunset’;
FOLIAGE IMPACT EYECATCHER
Perilla frutescens var. purpurascens
Don’t just rely on flowering bedding plants Some plants clamor for your attention,
to bring color to summer pots; foliage can also and Osteospermum ‘Whirlygig’ is one such EYECATCHER Begonia Bonfire; Begonia Million
add interest, particularly using plants example. Including an unusual flower or leaf Kisses Series; Fuchsia ‘Thalia’
like Helichrysum petiolare ‘Limelight’. shape like this helps your collection pop.
20 REL A XED PATIOS

Potted shrubs
Shrubs growing in containers patio plants have faded. Some
YOU WILL NEED
add a feeling of maturity to a varieties will also provide
Large pot with drainage holes (must deck, courtyard, or patio. Larger long-lasting summer interest
accommodate the shrub’s root ball, plus
have 3–4in (8–10cm) space all around) specimens provide height and in the form of vibrant leaves or
Layer of drainage material (see pp.8–9) structure and can also help abundant blooms. All can be
Loam-based potting compost create privacy by acting as used either as a focal point or
Slow-release fertilizer granules a living screen. as part of a backdrop for pots
Decorative pebbles Evergreen shrubs offer interest of seasonal bulbs and flowers.
Shrub (Hebe—pictured) in the winter when herbaceous If you don’t have the right soil
perennials, tender bedding, and conditions to grow acid-loving
plants such as camellias, pieris,
or rhododendrons, growing
them in pots of acid-based
compost with added soil-based
compost is the perfect solution.

MORE PLANT OPTIONS

F Eye-catching feature Clip Boxwood

(Buxus sempervirens) into a ball for an
eye-catching feature on a shady terrace.
F Mediterranean feel French lavender
(Lavandula pedunculata subsp. pedunculata)
is a long-flowering, aromatic shrub for full
sun, with violet blooms through summer.
F Long-flowering display Hydrangea
petiolaris ‘Preziosa’ is a narrow-leaf
mophead hydrangea, with dark stems and
red-tinted foliage. It flowers in summer
and fall; pink darkening to burgundy.
F Stylishly delicate Japanese maple
(Acer palmatum) has delicately cut leaves
in colors from deep purple to pale yellow,
green, or amber. Shelter from wind.
F Fragrant evergreen Mexican orange
(Choisya x dewitteana ‘Aztec Pearl’) is a
compact evergreen with scented white
flowers in early summer, often repeating.
 POT TED SHRUBS 21

1Provide drainage
Cover the holes in the base of the pot
with a few broken pot pieces or small
2Add some compost
Pour in sufficient compost to allow the
shrub to sit at the right height in the pot.
3Examine the roots
Plunge-water the plant (see pp.8–9),
remove from the pot, and check the roots.
rocks. This prevents compost from leaking Leave at least 1in (2½cm) between the top Do not disturb the fine roots of well-grown
through the holes or blocking them, which of the compost and the rim for watering, shrubs, but gently loosen any thick roots
can stop drainage and cause waterlogging. more if you are adding a gravel mulch. wound around the base.

4Center the shrub

Mix some slow-release fertilizer into
the compost, and set the shrub in the
5Water the planted pot
Gently water the pot to settle the
compost around the roots. To avoid
6Mulch with gravel
Scatter a layer of gravel on top of
the compost to help keep down weeds.
middle of the pot. Backfill with compost displacing the soil, pour the water over Fine chipped bark is a good choice for
to the level of its original pot. Firm lightly. a piece of broken pot set on the surface. acid-loving, woodland species.
 22 REL A XED PATIOS

Fall pots
At this time of year garden
centers offer a wide range
of container plants, including
annual types that need
sheltering from colder nights
as well as hardy shrubs and
perennials for winter interest.

GET THE LOOK

Add drainage material to clay pots.
BEDDING SHADES TENDER TREATS
The violas and ornamental kale
In this arrangement blue-flowered varieties of Although not a completely hardy
require multi-purpose potting compost;
weather-resistant Viola Penny or Sorbet Series plant, the papery flowers of Cape
the others are acid-loving plants and enhance the surrounding reds and purples. In heather (Erica gracilis) will add a
need acid-based compost. Plant and a sheltered spot, with regular deadheading, it splash of vivid crimson or white
water well. will bloom until spring. to your design well into the winter.

EVERGREEN GLOSS BERRY BLISS LEAFY LUXURY

The combination of dark, glossy, sculpted Scarlet or blood-red berries, such as those Deep-colored varieties of ornamental
foliage and crimson flower buds make the of the creeping Gaultheria procumbens kale work well with rich fall tones.
shrub Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’ an ideal (the berries are poisonous), shine against The bold, circular plant adds texture to
backdrop for more delicate blooms, such a backdrop of deep green foliage. Plant the plan. Remove yellow leaves at the
as mini cyclamen. these singly, or use as a filler. base of the rosettes.
 FALL POTS 23

FINISHING TOUCHES
The flowers and foliage of these
plants are dramatic in their own
right, but a little planning and careful
positioning shows them at their best.

F Rich mix This display takes its inspiration

from the rich hues of fall. The seasonal “glow”
is achieved by combining crimson, purple,
deep scarlet, and lustrous green.
F Stepped display Steps enable you to stage
your display creatively. Place pots so foliage
and flowers mask the sides of those behind.
Alternatively, stand some pots on bricks or
upturned containers to stagger their height.
F Weathered pots Terra-cotta weathers to a
mellow finish that perfectly highlights this
design’s jewel colors. To hasten the process
with new pots, stand in a damp, shady corner.
F Sheltered corner The warmth generated
by house walls, especially beneath an open
porch, often keeps pots frost-free, and helps
extend the season of fall-bloomers.

MORE PLANT OPTIONS

BEDDING SHADES Fall-flowering pinks
(Dianthus); snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus);
dwarf double Michaelmas daisy (Aster)

TENDER TREATS Bedding dahlias; mini

cyclamens; mini chrysanthemums;
ornamental peppers

EVERGREEN GLOSS Bergenia ‘Eric Smith’; ivy

(Hedera helix); Skimmia x confusa ‘Kew Green’

BERRY BLISS Cotoneaster salicifolius ‘Gnom’;

Gaultheria mucronata; Skimmia japonica

LEAFY LUXURY Ajuga reptans ‘Burgundy

Glow’; Calluna vulgaris ‘Wickwar Flame’; Choisya
ternata ‘Sundance’; Euonymus fortunei; evergreen
ferns; Heuchera; lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor);
Leucothoe ‘Scarletta’; Leucothoe axillaris ‘Curly
Red’; Senecio cineraria ‘Silver Dust’
 24 REL A XED PATIOS

Winter pots
In the dark days of winter
any bloom is treasured. Pots
deserve a spot close to the
house so they can be admired
from within. This design sets
pure white snowdrops against
an array of dark, rich colors.

GET THE LOOK

Fill a plastic pot with loam-based
compost (pp.8–9). Place two pots
DARK DELIGHTS FOLIAGE FOIL
of snowdrops at the back with a In this dusky, wintry design there is
These Iris reticulata appear at the same time
Cyclamen coum on either side and two as snowdrops, and the purple-blue, spidery a variety of interesting foliage colors.
Iris reticulata in the middle. In the front, blooms make an interesting contrast. Instead The glossy green of the ivy blends
put one Primula 'Wanda', and tuck three of planting them, put the bulbs, pot and all, well with the marbled cyclamen and
stems of ivy among the plants. into the soil, and remove after flowering. the leaves of the primula.

HARDY GEMS WINTER BEDDING PALE HARBINGER

This little cyclamen produces its mauve pink Few bedding flowers thrive in cold weather, There's nothing like snowdrops for
blooms in succession over marbled, heart- but in mild spells the relatively hardy Wanda letting us know that spring is near.
shaped foliage. Avoiding watering directly Group primroses produce rich-colored blooms Planting ready-grown potted bulbs
onto the plant's crown; this helps prevent rot. over dark green or bronze-tinged leaves. guarantees a flowering display.
 WINTER POTS 25

FINISHING TOUCHES
Water plants well, but avoid wetting
the foliage, since this can encourage
fungal problems. Stand the container
in a sheltered, fairly sunny spot.

F Basket Place the plastic pot in a wicker

basket, arranging the foliage over the rim.
F Driftwood Complete the picture by placing
a piece of driftwood or a dark, moss-covered
stone behind the basket as a backdrop.

MORE PLANT OPTIONS

DARK DELIGHTS Crocus 'Ladykiller'; Crocus
tommasinianus 'Barr's Purple'; Iris reticulata
varieties, e.g 'George', 'Harmony', 'Pixie',
'Purple Gem', 'Violet Beauty'; Siberian squill
(Scilla siberica 'Spring Beauty')

FOLIAGE FOIL Black mondo grass

(Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'); English
ivy (Hedera helix), especially cut-leaf varieties
such as 'Très Coupé' and 'Königer's Auslese';
Uncinia uncinata rubra

HARDY GEMS Hellebore hybrids (Helleborus x

hybridus); primrose (Primula vulgaris and Primula
Wanda Group); Viola riviniana

WINTER BEDDING Mini cyclamen

(not frost hardy); Primula Wanda Group;
Viola Sorbet Series

PALE HARBINGER Crocus chrysanthus

'Cream Beauty', Crocus 'Snow Bunting';
double snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis f. pleniflorus)
'Flore Pleno', and other snowdrop cultivars, e.g.
'Atkinsii' and 'Magnet'; Iris reticulata, e.g. pale
blue-and-yellow streaked 'Katharine Hodgkin',
white 'Natascha'.
 26 REL A XED PATIOS

Low-water pots
If you don't have time to water pots on a regular basis or are away from
home for long periods, there are plants that will survive on a pretty meager
supply. Succulents and alpines are experts at storing water in their leaves
and stems or have other adaptations to reduce moisture loss.

PLANTING A SUCCULENT-FILLED TEAPOT

Unlike most conventional pot plants that need a relatively large soil volume to keep their roots
moist, succulents can survive in all kinds of small containers, even an old teapot. Try house leeks
(Sempervivum), or hen and chicks (Jovibarba), some creeping sedums, and other rosette-forming
succulents like the tender Echeveria species.

PLANTING POTS
Blend loam-based compost with
50 percent grit and horticultural
sand. Ideally, drill a drainage hole
in the teapot, but otherwise fill
the pot with one-third drainage
material and two-thirds compost
mix, leaving space for planting.
Add the succulent.

FINISHING OFF
Fill gaps around the root ball HANGING BALL
with more compost. Water Fix two compost-filled
sparingly. Cover bare soil surface hanging baskets together
with colored glass or acrylic with wire, and plant small
chips, shells, or pebbles. Arrange succulent offsets through
a quirky grouping. from the outside.
 LOW-WATER POTS 27

BRIGHT IDEAS MULCHES

With countless different As well as being ornamental,
Sempervivum to choose from, you using a free-draining mulch
can create attractive patio pots using around succulents and alpines
just these plants. Why not plant helps to keep the foliage and stem
adjacent paving cracks to match? base dry, preventing rotting.

SLATE
Slate shards work well with mountain-
loving alpines. Used edge-up, they
create interesting texture.

DISPLAYS
To show off your collections of alpines and
succulents, consider investing in a tiered
stand like this, or arrange pots and shallow
alpine pans down a flight of steps.

MORE PLANT OPTIONS

GRAVEL
F Mediterranean feel Try Aeonium; Fine gravel, pebbles, or stone
curry plant (Helichrysum italicum); chips set off succulents like
Echeveria; house leek (Sempervivum);
this Haworthia perfectly.
Jovibarba; rosemary (Rosmarinus);
Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
F Desertscape Try these for a great
desert feel: Aloe; Haworthia; Jade
tree (Crassula ovata); prickly pear
cactus (Opuntia); Agave americana
'Mediopicta'; Yucca
F Alpine troughs Atlas mountain
SCULPTURAL METAL
daisy (Anacyclus depressus); creeping
In summer, display larger cacti and succulents
thyme (Thymus); Delosperma
in a sunny, sheltered spot outdoors. The nubigenum; Sedum (creeping forms BLUE GLASS
sculptural forms of opuntia, agave, and the e.g. Sedum spathulifolium 'Purpureum' Emphasize the surreal shapes of
treelike aeonium create a modern feel, and 'Cape Blanco') plants using a contemporary mulch
especially in metal containers. of glass chips.
28 REL A XED PATIOS

Patio planting
Laying concrete paving slabs is fragrance, you might want the
YOU WILL NEED
a practical and economical way plant to add height or partially
Heavy-duty gardening gloves of creating a level surface in a screen an area. In this case
and protective goggles
garden, but it is not always the you could use a well-behaved
Mallet and chisel
most attractive solution. One columnar bamboo like Fargesia
Multi-purpose compost with added
soil-based compost quick way of adding some murielae 'Simba' or black bamboo
Slow-release fertilizer granules glamour and color to a dull (Phyllostachys nigra).
Compost scoop or trowel patio is to remove a slab and Here, we have used the deep
Plant of your choice (Phormium plant in the space instead. pink Phormium 'Evening Glow'.
'Evening Glow' shown here) You can use different plants This adds flair and is also low
Decorative pebbles to finish to suit the conditions in your maintenance and will relish the
garden, including shade. As well warm micro-climate and shelter
as color, evergreen interest, or close to the house.
 PATIO PL ANTING 29

1 Pick your spot

Choose the best place to plant—make
sure the location suits your plant's needs
2 Loosening the slab
First put on heavy-duty gloves and
goggles to protect yourself from flying
3 Clearing the planting area
Once you have loosened the seal,
use the chisel to pry the slab up, lifting
in terms of sun, shelter, etc. A slab at the bits of concrete. Position the chisel in the the stone away carefully. Once the slab
edge of the patio is easier to remove than cement around the slab, and hammer it in. is removed, dig out any stones, sand,
one surrounded by others on all sides. Work around the slab to loosen the seal. or cement that remain.

4Prepare the soil

Remove soil from the hole to the
depth of the plant's pot, and roughly turn
5Plant up
Push the potted plant into the compost
to make a planting hole, and check that the
6Finishing touch
Gently firm around the base of the
plant, then, once the soil surface is level,
over the soil underneath. Fill the hole planting level is right. Remove the pot, place decorative pebbles around the base.
with compost that has been pre-mixed carefully tease out the roots, place the Pack them tightly to prevent weeds from
with fertilizer granules. plant in the hole, and backfill with compost. growing, but do not damage the plant.
 30 REL A XED PATIOS

Hanging basket care

Hanging baskets can be troublesome to maintain, but with careful
planning when preparing and planting baskets, and the use of
labor-saving products, they can flourish.

TOP TIPS
Beautifully luxuriant basket displays require some regular care to stay their best.
Start with as big a basket as you can manage; 14–16in (35–40cm) is ideal. Plant
up with a good quality container compost that has added moisture-holding
compounds and slow-release fertilizer. Then follow these tips.

WATERING FEEDING DEADHEADING

Install an automatic irrigation kit Add slow-release fertilizer at Regularly remove faded flowers
(see pp.176–177), or water 16-in planting time. In midsummer, and yellowing leaves to keep
(40–cm) baskets every two days start adding liquid feed every plants from producing new
using a lance attachment. two weeks for flowering plants. blooms and to reduce disease.

PULLEY SYSTEM
Access for tending hanging baskets
can be a problem, but installing a
UP (LEFT)
pulley device makes light work of Hang the basket at
watering and deadheading. The device a height where you
is attached to the wall bracket and can reach the base.
then to the basket hooks on the other
DOWN (RIGHT)
end. You can pull the basket down to a The basket pulls
comfortable working height, and then down so you can
guide it back up to its original position. water, feed, and
deadhead your
plants with ease.
 HANGING BASKET CARE 31

PERFECT PLANTS
If you can't water baskets regularly or install irrigation, use bright heat-
and drought-tolerant plants. To maintain a basket's good looks, use resilient
plants, avoiding drought-sensitive lobelia, petunia, and impatiens.

DROUGHT-TOLERANT SPEEDY RECOVERY FOLIAGE FALLBACK

These plants are survivors. These flowers can recover from Basket flowers often bloom in
Plant them with loam-based a few missed waterings—but do phases, so add variegated and
compost and gel crystals. not let them dry out too badly. colored foliage plants too.
F Kingfisher daisy (Felicia F Begonia semperflorens F Dichondra 'Silver Falls'
amelloides) F Bidens ferulifolia F English ivy (Hedera helix)
F Livingstone daisy
F Diascia F Golden creeping Jenny
(Dorotheanthus bellidiformis)
F French marigold (Tagetes) (Lysimachia nummularia
F Parrot's bill (Lotus berthelotii) 'Aurea')
F Nemesia (e.g. Maritana
F Rhodanthemum hosmariense F Helichrysum petiolare
Series)
F Sedum lineare 'Variegatum' F Lysimachia congestiflora
F Scaevola aemula
F Sun plant (Portulaca 'Outback Sunset'
F Brachyscome multifida
grandiflora) F Morning glory (Ipomoea)
F Trailing verbena (Verbena
F Zonal or trailing geranium F Trailing nepeta (Glechoma
Tapien Series)
(Pelargonium) hederacea 'Variegata')

WATERING TIPS EMERGENCY RESCUE

Using simple techniques Plunge a wilted basket in a bowl or sink of
when making up your water overnight. It may float and need holding
basket means that plants down initially. After recovery, cut out any dead
are far less likely to dry stems, and deadhead spent blooms.

out. Try a waterproof liner

that has drainage holes a
third of the way up from RESERVOIR GEL CRYSTALS
the base, or see right. Place a plastic pot saucer Following packet
or even an old ceramic instructions, add gel
one in the basket base. crystals to compost.
32 REL A XED PATIOS

Summer basket
A single basket of bright flowers Try fixing several baskets at
YOU WILL NEED
and colorful foliage acts as a different heights, making sure
16in (40cm) basket with coir liner cheerful welcome sign beside you can reach to water them.
Black plastic sheeting and scissors the front door. Baskets can A long-lance fitting on your hose
Multi-purpose potting compost with brighten up any patch of bare is useful when watering baskets
added soil-based compost
wall and are particularly and other hard-to-reach places.
Slow-release fertilizer granules and
water-retaining gel crystals welcome around a patio or For ease of planting and
1 x bedding dahlia, 3 x dwarf Marguerite deck, especially if there is no after-care, choose a pre-lined
daisies, 3 x Petunia Surfinia, room beside your seating area basket, or add your own liner as
4 x Brachyscome multifida,
3 x variegated Helichrysum for borders in which you can shown here. A large 16in (40cm)
Oyster shell (pictured) or gravel mulch grow colorful climbers or wall- basket will retain moisture better
trained shrubs. than a smaller basket.
 SUMMER BASKET 33

1Prepare the liner

Unhook one of the basket’s chains to
make planting easier. Cut a large circle of
2Add fertilizer
Following the packet instructions,
add slow-release fertilizer granules to
3Position the centerpiece
After thoroughly soaking the plants
in a bucket, set the dahlia in the middle—
black plastic sheeting to act as a reservoir, the potting mix. Partially fill the basket this has the largest blooms and will
and place it in the bottom of the liner. with the compost, then add water- act as an eye-catching centerpiece.
retaining gel crystals. Mix in well.

TIMELY ADVICE
F Deadhead Use your fingers or scissors
to nip off any faded blooms and yellowing
leaves. This encourages repeat-flowering
and limits disease.
F Water regularly Do this even if it
seems to be raining constantly; every
other day should be enough for large
hanging baskets.
F Top-off feed Flowers benefit from
additional liquid feeding, especially in
late summer. Pick a feed that’s suitable
for use with bedding plants in containers.
F Trim excess foliage Use scissors
or shears to get rid of any excess

4 Plant and mulch

Add daisies and petunias next,
and set trailing plants—in this case the
5 Finished
Reattach the chains, and select the
side of the basket you would like facing
foliage and to keep the basket
looking well-balanced.

helichrysum—around the basket rim. Fill forward before hanging. Hang on a

around the root balls with more potting sturdy bracket or hook in a sunny spot.
mix, water, then finish with the mulch.
34 REL A XED PATIOS

DIY patio canopy

While you are waiting for area remains light and airy.
YOU WILL NEED
climbers to cover a pergola, you Cotton sheeting is ideal (you may
Fabric (width of pergola x 1½ times length) can create instant privacy with even be able to recycle old bed
Cordless drill and drill bit fabric. A billowing “ceiling” of sheets) but any light, quick-
Vine eyes and screwdriver translucent cotton or muslin adds drying fabric, such as muslin, will
Thick galvanized training wire a wonderful “Arabian Nights” do: look for inexpensive
Pliers or wire cutters feel to the summer patio. People remnants in fabric stores.
Iron-on hem tape looking down into the garden Vine eyes are sold in garden
Plastic clothespins and tablecloth weights from surrounding houses won’t centers or home stores alongside
be able to see through, but the training wire and plant supports.
 DIY PATIO C ANOPY 35

1Drill pilot holes

Decide where the support wires will
run. Ideally they should lie beneath the
2Screw in vine eyes
Vine eyes and training wire are used
to create supports for climbing plants and
3Thread the wire
Thread wire through the eye, leaving
enough spare wire with which to fasten
cross pieces of the pergola. Drill pilot wall-trained fruit, but they’re ideal here off. Stretch the wire across to the eye on
holes, selecting a drill bit that is slightly too. Insert the vine eyes in the pilot holes, the other side, pulling it taut and twisting
smaller than the shaft of the vine eye. and tighten with a screwdriver as shown. the ends around with pliers to secure.

4Prepare the fabric

On the fabric, turn over any edges
that can fray, and finish with iron-on
5Peg in place
Drape the fabric over the wires,
spreading it out to create even “billows.”
6Add weights
Hanging tablecloth weights—available
from fabric stores—from the four corners
hem tape. This method is much quicker Hold in place using clothespins. of the canopy stops the material from
than sewing. flipping back over the wires in the breeze.
 36 REL A XED PATIOS

Providing quick privacy

In order to feel comfortable sitting and eating outdoors in your own
garden, you need to know that there are places where you can relax
without being watched by neighbors or passersby. Sometimes all that is
required is a strategically placed tree. Alternatively, there are a number
of easy solutions, some seasonal, others permanent.

QUICK SCREENS
You can create privacy quickly and inexpensively using plants and temporary frames.
Some have the bonus of adding color and fragrance to the terrace or may be dual purpose,
screening the patio with an edible crop like runner beans. Annual flowering climbers such
as Canary creeper (Tropaeolum peregrinum) are particularly speedy.

TOMATO PLANTERS
Choosing a sunny, sheltered spot,
plant a line of cordon tomatoes,
acclimatized to outdoor
conditions, about 18in (45cm)
apart. Good varieties include
'Gardener's Delight' and 'Sweet
100'. Deep, heavy troughs
provide more stability and better
growing conditions than growing
bags. Insert expanding trellis
and bamboo poles for support.
Tie new growth in regularly.

MAKE IT
F Grow seedlings Sow hardy annual
sweet peas on a light window ledge
in spring (use deep, root-trainer units),
or buy ready-grown plants already
acclimatized to outdoor conditions.
F Make a bamboo frame Prepare
FLOWER LINE POTS ON WHEELS some ground next to paving and
A row of identically planted Bamboos like Phyllostachys add homemade compost to retain
moisture. Erect the frame, plant,
containers on top of a aurea and Fargesia nitida in
and then water.
retaining wall creates an wheeled troughs or pots provide
informal flowering hedge. handy, mobile screens.
 PROVIDING QUICK PRIVACY 37

BRIGHT IDEAS
Screening solutions can make permanent patio or terrace features and
be highly decorative as well as functional. The ideas below show how
you can create privacy without making an area feel dark or cut off
from the rest of the garden.

COLORFUL SAILS STAINED GLASS PANELS

Once you had to order pull-out triangular This screen is made from a number of
awnings from sail makers, but white or stained glass strips, but you could
colored treated-fabric patio sails are now purchase old stained glass windows
widely available for purchase in garden from salvage yards to incorporate into a
centers and online. conventional trellis partition.

LIGHT SCREENS FENCE PORTHOLES

Made from translucent plastic sheeting and Some trellis and fence manufacturers make
wood, these panels are perfect for creating panels with windowlike openings that
a roomlike quality, especially when screen effectively but allow glimpsed views
incorporated into a pergola. Because they through to the garden or landscape beyond.
let in so much light, you can use them as Make your own by cutting a rectangular
dividers in shady courtyards. window in trellis and framing it with wood.
 38 REL A XED PATIOS

Patio cleaning
After a long, wet winter the patio can look a little worse for
wear, but in no time at all you can have it clean and fresh
and ready for long summer days outside. Dirt, moss, and
algae can take up residence on pots, garden furniture, and
paving over the winter. This not only looks bad but can
also make surfaces slippery and dangerous to walk on.
As well as making the patio a more pleasant place to sit,
a spring cleaning will lengthen the life of garden accessories.

PRESSURE WASH THE PATIO

Using a hard-bristled broom, first sweep away the
surface debris and any loose muck. Connect the
pressure hose to the tap and then to the electrical
power point, and methodically work your way
across the paving. Be careful not to waste water
or overdo the pressure washing; powerful jets can
erode mortar and remove some paving surfaces.

CLEANING POTS
The weathered look on terra-cotta pots can look
charming, but they can be cleaned up if you prefer.
Algae builds up over time in damp conditions, and
needs elbow grease to remove it. Go over the pot
with a stiff brush, then scrub using hot soapy
water. A dash of lemon juice or vinegar in the
water can make the job a little easier.

INSTANT IMPACT
F Revitalize pots For a fresh look in minutes, buy vibrant seat covers, and place matching
remove tired old plants from pots, and cover the lanterns on the table.
exposed soil with gravel, pebbles, or slate. Clear F Centerpiece A nice pot of low-growing herbs or
away any unwanted pots. flowers adds a lovely touch to the table.
F Soften up Closed umbrellas always look sad F Clear clutter A neatened patio instantly looks
and dejected, so open them up. For more color, better, so clear as you go for a clutter-free look.
 PATIO CLEANING 39

CLEANING UPHOLSTERY
If you cannot remove your
outdoor seat covers for
washing, or need to clean your
parasol, gently dab any marks
on the material with a soft
cloth and a spray of mild
detergent and warm water.

PILLOWS
Throw pillows can turn an exterior space into a cozy outdoor room.
A few scattered on garden chairs, sofas, or even on the floor soften
hard landscaping and add color on a dull day. Many types of
inexpensive pillows are available—even practical waterproof kinds.

CLEAN FURNITURE
Wooden garden furniture can
turn a depressing shade of gray
over winter. A good scrub using
a scouring pad and warm
soapy water should remove
the ingrained dirt and restore
the wood's natural color.

OIL WOOD
Apply teak oil to protect wood
from rot and mildew and
improve its look. Pour oil into a
jar, and apply evenly to dry,
prepared wood with a clean
paintbrush. Consider leaving
oak bare to weather naturally.

IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME

F Clear away weeds The gaps between paving slabs offer a tempting
home to weeds and moss. You can apply special path weedkiller, but if
you are an organic gardener, use a trowel to scrape out unwelcome plants.
F Brighten up woodwork If you have fencing or trellis around your patio,
give it a good brush down to remove any dirt, then apply a new coat of
woodstain, or perhaps even a colored wood paint to brighten up the area.
 40 REL A XED PATIOS

Mosaic tile
Express your artistic side with apply it to a spare slab, and use
YOU WILL NEED
this simple garden craft project. it to enhance potted plant
12in (30cm) square of paving slab or tile It is easy to make once you have arrangements. If you have a
made from concrete, natural stone,
or ceramic gotten everything together that patio made of gravel or slate,
Ruler/tape measure you need. The beauty of the set it in the middle to create an
1 tub of exterior-quality waterproof basic grid design used here is eye-catching centerpiece. The tile
tile grout that it is very versatile; you can could also be mounted on a wall
Flexible grout spreader or palette knife arrange the beads symmetrically or used to decorate the side of a
Long nail or pencil in rows or blocks, or, as in this raised bed with the right fixings.
1 bag each of green and blue glass example, asymmetrically. Position the slab somewhere
or acrylic beads
Use this project idea to that has some frost protection
Piece of old cloth
decorate a paving slab or tile that since this will help prevent the
is already part of a paved area, or beads from loosening.

1Apply grout to the tile

Use the flexible grout spreader to
apply an even layer of grout to the slab or
2Mark out the pattern
Use a nail or pencil to score a grid
pattern of equal squares, measuring first
3Start to apply the beads
Beginning at the center with a square
of blue beads, build up the pattern around
tile. You need a sufficiently thick layer to to ensure equal spacing between the it using green beads. At this stage only
embed the beads to half their thickness. vertical and horizontal lines. press the beads in lightly to position them.
 MOSAIC TILE 41

BRIGHT IDEAS
F Slate mosaic Arrange slender slate
shards, selected from a bag of slate chips,
to create a fluid design. Place the shards
edge-on into a fairly thick layer of grout.
Slate shards will suit a simple spiral or
starburst design.
F Mirrored tile Decorate a slate roof tile
by gluing or cementing on a design made
from shards of broken CDs or mirror tiles.
Protect your eyes with goggles when
cutting these materials. Use the nail holes
in the roof tile to hang it on the wall.
F Store-bought mosaic Cut sheets of
mosaic wall tiles into blocks and strips,
and stick them onto a slab or tile using
tile adhesive. Grout between the tiles,
and remove any excess with an old cloth.

4Complete the design

Add more beads, following the scored
guides. When finished, press the beads
down. Then, when almost dry, gently wipe
away any excess grout with an old cloth.
 Beautiful
borders
With a little planning you can create colorful
borders of shrubs, perennials, and climbers that
will keep their good looks through all four seasons.
And whether you lean toward English cottage-
garden charm or prefer a more contemporary look,
you can even overcome tricky conditions by
knowing which are the right plants to use. Plus,
there are quick and easy ways to revitalize flagging
displays and create a border from scratch.
 44 BEAUTIFUL BORDERS

Spring makeover
Carry out your makeover
PRUNING
in stages using the weather Hard prune shrubs that flower mid- to
late summer such as bush roses, butterfly
and signs of new growth as
bush (Buddleja davidii), mallow (Lavatera)
your guide. Some jobs like and Hydrangea paniculata, but don't
prune Hydrangea macrophylla. Hard prune
mulching, or pruning tough
colored-stem dogwoods, brambles (see
deciduous shrubs like bush pp.182–183), and gold-leaf spireas.
In late winter, prune Clematis viticella and
roses, can be done very early Clematis texensis. Cut 12in (30cm) from
on provided it isn't frosty. the ground, above a pair of strong buds.

WEEDING
Pull out or spray off (using glyphosate-
based ready-mixed weedkiller spray)
the rash of annual weed seedlings that
appears as the weather warms. Getting
a head start now will save work later.
Fork out perennial weed roots. For
problem weeds, spray with glyphosate.

FEED THE SOIL

Apply bulky organic matter such as
well-rotted manure, spent mushroom
compost, or homemade compost as
a mulch in late winter or early spring
before perennials begin to grow in
earnest. Leave a gap around the
neck of plants to protect the stems.

INSTANT IMPACT
F Cut back or pull away dead stems Tidy F Prune penstemons Cut back to just above
flower stems and seed pods left on plants where new leafy shoots appear in the bottom
for winter interest, and remove dead leaves half of the plant.
on evergreen perennials such as Bergenia. F Plant potted spring bulbs Keep the spring
With deciduous grasses, wait until new growth bulbs in their pots, and plant directly into your
emerges before pulling dead leaves off. border. Disguise the top of the pot with soil.
 SPRING MAKEOVER 45

TIE-IN NEW PLANTS

New growth on climbers
and wall shrubs is vulnerable
to weather damage. Tie in
regularly to support wires or a
trellis, guiding stems to cover
areas evenly.

DEADHEAD BULBS
Remove fading blooms and seed pods of larger headed bulbs
like daffodils and tulips. Leave the stems and foliage to die down
naturally for 6–8 weeks to allow the new bulb, containing next
year's flowers, to develop. Feed with liquid tomato fertilizer.

ADD SUPPORTS
Push in plant supports early
on so that the emerging growth
camouflages the structure.
Try supports like pea sticks,
available from garden centers,
for supporting tall perennials
like delphiniums.

DIVIDE PLANTS
Lift and divide perennials to
keep plants vigorous and
flowering strongly. Discard old,
non-productive parts. Replant
in well-cultivated soil, adding
a top dressing of general
fertilizer to kick-start growth.

IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME

F Sow hardy annuals Fill gaps with quick-to-flower hardy annuals like pot
marigold and Shirley poppy, sowing in drills within raked-over patches to
make weed seedling detection easier.
F Plant summer bulbs For exotic-looking summer blooms, plant hardy
bulbs like lilies or pot-grown ornamental onions (Allium).
 46 BEAUTIFUL BORDERS

Late spring border

This design of bulbs, wallflowers, and blossoming shrubs
is bursting with color, not to mention fragrance. The abundant
flowers and bright fresh foliage are an expression
of the weather warming. Even if you didn't plant your bulbs
last fall, you can still reproduce this cheerful prelude to
summer using plants purchased in bud from garden centers.

GET THE LOOK

On acid soil (pH below 7, see p.8), plant one deciduous azalea. Dig in
COOL HUES
moisture-retentive organic matter beforehand if the soil is very light. For
The North American camas
neutral to alkaline soils, plant Kerria japonica 'Pleniflora' (back of border). (Camassia quamash) is a bulb that
Plant a grouping of three pots of camas in front. Finish with a foreground bridges the gap between spring and
of five pots of wallflowers in bud. Interplant with five pots of tulips such summer, enjoying the same cool
as 'Strong Gold' or 'Golden Apeldoorn'. conditions as deciduous azalea.

TULIPOMANIA BEDDING TIME BLOOMS

Triumph group tulips like 'Strong Gold' Fragrant annual wallflowers (Erysimum cheiri) The deciduous woodland azalea
(pictured) have long stems and weather- attract early butterflies and bees. Traditionally Rhododendron luteum has a powerful
resilient blooms that work well with taller planted in the fall, buy potted plants in the perfume. It thrives in well-mulched,
bedding—like wallflowers and forget-me-nots. spring for instant results. moisture-retentive, acidic soil.
 L ATE SPRING BORDER 47

FINISHING TOUCHES
This design thrives in the sun,
although partial shade is sufficient.
The azalea and camas enjoy dappled
shade from overhanging trees.

F Tulip medley Consider blending other

tulips into your design. Ones with
overlapping flowering periods extend the
display. Here, two-tone orange-red and
yellow tulips add a luxurious touch and tie
the colors together. If planting bulbs in fall,
plant 9in (23cm) deep to increase chances
of successful flowering in subsequent years.
F Bridging the seasons Plant ornamental
onion, Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation'
(pictured in bud) to follow on from the tulips.

MORE PLANT OPTIONS

COOL HUES Brunnera macrophylla; Canterbury
bells (Campanula medium) purple-blue or
white types; English bluebell (Hyacinthoides
non-scripta); honesty (Lunaria annua and the
white Lunaria annua var. albiflora); white
foxglove (Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora)

TULIPOMANIA Tulipa 'Ballerina' (orange);

Tulipa 'Queen of Night' (dark maroon); Tulipa
'Queen of Sheba' (orange-red with yellow petal
margins); Tulipa 'Striped Bellona' (yellow petals,
feathered red)

BEDDING TIME Drumstick primula (Primula

denticulata); forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica);
perennial wallflower (Erysimum 'Constant
Cheer'); polyanthus cultivars

BLOOMS Chaenomeles x superba cultivars;

Exochorda x macrantha 'The Bride'; flowering
currant (Ribes sanguineum cultivars and Ribes
odoratum); Kerria japonica 'Pleniflora'; Viburnum
x burkwoodii; Viburnum x carlcephalum
 48 BEAUTIFUL BORDERS

Summer makeover
At this time of year mixed borders benefit from regular
"housekeeping" to encourage continued flowering and to keep
on top of potential problems caused by pests, lack of rain, and
overzealous growth of both ornamentals and weeds.

KEEP ALLIUM HEADS TIE-IN CLEMATIS

Early summer flowering ornamental By midsummer climbers and wall shrubs
onions, like Allium hollandicum have often produced a profusion of new
'Purple Sensation' and the large stems. Guide shoots in the right direction,
starry globes of Allium cristophii, and tie in to supports early to prevent
produce long-lasting, architectural them from latching on to nearby plants or
seedheads, so don't deadhead. forming a dense, tangled mass.

STOP SEEDING PROBLEMS

Although self-seeding by some plants
is welcome, others, like lady's mantle
(Alchemilla mollis), set so much they
become weedlike. Prevent this by cutting
them to ground level after flowering,
then feed and water for fresh foliage.

INSTANT IMPACT
F Trim lawn edges Neatening lawn edges with F Remove flowering weeds If you are quick
lawn shears or electric trimmers, and at the to pull out or dig up flowering weeds before
same time weeding the border margins, will they set seed, it will save you a lot of work later.
make your borders look even more attractive. Also remove excess seedlings of ornamentals.
F Top off ornamental bark mulch Mulches F Prune early-flowering shrubs
will reduce moisture loss and complete the look. (see pp.186–187)
 SUMMER MAKEOVER 49

PEST PATROL
Rub off aphids from shoot tips
and flower buds. Handpick
caterpillars, and go on flashlight
patrols for slugs and snails.
Destroy lily beetles (pictured)
and vine weevil adults (use
biological control for larvae).

DEADHEAD
Remove faded flowers of
annuals and tender perennials
using thumb and forefinger or
flower scissors. For tougher
stems like roses, use shears,
cutting just above a bud.

WATER WISE
Restrict watering to recent plantings, including ones put in the
previous fall through to spring, because these might not have a big
enough root system yet to deal with summer dryness. Water early
or late in the day to avoid excess evaporation.

CUT-AND-COME-AGAIN
To encourage more flowers,
cut off the faded flower stems
of cranesbill geraniums, and
remove the main flower
spike of lupines, delphiniums,
bellflowers, and verbascums
near the base, just above a bud.

IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME

F Cut back foliage shrubs Deciduous shrubs grown for foliage effect often
grow out of proportion. Trim to restore balance and discourage legginess.
Also prune or reshape evergreens.
F Rejuvenate perennials Some perennials e.g. catmint (Nepeta x
faassenii) and Lamium maculatum form blooms in flushes if cut back after
flowering. Feed and water to promote regrowth.
 50 BEAUTIFUL BORDERS

Summer border
This bright but cool design
has tons of style. For a similar
feel, combine the highlighted
plants, or if you have more
space, choose from the list
opposite. All thrive in sun.

GET THE LOOK

Zigzag 5–7 Knautia 'Melton Pastels'
(mid- to back border). Weave in three
LIVING SCULPTURE TALL STORY
pots of Nectaroscordum. In the
An unexpected bonus of Nectaroscordum Floating above the other perennials,
foreground, plant a meandering line siculum is that after the pendulous flowers Knautia 'Melton Pastels' has airy,
of five red valerian (Centranthus ruber have faded, striking seedheads form, branched stems of small rounded
'Albus'). Among these dot three Salvia reminiscent of fairytale castles. Buy in blooms, a magnet for bees and
'Mainacht' and three lady's mantle. bloom, or plant bulbs in the fall. butterflies. Deadhead regularly.

REPEAT PERFORMERS SOFT FOIL SOLID COLOR

Many of the plants suggested for this project Show off the colors and forms of bold You won't need many Salvia
keep flowering for months, and the white perennials using the neutral, 'soft focus' 'Mainacht' to light up a design. The
type of red valerian (Centranthus ruber 'Albus') backdrop of the low-growing lady's mantle rich flowers add depth and contrast
is no exception. (Alchemilla mollis). among the softer pastel shades.
 SUMMER BORDER 51

FINISHING TOUCHES
The contemporary feel here is mostly
due to the restricted palette of bright
pinks and purples, freshened with
white, yellow, and lime green.

F Repeating theme Using a structure of

the same three or four plants into which
others are dotted helps to hold the border
together aesthetically. Natural-looking
layering works better here than a rigid
height-graded scheme of largest at the
back, shortest at the front.
F Plain backdrop A clipped yew hedge
provides a plain backdrop that helps the
flowers to stand out. A treated wall or
stained fence would also work.
F Winding path To achieve this carefree look,
lay a wide pathway so that there is room for
plants to flow over and soften the edges.

MORE PLANT OPTIONS

LIVING SCULPTURE Acanthus spinosus;
Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation'; cardoon
(Cynara cardunculus); Eryngium alpinum 'Blue
Star'); daylily (Hemerocallis); Iris 'Jane Phillips'

TALL STORY 'Black' hollyhock (Alcea rosea

'Nigra'); Japanese anemone (Anemone x hybrida
'Honorine Jobert'); Verbascum 'Gainsborough';
Perovskia 'Blue Spire'; Verbena bonariensis

REPEAT PERFORMERS Cranesbill (Geranium

Rozanne); Geum 'Lady Stratheden'; Scabiosa
caucasica 'Clive Greaves'; Veronica spicata

SOFT FOIL Artemisia absinthium 'Lambrook

Silver'; catmint (Nepeta x faassenii); golden
marjoram (Origanum vulgare 'Aureum')

SOLID COLOR Cranesbill (Geranium

'Dragon Heart'); Lychnis coronaria Atrosanguinea
Group; Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain';
Achillea 'Moonshine'
 52 BEAUTIFUL BORDERS

Instant color lift

Create instant color impact and an exotic look
to your borders by using flowering plants and
foliage like theatrical props. Large, statuesque
plants such as cannas, or the Ethiopian banana
plant (Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii', shown
right) can be placed outdoors for the summer
using the surrounding border plants to
camouflage the pot. Black plastic pots are
almost invisible in this situation and are
ideal for temporary highlights such as lilies.

PLUNGE PLANTING
Tender perennials and bulbs that require overwintering in a
frost-free place make ideal candidates for "plunge planting."
After gradually acclimatizing plants that have been nurtured
under cover, usually for a period of two to three weeks,
simply dig a hole, and place the plant, still in its pot, within
it. This gives the impression that the plant is growing in the
border and allows you to add color wherever you need it.
Lift in the fall for winter protection.

DAHLIAS
Plant pots with dahlia
tubers like 'Bishop of
Llandaff' (pictured) in
the spring. Move them to
bigger pots as they grow,
then, as they start to
bloom, "plunge" them, in
their pots, into the beds.
 INSTANT COLOR LIFT 53

BRIGHT IDEAS
Create a luxuriant oasis in summer by using tender house- and sunroom plants that enjoy a
few months outside before returning to their usual spot. Sow or buy tropical-looking annual
climbers for quick blooms at eye level, and in spring add instant color with pots of bulbs.

SPRING SPLASH CLIMBER HIGHLIGHTS INSIDE OUT

Buy potted bulbs in spring, or plant Some flamboyant annual climbers, like Move sunroom plants outside
bulbs in fall in perforated aquatic this morning glory, are actually tender once the nights begin to warm up
baskets, adding color where needed. perennials. All grow rapidly up stakes, to create an exotic feel outdoors.
Plant permanently, or plunge baskets obelisks, or trellis, making their mark in Use wheeled bases for unwieldy,
for easy lifting later. a sheltered patio bed or main border. larger pots and containers.

F Fritillaria imperialis cultivars F Cobaea scandens F Abutilon 'Canary Bird'

F Hyacinthus orientalis 'Delft Blue' F Eccremocarpus scaber F Abutilon 'Kentish Belle'
F Hyacinthus orientalis 'Gypsy Queen' F Gloriosa superba 'Rothschildiana' F Abutilon megapotamicum
F Narcissus 'Jetfire' F Ipomoea lobata F Cordyline australis 'Torbay Dazzler'
F Narcissus 'Juanita' F Ipomoea purpurea 'Purple Haze' F Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
F Tulipa 'Flaming Parrot' F Rhodochiton atrosanguineus F Kumquat (Fortunella margarita)
F Tulipa 'Orange Emperor' F Thunbergia alata 'African Sunset' F Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
F Tulipa 'Red Riding Hood' F Tropaeolum majus 'Climbing Mixed' F Plumbago auriculata
F Tulipa 'West Point' F Tropaeolum peregrinum F Tibouchina urvilleana
 54 BEAUTIFUL BORDERS

Planting a tree
PLANT Mid-spring to fall To give your tree the best start Container-grown trees are best
in life, it is worth making sure planted between mid-spring
YOU WILL NEED it is planted correctly. It is not a and fall, but the less expensive
Spade and fork
difficult or time-consuming job bare-root trees can be planted in
and will pay dividends in the winter. This must be done right
Tree in pot (Hawthorn (Crataegus) shown)
long term. The key considerations after purchase, and they should
Bamboo pole or similar
are providing the right conditions, be planted in the same way as
Multi-purpose compost with added
soil-based compost making sure the roots have container-grown trees.
Tree stake and flexible tree tie plenty of room to establish All trees need deep, well-drained
with spacer
themselves, and protecting the soil with ground around it that is
Mallet
tree from adverse weather or plant-free, to reduce competition.
Chipped bark mulch
animal damage that may hinder Trees will provide a long-term
its growth. feature in the garden, but in

1Prepare the planting hole 2Check the level

Position the tree where you would like
it to be, then dig a hole about three times
Plant the tree at the level it was in the
pot for the best start. Place the pot in the
3Prepare the tree
Carefully remove the tree from its
pot—this is best done by laying the plant
the diameter of the pot and one and a hole, and lay a pole across it to check the on its side first. Gently tease out the roots,
half times the depth of the root ball. Put depth. Pierce the sides of the hole with a being careful not to break up the root ball
a layer of well-rotted manure in the hole. fork to encourage a stronger root system. in the process.
 PL ANTING A TREE 55

order to keep them healthy,

TIMELY ADVICE
they need after-care. Young
trees, like any new plants, must F Water well Let the potted tree stand
in a bucket of water for 1–2 hours prior
be regularly watered until to planting, then water it thoroughly after
established, but they also require planting. It is essential to water regularly
while the tree is establishing itself,
protection against adverse
particularly in hot, dry weather.
weather conditions. Stakes F Protect the trunk If you have animal
prevent trees from being blown visitors to your garden such as rabbits, it
is advisable to protect the young bark by
over or the stems from snapping covering it with a layer of chicken wire,
in high winds, while some plastic netting, or a spiral tree guard.
frost-tender species may need F Check stakes Check the tree stake to see
if it is securely anchored in the ground and
covering with fabric when frost is has not shifted after periods of bad
forecast. Country gardeners may weather or high winds. If so, hammer it
also need to protect young back into place immediately. After two or
three years the tree should be sufficiently
stems against bark-stripping established for the stake to be removed.
pests like deer or rabbits.

4Planting
Position the tree in the hole so its
best side is on view. Backfill around the
5Stake and secure
Young trees need staking to protect
them from wind damage. Position the
tree with multi-purpose compost and the stake at a 45° angle, hammer into the
topsoil you removed earlier. Firm the soil ground, then attach to the tree with a tie.
down gently, ensuring the tree is upright. Water well, then mulch with chipped bark.
 56 BEAUTIFUL BORDERS

Fall border
The ideal design is one that looks good for 12 months
but peaks at a particular time. With the right combination
of plants, including ones that will improve with age, a
border can start to come alive as summer wanes and
winter approaches. Plant your fall display where it can
be appreciated from indoors.

GET THE LOOK

After thorough soil preparation (see pp.8–9), follow this planting design for
a stunning fall border. At the back of the border, put in one purple moor grass GOLDEN FOUNTAIN
There are numerous varieties of purple
(Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea). In front and around this, plant a
moor grass (Molinia caerulea subsp.
shallow 'V' of 3–5 Sedum 'Herbstfreude'. To one side, at the front of the arundinacea), and this one,
border, plant a block of five Erica x darleyensis 'Kramer's Rote', and to the 'Zuneigung', creates a shimmering
other side plant 1–3 specimens of Pennisetum orientale. focal point in low fall light.

LATE BLOOMER SOFT TOUCH COLOR CARPET

The butterfly magnet Sedum 'Herbstfreude' The fluffy-headed Asian fountain grass The heath Erica x darleyensis 'Darley
has apple-green flower buds in the summer (Pennisetum orientale) is too tempting to Dale' is lime-tolerant, flowering from
that gradually darken to brick pink and then pass by without touching. Place at the front winter to spring. 'Kramer's Rote' buds
finally to a deep mahogany. of the border or overhanging a pathway. in fall and blooms in early winter.
 FALL BORDER 57

FINISHING TOUCHES
A mulch of ornamental bark after
planting controls weed growth.
Follow the tips below, and your fall
border will be easy to keep.

F Spring groom Once new leaves start

to emerge in spring, cut clumps back to
around 3in (7.5cm) above ground. Protect
Pennisetum roots with a dry bark mulch.
F Heather trim After flowering in spring,
cut back, removing old flower spikes.
This keeps plants compact.
F Sedum chop Every couple of years in spring,
lift and divide clumps, discarding old centers
and splitting to keep plants youthful. This
keeps flower stems from collapsing.
F Shrub foil Plant fall- and winter-flowering
evergreens like Viburnum tinus
'Eve Price' and Camellia sasanqua cultivars
(need acid soil) to form a backdrop.

MORE PLANT OPTIONS

GOLDEN FOUNTAIN Miscanthus sinensis
'Kleine Fontäne'; Stipa calamagrostis; Stipa
gigantea; tufted hair grass (Deschampsia
cespitosa 'Goldgehänge')

LATE BLOOMER Helenium cultivars;

Japanese anemone (Anemone x hybrida
cultivars); Michaelmas daisy (Aster novi-belgii)
and Aster frikartii 'Mönch'; Penstemon
'Blackbird'; Russian sage (Perovskia 'Blue Spire')

SOFT TOUCH Pennisetum alopecuroides

cultivars (hardier than Pennisetum orientale),
e.g. 'Cassian's Choice' and 'Hameln';
Stipa tenuissima

COLOR CARPET Fall-flowering heaths and

heathers, e.g. Calluna vulgaris and Erica cinerea
cultivars (both of which need acid soil); hardy
plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides)
 58 BEAUTIFUL BORDERS

Winter border
Contrasting form and texture are important elements in
designing a border for winter interest. In this planting scheme,
foliage plays a key role, with rounded shapes of Bergenia
leaves contrasting with the linear quality of dogwood (Cornus)
stems. If you have room, using bold swathes of the same
plant looks dramatic even if the subject matter is fairly simple.

GET THE LOOK

This design thrives on well-drained but moisture-retentive soil in sun. The
HARDY BLOOMERS
hellebore leaves provide a striking contrast to the red stems of the dogwoods
The weather-resistant heather
(Cornus). When these shrubs come into leaf, the hellebores will continue to
Erica x darleyensis 'Arthur Johnson'
thrive in the partial shade. Plant three Cornus in a loose group at the back with blooms from early winter into
five hellebores (Helleborus foetidus) at their base. Add a cluster of 3–5 Bergenia spring. Its honey-scented flowers
in the foreground to one side, and finish on the other side with 5–7 heathers. attract early insects.

EVERGREEN GLOSS GLOWING STEMS FLORAL SCULPTURE

Spring-flowering Bergenia 'Bressingham These shiny red dogwoods (Cornus alba In late spring the hellebore's deep
Ruby' has glossy evergreen leaves that 'Sibirica') seem to gleam in low winter green palmate foliage is joined by
develop into shades of red and maroon sunlight. Ring them with yellow- or the sculpted apple-green blooms
as the temperatures drop. white-stemmed alternatives. edged in maroon.
 WINTER BORDER 59

FINISHING TOUCHES
Once the shrubs, evergreen
perennials, and bulbs (optional)
have been planted, water the
whole area thoroughly, and mulch
with decorative chipped bark.
F Pockets of bulbs Plant dwarf, early-
flowering daffodils like 'Tête-à-Tête' and
Cyclamineus Group daffodils such as
'February Gold' to spring up between
the bergenias and hellebores.
F Sparkling backdrop The simple
combination of red stems and deep green
foliage is enhanced by using a gold variegated
shrub like Elaeagnus pungens 'Maculata' or
Elaeagnus x ebbingei 'Limelight' as a foil.
F Pruning for color To achieve the
intensity of stem color, plants like dogwoods
(Cornus) must be cut back hard each year in
early spring, before the new leaves expand
(see pp.182–183), to encourage plenty of
new growth.

MORE PLANT OPTIONS

HARDY BLOOMERS Winter heather (Erica
carnea 'Springwood White' and Erica x darleyensis

EVERGREEN GLOSS Bergenia cordifolia

'Purpurea'; Bergenia purpurascens; Leucothoe
'Scarletta'; Pachysandra terminalis 'Green Carpet';
Skimmia japonica 'Rubella'

GLOWING STEMS Color-stemmed

dogwoods (Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire',
'Winter Beauty', and the yellow-stemmed Cornus
sericea 'Flaviramea'); white-stemmed brambles
(Rubus cockburnianus, Rubus thibetanus)

FLORAL SCULPTURE Christmas rose

(Helleborus niger); Corsican hellebores
(Helleborus argutifolius); stinking hellebores
(Helleborus foetidus Wester Flisk Group);
Helleborus x hybridus cultivars
 60 BEAUTIFUL BORDERS

Plants for shade

Designs for borders that don't get much direct sun
tend to be quite muted with a predominance of white
and pastel shades. This vibrant array of flowering and
foliage plants features colors more often associated with
hot, dry borders, but the ones chosen thrive on
moisture-retentive soil and light or dappled shade.

GET THE LOOK

After incorporating bulky organic matter such as well-rotted, moisture-
retentive manure or homemade compost into the soil (see pp.8–9),
position the Japanese maple at the back. Set the clipped boxwood ball to
the right of it, leaving a gap, and put the variegated hosta forward and
to the left of the maple. Plant five orange Geum between the maple
and the boxwood ball, and plant three Heuchera along the border edge.

FOLIAGE FLAIR AIRY HEIGHTS FLOWER FIZZ

With their beautifully cut and often Japanese maples like this Acer palmatum Geum blooms are carried for weeks from
ruffled foliage, orange-leaf Heuchera 'Sango-kaku' with its scarlet winter stems early summer, as long as the soil is moisture-
and Heucherella varieties add a touch of and delicate yellow-green leaves provide retentive and fertile. Dead-heading
leafy luxury to a partially shaded border. a tall focal point but cast minimal shade. encourages repeat flowering.
 PL ANTS FOR SHADE 61

FINISHING TOUCHES
Add a deep layer of well-rotted
manure or homemade compost
after thoroughly watering in the
shrubs and perennials. This will help
to retain moisture and counteract
the rain shadow effect of the wall.

F Dark contrast Make the oranges and lime

greens of this design sparkle all the more by
contrasting with the bronze-leaf Euphorbia
amygdaloides 'Purpurea' and the even darker
foliage of Actaea simplex Atropurpurea Group.
F Light reflection To help the intricate shapes
and textures stand out, provide a pale backdrop
such as a treated wall or painted fence.
F Fern fill Use a range of shade-tolerant ferns
to fill any holes you may have in the border.
The copper shield fern, Dryopteris erythrosora,
has colorful new growth and would work
particularly well in this design.

MORE PLANT OPTIONS

FOLIAGE FLAIR Acorus gramineus 'Ogon';
Carex oshimensis 'Evergold'; Heuchera 'Key
Lime Pie', 'Marmalade'; Heucherella 'Sweet Tea'

AIRY HEIGHTS Acer palmatum cultivars;

Calamagrostis brachytricha; Deschampsia
cespitosa 'Bronzeschleier'; Molinia caerulea
subsp. arundinacea 'Transparent'

FLOWER FIZZ Doronicum x excelsum 'Harpur

Crewe'; Trollius 'Golden Queen'; Welsh poppy
(Meconopsis cambrica)

BOLD LEAF Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost';

Bergenia cultivars; Hosta 'Sum and Substance';
Rodgersia podophylla
BOLD LEAF STYLISH CUT
A single broad-bladed Hosta like the yellow Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) is a useful STYLISH CUT Golden yew (Taxus baccata Aurea
variegated 'Frances Williams' will make a shade plant, and when clipped into simple Group); Japanese holly (Ilex crenata); variegated
strong sculptural statement when surrounded topiary forms like balls or cones (see box (Buxus sempervirens 'Elegantissima')
by dainty blooms and fine-leaf foliage. pp.80–81) is a stylish feature.
 62 BEAUTIFUL BORDERS

Plants for poor soil

Ground made up of little more than rock shards is a
boon for wild-garden enthusiasts. Nutrients rapidly wash
out of the plant's rooting zone near the surface, making
it harder for vigorous, weedy grasses to take hold and
easier for wildflowers to establish. Rather than enriching
your soil, just pick plants that like tough terrain.

GET THE LOOK

Divide a border with a wide gravel pathway. Plant three cotton lavender, two
left, one right. Plant two bedding boxes (12 plants) of deep blue annual clary
as a drift behind the two cotton lavender. Dot clusters of one, three, or five
pot marigolds (Calendula officinalis), either side of the pathway, and plant a
drift of heartsease (right). Sow annual field poppies in spring and fall in the
gaps, or use Iceland poppy (Papaver nudicaule) plants for instant effect.

FOLIAGE COLOR HILLSIDE SHRUBS EASY ANNUALS

Annual clary (Salvia horminum) has flower Cotton lavender (Santolina chamaecyparissus) Hardy annuals like pot marigold (Calendula
bracts in purple-blue, pink, or white. Buy is a drought-tolerant, evergreen, silver-leaf officinalis) can be sown directly in the ground,
mixtures or single shades as seed or plants shrub, often grown in herb and don't need rich soil, and self-seed generously
from the garden-center bedding section. Mediterranean-style gardens. into grit or gravel.
 PL ANTS FOR POOR SOIL 63

FINISHING TOUCHES
After watering plants, add extra touches
to this dry garden design to create a
wild hillside vibe. Then watch the bees
and butterflies zoom in!

F Gravel On sandy soil without much visible

stone, add gravel mulch to mirror the alpine
hillside look and create a good self-seeding
environment.
F Rocks Edge the pathway, and also create some
stepping stones for maintenance access, sinking
a few rounded boulders or flat-topped stones
into the ground.
F Ground cover Use creeping alpines like
stonecrops (Sedum), house leeks (Sempervivum),
and creeping thymes to cover the ground around
the rocks and stones.
F Balance Pull out annual grasses and other
unwanted seedlings to keep a balance of
bare gravel and to prevent dominant plants
from crowding others out.

MORE PLANT OPTIONS

FOLIAGE COLOR Blue fescue (Festuca
glauca); red orache (Atriplex hortensis var. rubra);
sea kale (Crambe maritima); Viola riviniana

HILLSIDE SHRUBS Cistus x hybridus; creeping

rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis Prostratus
Group); curry plant (Helichrysum italicum);
lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

EASY ANNUALS California poppy

(Eschscholzia californica); love-in-a-mist
(Nigella); poached egg plant (Limnanthes
douglasii); sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima)

HERB GARDEN ESCAPEES Borage (Borago

officinalis); bronze fennel (Foeniculum vulgare
HERB GARDEN ESCAPEES PRETTY WEEDS
'Purpureum'); chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Heartsease or Johnny Jump Up (Viola tricolor) Field poppy or Shirley poppy, like other
is a traditional herb garden annual or cornfield weeds, will only reappear when PRETTY WEEDS Evening primrose (Oenothera
short-lived perennial that self-seeds well. the ground is cultivated. Turn over the soil biennis); fox and cubs (Pilosella aurantiaca)
It is a good plant for attracting bees. in its site each spring.
 64 BEAUTIFUL BORDERS

Raised-bed gallery
Lifting planting above ground level has several advantages. It allows you to
grow a wider range of plants if your soil is waterlogged, including those that
require good drainage such as alpines and herbs. Aesthetically, raised beds
also add interest to a flat site by creating different levels, and, set at the
right height, you can minimize bending and even sit on the sides to garden.

PRETTY AND EDIBLE

Raised beds are perfect for growing
herbs since they have good drainage.
This modern design has bold, repeating
blocks of attractive vegetables, herbs,
and edible blooms such as chives, ruby
chard, bloody dock (Rumex sanguineus
var. sanguineus), and oregano, with
black-flowered violas as edging.

PLANT A HERB GARDEN

Add a drainage layer of debris to the base of
the bed, and follow with gritty, loam-based
compost or topsoil. Plant with contrasting
clusters of flowers and herbs.

CHUNKY TYRE PLANTER

In a contemporary setting, recycled
tires, stacked to create planters,
become edgy urban sculptures. Simply
pile tires of the same diameter on
top of one another, and line with a
black plastic container or garbage can.
Ensure the liner has drainage holes,
and place a good depth of gravel or
rocks (see pp.8–9) in the base before
adding compost and planting.
 RAISED-BED GALLERY 65

BRIGHT IDEAS
There are many ways to construct and decorate raised beds. Pick a style that
complements your garden's design. Raised beds made from sturdy wood
planks, bricks, or treated wood with comfortable wooden or stone toppings
can double as impromptu seating. As well as filling with plants, raised beds
can also accommodate raised pools or sculptural features. Add LED recessed
lighting to make the most of your raised structures at night.

WICKER COVERS STEPPED LUMBER

Put a stylish façade over cheaply Here, in a new take on the traditional
constructed raised beds using woven wooden-edged productive bed, a stepped
wicker panels. To keep the wicker from bed of chunky railroad ties has been
rotting, paint with varnish, and raise off created with a strawberry bed, made with
the ground on bricks or short legs. the same wood, set on top at right angles.

TABLE BED
You can nibble your way through this table decoration made up of
edible flowers, salads, and herbs. The planter is recessed, giving the
impression that the plants are literally growing out of the table.
 66 BEAUTIFUL BORDERS

Assembling a raised bed

For a quick and easy solution to a Here, flowering bedding plants
YOU WILL NEED
lack of planting space, try these have been used to add a splash
1 flat-bottom, wicker-sided planter, stylish, wicker-sided raised beds. of color to a graveled area, but
supplied with liner bag and
plastic cable ties They come in a range of sizes you could also use compact-
2 x 40-pound bags of multi-purpose and depths to suit different types growing herbaceous perennials
potting compost of ornamental plants, herbs, such as those listed opposite to
Slow-release fertilizer granules and vegetable crops and can create a long-lasting mini border.
3 x pot-grown Impatiens, be ready for use in less than 30 You can also put a number of
4 x pot-grown
variegated Impatiens, minutes. They come complete wicker planters of different
4 x bedding Osteospermum
with a liner bag with drainage depths together to create a
holes and handles, which allow wide, tiered display on any
you to lift the basket if it needs hard surface—a paved driveway
moving after planting. for instance.

1Connect the wicker sides 2Fit the liner bag

Unfold the sides of the wicker planter,
and stand them upright in the chosen
Open up the fabric liner bag that
comes with the planter, and arrange it
3Fill the compartments
Holding the two compartments
open with one hand, pour a little compost
location to form a rectangle. Use the within the wicker walls. Plunge-water into each. This helps keep the liner sides
small black plastic cable ties supplied the plants (see pp.8–9), and set aside. upright. Continue to add compost, leaving
with the planter to secure the corners. space for the plants.
 ASSEMBLING A RAISED BED 67

MORE PLANT OPTIONS

F Agapanthus ‘Peter Pan’
F Bloody cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum)
F Bugle (Ajuga reptans ‘Burgundy Glow’)
F Coral bells (Heuchera sanguinea ‘Snow
Storm’)
F Daylily (Hemerocallis ‘Stella de Oro’)
F Diascia barberae ‘Ruby Field’
F Dwarf Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum x
superbum ‘Snow Lady’)
F Heuchera (colored foliage cultivars)
F Penstemon ‘Evelyn’
F Scabiosa columbaria ‘Butterfly Blue’
F Modern pink (Dianthus cultivars)
F Red hot poker (Kniphofia ‘Little Maid’)
F Rhodanthemum ‘African Eyes’

4Add the plants

Plant two Impatiens at the back
and an Osteospermum between. Add a
third Impatien in the center and a row
of Osteospermum in front. Fill any gaps
with variegated Impatiens. Water well.
 68 BEAUTIFUL BORDERS

Prairie planting
This natural-looking planting style of easy-care perennials
and grasses works well in more rural locations where it can
form a visual link to surrounding countryside. But it is
surprisingly effective in contemporary settings too, where
the billowing, diaphanous grasses and random flower
swathes contrast with the crisp, clean lines of buildings,
balconies, and paving.

GET THE LOOK

After thoroughly preparing the ground, lay out pre-watered pots, following
POP-UP DISPLAY
the planting distance information on the plant labels. Start with a loose block
Summer-flowering bulbs like
of three of the same cultivar of Helenium, then arrange an arc of five to
ornamental onions emerge from
seven achilleas in complementary tones ranging from beige to deep tawny the ground, pushing up between
red. In between, plant a swathe of seven feather grasses dotted with three the grasses to bloom, and then leave
pots of Allium sphaerocephalon. beautiful ornamental seedheads.

DAISY DAYS BUTTERFLY BEACON GRASSY HAZE

Prairie daisies including Helenium are Colorful Achillea cultivars provide the perfect Be generous with Stipa tenuissima,
complemented by the linear quality and landing platform for butterflies that sip from weaving this gently self-seeding grass
softness of grasses. Avoid having to stake the tiny blooms. Daisies and others from the among the bold perennial flowers for
taller varieties by pruning (see opposite). list opposite also attract insects. a relaxed, natural effect.
 PRAIRIE PL ANTING 69

FINISHING TOUCHES
After planting and thoroughly
watering, continue to water during
dry spells. This will ensure a more
drought-resistant root system.

F Do the “Chelsea chop” Cut summer

perennials back by about half in late spring
to make them bushier, more floriferous, and
self-supporting.
F Get a late show Leave flowerheads to
mummify among the dry grass flowers.

MORE PLANT OPTIONS

POP-UP DISPLAY Gladiolus communis
subsp. byzantinus; ornamental onion (Allium
hollandicum); camas (Camassia quamash);
Darwin hybrid tulips

DAISY DAYS Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia

fulgida); Michaelmas daisy (Aster x frikartii);
perennial sunflower (Helianthus ‘Lemon
Queen’); purple coneflower (Echinacea
purpurea); Coreopsis verticillata ‘Grandiflora’
and Coreopsis lanceolata

BUTTERFLY BEACON Bee balm (Monarda

fistulosa): Asclepias tuberosa; globe thistle
(Echinops ritro); Joe Pye weed (Eupatorium
purpureum); Liatris spicata; Physostegia
virginiana; Verbena bonariensis

GRASSY HAZE Miscanthus sinensis ‘Ferner

Osten’; feather grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides
‘Hameln’); feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x
acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’); giant feather grass
(Stipa gigantea); pheasant’s tail grass
(Anemanthele lessoniana); switch grass
(Panicum virgatum)
 70 BEAUTIFUL BORDERS

English charm
The key to creating a English cottage-style garden is to
adopt a relaxed, fluid approach to planting. Grow a
jumble of ornamentals including delphiniums, marigolds,
hollyhocks, geraniums, nasturtiums, and sweet peas, and
mix with edibles including herbs, fruits, and decorative
vegetables. Weave in softer-looking plants such as
Verbena bonariensis and bronze fennel as a contrast to bold
blooms like roses and Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum).
Allowing some flowers to self-seed adds to the effect.

GET THE LOOK

For appeal, fill gaps in an existing border with some of the plants featured
here. In a new bed, try an English rose at the back with three delphiniums in
a loose cluster nearby. Add a French lavender and a medium-height Shasta
daisy in front with a drift of 3-5 Campanula along the edge.

FRAGRANT ESSENCES TALL STORY DAISY CHAINS

Aromatic herbs like lavender look and smell Feathery-leaf fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) with The childlike simplicity of daisies adds to
wonderful and have culinary and cosmetic value. its tall stems topped with flat golden flowers the relaxed ambience of the English garden.
Grow in well-drained soil in full sun, and clip is attractive to hoverflies. It provides the Depending on how much room you have,
lightly after flowering. For evening scents, try perfect soft-focus backdrop to bold flower choose between taller or more compact
honeysuckle and Hesperis matronalis. shapes like rose, dahlia, iris, and peony. forms of the easily pleased Shasta daisy.
 ENGLISH CHARM 71

FINISHING TOUCHES
Rustic and reproduction elements add
to the English look, as do recycled
items. Surfaces should be muted, even
distressed, to create a gentle backdrop.

F Furniture Go for assorted painted kitchen

chairs around a stripped pine table or, for a less
utilitarian look, find a wrought-iron set or perhaps
a reproduction bench seat.
F Groundwork Gravel or slate chips are cheap
and easy to lay, and desirable seedlings will pop
up in gravel and soften large expanses. For more
formality, edge borders with boards of pressure-
treated wood, or lay brick pathways.
F Containers Put antique chimney pots and old
kitchen pans into service as rustic flower pots, or
use simple terra-cotta or lead-effect containers
and wooden half-barrels.
F Ornaments English gardens offer a haven for
wildlife, so a birdbath or beehive makes an ideal
focus. Wicker and rusting wirework sculptures of
wild and farmyard creatures also work well.

MORE PLANT OPTIONS

FRAGRANT ESSENCES Dame’s violet
(Hesperis matronalis); jasmine (Jasminum
officinale); sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus);
sweet william (Dianthus barbatus)

TALL STORY Delphinium; foxglove (Digitalis);

hollyhock (Alcea rosea); monkshood (Aconitum);
mullein (Verbascum); penstemon

DAISY CHAINS Michaelmas daisy (Aster);

pot marigold (Calendula officinalis); pyrethrum
(Tanacetum coccineum)

BEE MAGNETS Cranesbill (Geranium); Geum;

Knautia; Verbena bonariensis
BEE MAGNETS ROSE ROMANCE
With fruit and vegetables to pollinate, Perfumed shrub roses are important additions. ROSE ROMANCE Rosa ‘Albertine’ (rambler);
cottage gardeners used to include flowers Try English roses with their old-rose looks Rosa ‘Dublin Bay’ (modern climber); Rosa ‘Jayne
like Campanula persicifolia to draw bees in. and good disease resistance. Provide well- Austin’ (English)
It grows in sun or shade and self-seeds lightly, manured soil or reasonably moisture-retentive
forming drifts among the other plants. soil, enriched with granular rose fertilizer.
 72 BEAUTIFUL BORDERS

Annual climber tripod

Annual flowering climbers arrive you sow them in pots on a
YOU WILL NEED
in garden centers in late spring, warm window ledge in early
Large pot with drainage holes when they are sold alongside spring. If you don’t have time
Layer of drainage material (see pp.8–9) bedding and patio plants. When to do this, you can buy plants
3 annual climbers (e.g. Rhodochiton trained up a metal tripod or that have already been
atrosanguineus used here) or tender
perennial climbers wigwam of poles, these plants hardened off or acclimatized
Multi-purpose potting compost can add height to your borders. to outdoor temperatures.
Slow-release fertilizer granules Many annual climbers also have You will get the best results
Twisted rustic poles, raffia, and scissors colorful, exotic blooms that from your plants if you position
Small rounded pebbles lend a subtropical atmosphere. them in a sunny, sheltered spot
You can grow lots of these so that they are out of the path
climbers yourself from seed if of any turbulence and wind.

1Prepare the pot

Put a layer of drainage material in
the base of the pot. Cover with compost
2Plant the three climbers 3Replace the supports
Mix a little slow-release fertilizer into
the rest of the compost. Place the three
Evenly space three stakes around the
pot. Cut away the ties holding the climbers
so the top of the root ball is about an climbers in the pot, and add the compost to their support stakes, remove them, and
inch below the rim after planting. around them. Firm lightly and water well. loosely tie the stems to the new stakes.
 For a rustic English-garden
MORE PLANT OPTIONS
look, grow plants up a support
made from decorative twisted F Black-eyed Susan (Thunbergia alata
‘African Sunset’)
twigs and raffia (as shown here)
F Canary creeper (Tropaeolum peregrinum)
rather than the more mundane F Chilean glory flower (Eccremocarpus
bamboo poles secured with wire scaber)
plant ties or twine. A mulch of F Cup and saucer vine (Cobaea scandens)

rounded pebbles placed on top F Morning glory (Ipomoea purpurea)

F Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus, climbing
of the soil continues the English-
variety)
garden theme. F Spanish flag (Ipomoea lobata)
Sweet peas or climbing F Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus)
nasturtiums (see panel, right) F Twining snapdragon (Lophospermum
also have the requisite old- scandens)

fashioned charm and don’t need

a hot summer to perform well.

4Complete the tripod

Using a piece of raffia, tie the tops
of the stakes securely, and finish with a
5Trim the stakes
Neaten the top with shears, cutting
the stakes to the same length. Add the
double knot. Use short lengths of raffia to mulch. Train overlong stems back down
hold the stems of the climbers in position. the tripod for an even spread of blooms.
 74 BEAUTIFUL BORDERS

Urban chic
Though some of the planting in this outdoor room is
reminiscent of traditional English-style gardens, the gridlike
framework and sleek, hard-landscaping features give it a
contemporary look. A restrained color scheme of grays,
purples, and whites creates a tranquil feel, perfect for an
urban retreat. Graceful grasses add height without stealing
space, and easy-care flowers keep maintenance low.

GET THE LOOK

In a rectangular border extending out from the house wall, plant one
DESIGNER GRASS
giant feather grass (Stipa gigantea) at the far end. Plant a clipped boxwood
The airy specimen grass used here is
cube behind it on one side and another diagonally opposite, further back. In giant feather grass (Stipa gigantea).
the compartment created by the staggered boxwood and grass, plant three It has an evergreen base and “see-
or five French lavender (Lavandula pedunculata subsp. pedunculata). Fill the through” flower stems that last into
remaining space close to the wall with a white-flowered hydrangea. the fall.

GREEN ARCHITECTURE PURPLE HAZE COOL WHITES

Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) topiary The French lavender (Lavandula pedunculata Hydrangea Endless Summer® 'The
provides year-round interest, acts as a crisp subsp. pedunculata) is slightly tender but Bride' adds a sophisticated note with
foil for flowers, and, shaped into topiary otherwise low maintenance. It is drought its apple-green-then-white blooms.
blocks, echoes the form of buildings. tolerant and produces many tufted blooms. Dig in organic matter before planting.
 URBAN CHIC 75

FINISHING TOUCHES
Pink climbing and patio roses, fresh
white marguerite daisies, and purple
dwarf veronicas complete the look.
Plant remaining beds and walls over
time using wall shrubs, climbers,
and single specimens, surrounded
by blocks or drifts of flowers such
as nepeta and verbascum (pictured).

F Shades of gray Blue-gray door and

window frames and darker weatherboarding
give a contemporary backdrop.
F Pebble panels For added texture, push
small pebbles into mortar, and tamp down
with a wooden straight edge.
F Boxed beds Walk-around beds allow for easy
access and bring fragrant and aromatic plants
right into the sitting and dining space.
F Crisp lines A rigid grid pattern of beds and
paving works well for this modern courtyard.

MORE PLANT OPTIONS

DESIGNER GRASS Calamagrostis x acutiflora
'Overdam'; Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus',
'Kleine Fontäne', 'Morning Light'; Pennisetum
alopecuroides 'Hameln'; Stipa calamagrostis

GREEN ARCHITECTURE Bay (Laurus nobilis);

holly (Ilex aquifolium 'J.C. van Tol'); Japanese
holly (Ilex crenata); Pittosporum tenuifolium;
yew (Taxus baccata)

PURPLE HAZE Allium hollandicum 'Purple

Sensation'; Lavandula x intermedia 'Grosso';
Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant'; Salvia x sylvestris;
Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin'; Verbena bonariensis

COOL WHITES Choisya x dewitteana 'Aztec

Pearl'; Hydrangea paniculata cultivars; Magnolia
grandiflora 'Exmouth'; Trachelospermum
jasminoides; Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii'
Smart features
Your garden can be a great place to explore your
creative side with simple topiary, DIY sculpture, and
other garden arts. Using imaginative landscaping
techniques, you can easily add some designer flair,
and you may also be surprised at how readily you
can transform existing elements into eye-catching
features or new wildlife habitats. Many practical
elements, such as lighting, can also be decorative.
 78 SMART FEATURES

Outdoor lighting BRIGHT IDEAS

A wealth of lighting systems
is available from home
Installing outdoor lights creates opportunities for enjoying
improvement stores, including
views of the garden at night, whether inside or out. Low level safe low-voltage types that
and recessed units keep glare to a minimum while making run off outlets with extension
cords. Simply mix and match
walkways safe, but some lights are used more for decorative a variety of light fittings.
effect and are easy to add. Use solar post lights to light up
a pathway or border and solar
lights strands around shrubs or
STRINGS OF LIGHTS trees. For larger projects, with
LED strings for outdoor use are available in various lengths. Simple white “fairy lights running directly off the
lights” are easily accommodated, but there's a wide range of styles and colors. electrical system, you must
Plug the cords into an outlet inside a garage or shed with power. Use a solar- consult a qualified electrician.
powered set to dress up a potted topiary (see below).

TRELLIS SPARKLE
Allowing sufficient length to plug in to
an undercover power strip, wind string
lights around posts and through screens.

PERGOLA DECOR
Use colorful and novelty string lights
to brighten up a plain foliage backdrop
or liven up a bare pergola.
 OUTDOOR LIGHTING 79

MOBILE LIGHTS (FAR LEFT)

Lanterns and colored-glass tea-light
holders look good day or night. Hang
from shepherd's hooks, and use to
complement the colors in your borders.

PARTY TIME (LEFT)

Bright paper lanterns create a party
atmosphere on a still summer's evening.
Hang at different heights from a pergola
or an overhanging branch.

LIGHTING THE WAY (ABOVE)

Set tea lights in glasses half-filled with sand
along pathways, and at the edges of patios
and decks. The sand stabilizes the candle
and absorbs its heat. Terra-cotta pots with
chunky low candles also work well.

ROOM AT NIGHT (LEFT)

This secluded terrace is lit for both
aesthetic and practical purposes, but the
light levels are low and arranged to avoid
glare, giving the space a restful feel. LED
uplighters graze the walls with a gentle
glow, illuminating foliage and creating
soft shadows. Changes in level are lit for
safety, but candles and lanterns are
arranged purely to enhance ambience.
Never leave naked flames unattended.
 80 SMART FEATURES

Shapely topiary
Although you might feel that you you purchased them? Provided
YOU WILL NEED
don't have the skills or the time you don't allow the topiary to
Topiary shears (A small pair of required to train more complex get too shaggy and overgrown,
two-handed conventional shears
or a battery-operated trimmer topiary shapes such as this giving it a "haircut" is a relatively
is also suitable.) ball-headed spiral form, the quick and easy job. Trim
Piece of strong wire good news is that you can buy boxwood plants between late
(e.g. galvanized fencing wire)
pieces that are ready-grown. spring and the end of the
Pliers
Plant them in large pots to summer to avoid frost damage.
Sprayer containing rubbing alcohol
for sterilizing cutting blades decorate the patio, or set them If you don't have any topiary
Hand brush into a border creating an eye- shears, a small pair of two-
catching focal point. handed conventional shears or a
But how to keep such works rechargeable, battery-operated
of art looking as good as the day trimmer can be used instead.

1Trim the base

Starting at the base, begin to cut back
the new growth, following the original
2Shape the head
Trim the ball-shaped head by eye
initially. Walking around the topiary
3Check progress
Make a simple frame by bending a
piece of fencing wire into a circle and
shape of the coils as closely as possible. as you work allows for more accurate twisting the two ends together with pliers.
Lift small potted topiary onto a raised shaping and makes clipping less tiring. Moving it around the head, use it to help
surface to avoid bending down. Cut out any dead parts. you shape the sphere.
 SHAPELY TOPIARY 81

TIMELY ADVICE
F Remove dead matter Shake dead leaves
from topiary interior, and remove clippings
because they may harbor fungal disease.
F Water regularly Boxwood needs good
drainage and cool, moist roots. Water pots
routinely, even after rain. Red-tinged foliage is
due to stress from excess heat and dryness.
F Avoid granular feed Boxwood is surface
rooting, and granular fertilizer is too
concentrated; it damages the roots and
causes foliage scorch. Liquid feed or mulch
with well-rotted manure instead.
F Air and light Occasionally turn potted
topiary if it is positioned against walls and
hedges. This promotes even growth and
prevents sections from dying due to a lack
of light. Good air circulation curbs diseases.

4Sterilize tools
To lessen the risk of transferring
diseases like box blight from one piece
to another, sterilize shears in between
plants by spraying the blades with rubbing
alcohol. Also, dispose of any plant debris.
 82 SMART FEATURES

Instant ivy topiary

If you like adding a touch of Traditional shapes are cones,
YOU WILL NEED
stylish formality to your garden in spheres, and ball-headed
Wire topiary frame the form of topiary but don’t feel standards, but some companies
Ceramic or terra-cotta pot confident clipping classic make a huge range of styles that
Multi-purpose potting compost with evergreens like boxwood or yew, include birds and other animals.
added compost-based fertilizer
ivy-covered wire frames are a For neatness, use plants with
Slow-release fertilizer granules
great substitute. You don’t need single-color leaves and short
Layer of drainage material (see pp.8—9)
special skills, and if you start with joints (the distance between leaf
3 ivy plants with long, leafy trails
(e.g. Hedera helix ‘Duckfoot’) plants with long trails, the results and stem). For frames without
Wire plant ties are virtually instant. wire, just wind the ivy up and
Scissors Ready-made frames have legs across the struts. The leaves will
that you insert into pots or act like grappling hooks, holding
directly into the ground. the stems in position.

1Plant the ivy

Plunge the ivies into a bucket of water
to soak. Put a layer of drainage material in
2Add the frame
Remove bamboo canes and any ties
from the ivy. Separate the stems and lay
3Arrange the ivy
Starting at the bottom of the frame,
wind each ivy stem in an upward spiral.
the pot, add the compost, then plant the them out as shown. Push the legs of the Attach the stems to the wire mesh with
ivies equally spaced. frame into the compost. ties, or tuck in the shoot tips.
 INSTANT IV Y TOPIARY 83

TIMELY ADVICE
F Add follow-up feed The slow-release
fertilizer stops working after about six
months, so water with a nitrogen-rich
liquid fertilizer to maintain healthy growth.
F Fingertip prune Snipping off the soft
shoot tips of the ivy promotes side-
branching and ensures that the frame
becomes densely covered.
F Be on pest alert In spring and early
summer, guard against aphids on the
new growth by rubbing them off or
blasting them with a jet of water.
F Clip topiary Once the frame is fully
covered, use small hand shears or
scissors to trim the ivy. If the plants
become thin and woody-stemmed with
age, cut them away, and replant the frame.

4Water to grow
Water well, and place temporarily in
a sheltered, lightly shaded spot to speed
growth. Keep tying in new growth until
the frame is covered. Trim off any excess.
 84 SMART FEATURES

Streamlining shrubs
If you find yourself running shapeless blob into a stylish
YOU WILL NEED
out of planting space, consider feature plant or small tree.
Small pruning saw removing or drastically pruning What is more, the newly
Loppers some of your existing shrubs. revealed branches can be
Shears or pruners Left to their own devices, most remarkably sculptural.
Leaf rake evergreens will sprawl to cover a If you like, you can replenish
Protective gloves lot of ground, excluding light and the soil beneath your streamlined
Well-rotted manure or garden compost preventing anything from shrub so that you can underplant
and/or general-purpose granular
fertilizer (optional) growing underneath. But if you with a colorful display of ground
Mulch of decorative bark, gravel raise the height of the lowest cover, herbaceous perennials, or
or slate chips (optional) branches and superimpose a shrubs. Or, as in the case of this
more formal shape on the rest bay, use the space for a seating
of the shrub, you can turn a area or pot grouping.

1Assess the shrub

This overgrown bay has two distinct
sections—a large domed head, the base
2Remove larger branches 3Neaten the cuts
Hold back the foliage to assess the
internal structure. Wearing gloves, remove
Trim thicker branches so that they are
almost flush, avoiding unsightly stumps,
of which needs raising slightly, and a some of the bulk with loppers, then finish and remove twiggy growth with shears.
proliferation of shorter branches around with a pruning saw. Make a saw cut Your aim is for the crown to be supported
the base. Try to visualise the final shape. beneath branches first to avoid splitting. by several shapely, sinuous stems.
 STREAMLINING SHRUBS 85

SUITABLE PLANTS
F Bay (Laurus nobilis)
F Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)
F Escallonia cultivars
F Holly (Ilex aquifolium and
Ilex x altaclerensis types)
F Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus,
Prunus lusitanica)
F Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus)
F Magnolia grandiflora
F Osmanthus x burkwoodii
F Pittosporum tenuifolium
F Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium)
F Rhododendron (taller, large-leaf types)
F Silk tassel bush (Garrya elliptica)
F Yew (Taxus baccata)

4Finishing touches
Further reduce the crown and shape
with shears or pruners to produce a more
even or formal dome. Rake up debris. Weed,
then mulch or improve the soil by adding
garden compost or well-rotted manure.
 86 SMART FEATURES

Decorating walls and fences

The vertical surfaces of house walls and boundaries offer
tremendous scope for enhancing the garden. From simple
paint and stain treatments to a little visual trickery, most of
the ideas explored here are straightforward but can have a
big impact on the look and feel of a space.

MIRRORS
Reflective surfaces make outdoor
spaces feel larger. Use glass mirrors,
sealed to prevent the silvering from
peeling off; plain or colored plastic
mirror panels; or sheets of stainless
steel. Large mirrors capturing a perfect
reflection of greenery are dangerous to
birds, so overlay with trellis and plants,
or place statues in the foreground.

DOUBLE THE IMPACT

Use clips to fix an old mirror to a wall, and then
hook a flower-filled half-basket to the front.

CREATING ILLUSIONS FEATURE WALLS

To trick the eye into thinking the Treat a section of brick or painted
garden goes beyond its boundaries, wall to a glamorous makeover using
try fixing a salvaged door and tinted masonry paint available from
frame to a plain wall or fence. home improvement stores or paint
Grow evergreen wall shrubs and stores. First, clean off grime and
climbers around it, and flank with a algae, then work over with a wire
matching pair of planters. A shuttered brush to remove loose material, and
window with mirror back or arched seal with diluted PVA glue. Select a
mirror with matching trellis façade TROMPE L'OEIL bold color for extra drama, and
and foreground sculptural element Attach a false-perspective trellis-and-mirror accessorize using planters. A second
will also open up the confines of set to a wall, and place a bench in the neutral shade like white can be used
a courtyard. foreground to create this trick of the eye. for remaining surfaces.
 DECORATING WALLS AND FENCES 87

BRIGHT IDEAS WITH PAINT

Exterior paints and stains transform walls and fences fairly cheaply. If you
want a particular color, it can usually be mixed for you. Use contrasting
shades to highlight features such as raised beds or alcoves. Express yourself
with simple stencils, or use color to set the mood for outdoor dining.

EDGE EFFECT ABSTRACT STYLE HOT HOUSE

For a contemporary touch Transform a dreary outlook Set the scene for a
or to revive faded lumber, with some abstract curves. collection of tropical-
apply a bold paint-stain Outline the shapes first, looking patio plants using
product to wooden-sided and then fill them in with an orange or lacquer-red
raised beds. a small brush. painted backdrop.

BRIGHT IDEAS WITH ADD-ONS

There's a wide range of decorative metalwork
panels available from garden stores, but you can
make your own wall ornament too. Water features
are usually complete packages ready to plug in.

WALL FOUNTAIN PLANTERS ON SHOW

Position a mask above a Buy or make a wooden This simple but stylish
COLORED PANELS barrel or pebble-topped rack. Attach it to a wall primrose theater, used to
Make your own wall art with vibrant color hidden reservoir with with sturdy screws and showcase potted Primula
squares on a pale backdrop. Outline shapes pump. Camouflage wires wall plugs, and use it auricula specimens, provides
with broad masking tape before painting. and tubing with plants. to suspend planters. shade for the plants.
 88 SMART FEATURES

Inspired planters
These handy fabric planters cut-and-come-again salad leaves;
YOU WILL NEED
can be fixed up in no time, herbs like basil, parsley,
Soft pencil or chalk and, planted with colorful coriander, and oregano; or even
Fabric wall planter with pockets bedding, they will create instant cascading 'Tumbler' tomatoes.
Hammer and galvanized masonry nails impact on a bare wall. Unlike In fall, consider cramming the
Trowel hanging baskets, they don't stick pockets with single displays or
Multi-purpose potting compost out very far, and this makes mixtures of small hardy spring
Sufficient plants to fill one per pocket them useful for decorating bulbs like crocus, Anemone blanda,
(Petunia Cascadias Bicolor Purple
shown here) narrow spaces such as side Scilla sibirica, or the dwarf daffodil
Bucket of water for plunging plants passages or small courtyards. 'Tête-à-Tête'. Alternatively, you
As an alternative to flowers, can empty them, dry them
you could also fill these planters thoroughly, then fold them away
with different varieties of for the winter.

1Fix to the wall

Mark a level on the wall to act as a
guide for fixing. Nail one corner, stretch
2Fill the pockets
Partially fill each of the pockets with
moist potting compost, allowing sufficient
3Begin planting
Prepare the plants for planting by
plunging them in a bucket of water first.
the planter taut, then nail the other corner. room to accommodate the root balls of Wait until the bubbles stop, indicating the
Add a couple of nails between for extra your chosen plants, in this case, petunias. root ball is saturated. Plant and add some
holding power; a full planter will be heavy. more compost.
 INSPIRED PL ANTERS 89

MORE PLANT OPTIONS

F Sun-loving plants Sutera Copia
Series, Sutera cordata 'Snowflake', Bidens
ferulifolia, Lysimachia congestiflora 'Outback
Sunset', million bells (Calibrachoa),
Nemesia cultivars, Scaevola aemula 'Blue
Wonder', Swan river daisy (Brachyscome
multifida), trailing geranium (Pelargonium),
trailing snapdragon (Antirrhinum), Diascia
hybrids, verbena (trailing cultivars)
F Shade-loving plants Begonia
sutherlandii, Impatiens, fuchsia
(compact trailing varieties), violas and
pansies, wishbone flower (Torenia),
Begonia (fibrous-rooted varieties),
Impatiens New Guinea hybrid, Monkey
flower (Mimulus × hybridus), Solenostemon
scutellaroides, Variegated mints (Mentha
cultivars), Primula Wanda hybrids

4Firm plants in, then water

Firm the soil lightly with your fingers.
Ensure there is a gap between the soil
surface and rim of the pocket to allow
water to pool before soaking in. Water
thoroughly, pouring slowly.
 90 SPECIAL FEATURES

Special occasions
Whether celebrating a special date or simply wanting to
create a magical look for a dinner party, there are a number
of simple yet stylish ways to dress the table and make the
gathering memorable. Most decorations can be prepared in
advance, leaving more time to organize the food and drink.
Cut fresh flowers in the cool of morning or evening, and leave
to soak out of direct sunlight in a cool room until needed.

GET THE LOOK

String up the tea lights and bunting from a secure stepladder, and then
move the trestle table and chairs into position underneath. Lay a cloth LIGHT EFFECTS
At dusk flickering candles add a
and table runner followed by the place settings, each plate topped with
romantic touch. Here, glass and
a rolled napkin secured with a napkin ring and a tiny sprig of leaves and metal-handled tea-light holders are
blooms. Set out glasses, tea-light holders, and a couple of mini bouquets, hooked on a branch to light the table.
and place a large jug of flowers at one end.

FABRIC DECOR FLORAL FOCUS MINI BOUQUETS

Bunting adds a festive note. Make your own A simple ceramic pitcher filled with Colored drink glasses make good
color-coordinated version. This bunting is wildflower lookalike blooms in white substitutes for vases. Fill with identical
made from triangles of inexpensive fabric and soft blue adds a fresh, country- arrangements of flowers and foliage
remnants attached to string with craft glue. garden touch to the table. picked fresh from the garden.
 SPECIAL OCC ASIONS 91

FINISHING TOUCHES
If you have time, there are lots of
extra touches and flourishes you can
add to delight your guests and enrich
the outdoor-dining experience.

F Color theme Here all the “ingredients” are

drawn from the same narrow palette of
colors, creating a fresh, springlike feel.
F Chair backs Use colored ribbon to attach a
hand-tied bunch of aromatic herbs such as
lavender and rosemary to each chair back.
F Napkin sprigs Tuck a few pieces of
greenery into each napkin ring, or bind the
stems with florist's wire or tape, and make a
tiny nosegay for each setting.
F Table runner The fresh white runner with
green leaf motif makes a lovely visual
contrast with the darker cloth. Long, trailing
stems of ivy also make a good foliage runner
down the center of the table.

MORE DECORATIVE OPTIONS

LIGHT EFFECTS Add a Gothic touch with
candelabras wound with ivy. Lay wilt-resistant
evergreen foliage down the center of the table,
intertwined with battery-operated twinkling
lights. Hide the small battery pack under leaves.

FABRIC DECOR If dining beneath a pergola,

hang billowing lengths of colored voile or
muslin (see pp.34–35) to match your color
scheme. Use the same material to make
oversized chairback bows.

FLORAL FOCUS Try topping each place

setting with a water-filled bowl containing
floating rose petals or whole blooms.

MINI BOUQUETS Surround a single rose

with frothy flowers like lady's mantle
(Alchemilla mollis), or just have a few
stems of variegated foliage instead.
 92 SMART FEATURES

Pebble beach
Adding a sweep of stones and garden centers and craft stores—
YOU WILL NEED
pebbles is a fun and simple way helps to suggest a rock pool on a
1 large decorative rock or wall stone to enliven a plain graveled area sunny beach.
1 bag each of large and medium stones, of the garden. They introduce You can lay the pebbles in
1 bag of small pebbles, 2 small bags of
transparent turquoise glass or acrylic textural contrast and, when wet, a broad, sinuous band around a
chips/beads, 1 small bag of opaque gleam and show off their subtle deck, but this project also works
turquoise chips/beads
colors and markings. To create a particularly well in corners or
Multi-purpose potting compost
natural-looking beach or stream within circles where you can
Terra-cotta pot and layer of drainage
material (see pp.8–9) bank effect, use stones of at form crescent shapes.
Blue fescue (Festuca glauca cultivar) or least two different sizes, but stick If you have a shady area,
other drought-tolerant plants reminiscent
of the beach, e.g. sea holly (Eryngium)
to similar shades. The addition of consider running a swathe
the turquoise glass or acrylic of gravel through a planting
chips or beads—available from design of hostas and ferns.

1Position the stones

Place the large rock in the gravel,
positioning it off-center. Place larger
2Add the colored beads
Scatter opaque beads in a gap
between rocks, using them more
3Position the grass
After plunge-watering (see pp.8–9),
plant the grass in its pot, leaving a gap
stones around it to form a loose curving densely in some areas. Layer over below the rim for a gravel mulch and
band. Add smaller stones and pebbles some transparent beads to create to allow for watering (see pp.8–9).
in random clusters in front and behind. the illusion of a pool of water. Water and place among the pebbles.
 PEBBLE BEACH 93

BRIGHT IDEAS
Add more plants to strengthen your beach or seaside theme. Blue
and silver-leaf grasses and alpines, drought-tolerant perennials, and
succulents work well. Theatrical props are fun too.

SUCCULENTS AND SHELLS ROPE COILS AHOY THERE!

A tender agave looks good set among a The color of old, weathered rope coiled into Some props shout "beach." Try a life ring
collection of scallop shells (available at fish a circle is the perfect beachcomber or fisherman's net, or use an anchor to
markets), pebbles, and gravel. element to subtly suggest the coast. complete your look.
 94 SMART FEATURES

Placing sculpture
In order to discover the best site for a newly
acquired piece of sculpture, experiment with
different settings. If it is heavy or awkward
to maneuver, substitute with a pile of boxes
or even a plastic garbage can.

PLACING SMALL PIECES

It can be tricky to know how to position a small ornament
in a garden because it can seem lost and out of scale with
its surroundings. Try mounting it on a wall or pergola post,
placing it in an alcove, or setting it on a spotlit platform.

IN THE POT
Animal sculptures look good
peeping out from beneath GROUNDING
plant foliage in a border or at
the foot of a potted plant. Arrange sculptural elements so that they are properly
integrated with the garden. One way to do this is by
anchoring the piece with planting so that it appears to be
FLOOR DETAIL
If placing the animal beside the rising out of the ground. Rather than putting a sculpture
pot, link the two together by in the middle of a lawn, create more intrigue by setting it
scattering the pot's slate mulch half-hidden in the border or at a pond's margin.
beside the sculpture too.
 PL ACING SCULPTURE 95

BRIGHT IDEAS
You can make much more of decorative elements, even simple pieces,
by positioning them to draw the eye. Utilize the contrasting color and texture of
any backdrop to your advantage, and perhaps pair up or group objects for
greater emphasis. Consider the footprint of the garden, the layout of patios,
pathways, lawns, borders, and pools, and site sculptural elements at key points.

DRAWING THE EYE REPETITION USING DRIFTWOOD

The geometric layout creates intersecting Placed at regular intervals, this row of The weathered look of driftwood gives an
sight lines—the perfect spot for this topiary standards, set against a plain, informal feel to an area. Try upright pieces
classical vase. Let perspective guide the colored backdrop, makes a dramatic among see-through grasses, or group to
eye to objects at the end of pathways, statement. You can use metal or painted create interest in a border. Alternatively,
lawns, or pools. wooden obelisks in a similar manner. lay horizontally among pebbles and gravel.

TOPIARY LIGHT AND AIRY COLLECTOR'S CORNER

Clipped shrubs add weight to a border of More delicate or intricately-shaped pieces Whatever it is that you enjoy collecting,
airy flowers. Use these green architectural of sculpture should have a plain backdrop to group the pieces artfully to focus attention
elements to create paired sentinels at an allow you to appreciate their form in detail. on them. Small items will look best
entrance or to emphasize a change in A plain wall, clipped hedge, lawn, or gravel arranged around a larger object—this will
direction or level. expanse is ideal. help to hold them together visually.
96 SMART FEATURES

Mini waterlily pond

YOU WILL NEED
Shallow ceramic planter without
drainage holes or a container plus plugs
to block any holes
3 fine-mesh aquatic planting baskets
and plastic netting (optional)
White pygmy waterlily (Nymphaea
tetragona), small reed mace (Typha
minima), American blue flag
(Iris versicolor)
Aquatic compost and washed pea gravel

You can create your own tiny

oasis on a sunny patio by
planting a miniature pond with
a choice selection of petite
plants. Don’t be surprised if
dragonflies come to investigate!
Center stage is the white
pygmy waterlily, whose rounded
leaves float on the surface,
cutting down the amount of light
reaching the water, which keeps
algae at bay. The diminutive reed
mace and iris create vertical
contrast. Here, this simple
ensemble takes on an Asian
flavor with a backdrop of woven
willow and pebbles.
To avoid limescale, use soft
water to fill the planter or, better
still, rainwater, which is chlorine-
free. Gravel in the pots keeps the
compost in place underwater.
 MINI WATERLILY POND 97

1Prepare a planting basket 2Plant the waterlily

Add aquatic compost to the bottom of
a mesh planting basket. Unless the mesh
Set the pygmy waterlily in the basket,
leaving enough space on top of the soil for
3Add the gravel topping
Cover the compost with gravel, then
water gently to settle the compost around
is fine, lay a square of plastic netting in the gravel topping. Fill in around the sides the roots without disturbing it. Repeat
the bottom first to retain the compost. with more aquatic compost. Steps 2 and 3 for all the plants.

MORE PLANT OPTIONS

F Acorus gramineus ‘Ogon’
F Corkscrew rush (Juncus effusus f. spiralis)
F Houttuynia cordata ‘Chameleon’
F Iris versicolor ‘Kermesina’
F Water pennywort (Hydrocotyle
umbellata)
F Miniature horsetail (Equisetum
scirpoides)
F Nymphaea ‘Pygmaea Helvola’
F Parrot’s feather (Myriophyllum
aquaticum)
F Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)

4 Fill the planter

5 Submerge the basket F Umbrella plant (Cyperus species,
especially dwarf forms)
Add water to the planter, leaving Gradually lower the baskets into the
F Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)
sufficient room to accommodate the water. If planting into a deeper container
F Eleocharis acicularis
volume that will be displaced by the such as a half-barrel, you may need a brick
F Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’
planting baskets when they are in position. to support the pots at the correct depth.
 98 SMART FEATURES

DIY sculpture BRIGHT IDEAS:

CLEVER ARRANGING
Many ordinary objects can be
You don't have to spend money to acquire sculpture, as the ideas
transformed into sculptural
here show. Discover what pleases you, and don't be afraid to try elements simply by arranging
some more unusual projects. The garden makes an ideal gallery them in a defined pattern—a
circle of flat stones buried
in which to work; try using man-made objects, such as rusting end-up in the ground, for
ironwork, as well as natural materials. example. When using natural
materials, your artwork can be
transient and experimental.
STONE SPIRALS Some sculptures will rot or
This shape frequently crops up in the blow away over time, but
natural world and works on a small or that's part of their charm. You
large scale. Arrange white pebbles on fine can suspend or wall-mount
gravel, or, for extra drama, use shiny black them for a different look.
pebbles on white gravel. Alternatively,
overlap smooth slate chips.

BRIGHT IDEAS:
TERRA-COTTA MOBILE WILLOW WORKS
Made from hand-thrown clay pots and string, this quirky Grow your own supply of
hanging can take on a variety of looks and could include coppiced willow if you have
colored beads for more color. Suspend from a hanger room (cut back hard each
as shown, or tie from a branch or pergola. winter for a fresh crop of
unbranched “wands”), or buy
online, although soak these
on arrival to restore their
flexibility. Alternatively, most
deciduous garden shrubs have
pliable stems, so use ones
accumulated from pruning.

WILLOW ARCHWAY
Push a row of long stems deep
into the ground on either side of
LINK TOGETHER PLANT TOP POT the path. To complete the overhead
String up pots, the top one upright, Fill the upright pot with compost, section, attach more stems using
the others upside-down. Use pieces and plant a drought-tolerant hens string. Finally, plant more wands,
of hose or wood to secure the knots. and chicks (Sempervivum). and weave in at an angle.
 DIY SCULPTURE 99

ECO ART DRIFTWOOD STACK GREEN LINE

Look for logs with attractive or intriguing bark Use a cordless drill to drive a hole through Save drinks bottles from the recycling bin,
colors and patterns; gnarled pieces are especially the middle of assorted pieces of bleached and turn them into contemporary artwork.
sculptural. Bury partially in the ground, and vary driftwood. Thread with heavy-duty Dig a narrow trench into which you can
the height and girth along the line. galvanized wire, and rotate pieces to insert them, upturned. Pale gravel shows
complete the sculpture. off the color well.

LEAFY BOWER ORGANIC FORMS

If you want willow to sprout, plant when These larger-than-life willow balls can
dormant. Make the basic framework and be bought online. They have an intriguing
door opening first with lashed poles. Plant textural quality, and the simple egg
other willow wands, and weave into the shapes or flower pods look right at home
framework at an angle for strength. on the edge of a wildflower meadow.
 100 SMART FEATURES

Light up a shady corner

Shade cast by buildings and mature trees is a common problem with
today's small plots, but by using shade-loving plants, perhaps grown
in raised beds or planters to avoid root competition from trees, as well
as pale and reflective surfaces and decorative elements, you can
create your own tranquil oasis.

MIRRORED SURFACES PALE PLANTERS

Install a polished stainless-steel water feature nestled among Plant white planters to add
ferns to add a magical feel to your shady spot. Safe, low- light to areas without borders.
voltage fountains like this come with a hidden reservoir This boxwood's shape is
and submersible pump included, and run off a power strip. echoed by the stones beside it.

ANTIQUE ELEGANCE
Create a pleasing tableau in a dull
corner with just a couple of props.
Here, the intricate detail of a cast-iron
table is thrown into relief against dark
bamboo. A single chair would also
work. Add period detail with an
old-fashioned watering can, and in the
sunlit foreground, try planting a white
rose and a white agapanthus.
 LIGHT UP A SHADY CORNER 101

BRIGHT IDEAS
The contemporary garden (left) shows how variegated plants such as hostas
and ivies, yellow Miscanthus grass, and glossy-leaf plants such as Fatsia
japonica and x Fatshedera lizei can reflect the light.

MODERN MINIMALISM
This shade garden is lifted by treating the
plain wooden fence and bench with a
simple but effective pale-gray wood stain.

ZEN SIMPLICITY
Take inspiration from Japanese gardens and
use pale gray boulders, stones, and gravel
to create restful landscapes. The white wall
highlights the maple's delicate foliage.

ROOM OUTSIDE GHOSTLY TREES

A soft furnishing palette of cream through The startling white bark of the birch Betula
to pale apricot adds light to this tiny utilis var. jacquemontii adds sparkle to a
courtyard and ties in well with the gloomy patch of garden. Here, the
sandstone paving. White stones act as a multi-stemmed trees rise out of shade-
focal point, anchored by lush planters. loving ferns and astilbe.
 102 SMART FEATURES

Lawn into meadow

If you have a lot of regularly mown grass in your garden,
you might want to consider converting some of it in order to
create a wild meadow effect. If you don't routinely use
selective lawn weedkillers, you might be surprised at the
number of wildflowers that you find growing in the turf. Stop
mowing, and let the grass grow to see these wildflowers
bloom. Introduce some other wildflowers for extra effect.

GET THE LOOK

Mark out the areas you want to convert into meadow, using posts and string
as guidelines. The shapes can either be organic with meandering pathways
BEE FAVORITES
or formal, perhaps a sequence of squares or rectangles. Starting in the spring, Red clover (Trifolium pratense) bears
begin mowing regularly, but leave the marked areas to grow. After skipping a its nectar rich blooms all summer,
few cuts, you will be able to see the areas clearly against the short lawn, and providing an important food stop for
then you can remove the string. bees, butterflies, and other insects.

TOUGH WHITES YELLOW HAZE DAISY DAYS

The ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) Floating over the top of long grass, the The ox-eye daisy (Leucanthemum
is a survivor even on dry ground, producing cup-shaped blooms of meadow buttercup vulgare) can be easily introduced to
abundant brown poker heads, each with a (Ranunculus acris) produce an eye-catching your converted lawn as a plug plant
haze of tiny white blooms. Its deeply veined display. It is ideal for slightly damp or (see "Add plants" opposite). The iconic
leaves are narrow and pointed. heavy ground. blooms produce a instant meadow look.
 L AWN INTO MEADOW 103

FINISHING TOUCHES
At first your meadow might contain
mostly grasses, but even these add a
wild feel when in flower. Follow the
advice below to enhance the look.

F Maintain pathways Keep a crisp edge

between long and short grass. Make main
thoroughfares wide, and cut regularly.
F Add plants To speed up colonization,
buy plug plants from specialty wildflower
nurseries, and plant in fall or spring
into short turf. Naturalize bulbs.
F Weed Dig out coarse weeds, such as dock,
bramble, tree seedlings, and rapidly colonizing
weeds such as thistle and dandelion, or
spot-treat with glyphosate weedkiller.
F Cut and clear At the end of summer,
cut your meadow with a string trimmer.
Leave material for a few days to allow
seed to drop, then remove hay with a rake.
This keeps coarse grasses from reproducing
and encourages self-seeding.

MORE PLANT OPTIONS

BEE FAVORITES Stachys officinalis; field
scabiosa (Knautia arvensis); Centaurea nigra;
mallow (Malva sylvestris); meadow cranesbill
(Geranium pratense); selfheal (Prunella vulgaris);
speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys); tufted vetch
(Vicia cracca)

TOUGH WHITES Cow parsley (Anthriscus

sylvestris); white clover (Trifolium repens); wild
carrot (Daucus carota); yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

YELLOW HAZE Bird's foot trefoil (Lotus

corniculatus); cowslip (Primula veris); Galium
verum; St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum);
yellow rattle (Rhinanthus minor)

DAISY DAYS Common cat's ear (Hypochaeris

radicata); daisy (Bellis perennis); fox and cubs
(Pilosella aurantiaca); hawkbit (Leontodon)
104 SMART FEATURES

Shaping a lawn
Superimposing a sharply outlined For larger lawns, play around
YOU WILL NEED
shape onto an ill-defined lawn with different combinations—two
Measuring tape area transforms the look of the overlapping circles, for example.
Bamboo pole and string whole area. Geometric forms The trick to getting the look is to
Sand or can of white, line marker give a sharp, contemporary look, cut a precision edge.
spray paint
but a simple circle fits any style. Lawn edging strip is essential
Half-moon turf cutter
Don’t worry if the space you if you are mulching borders with
Sharp border spade
have won’t accommodate a a stone aggregate, but cutting a
Lawn edging strip
whole circle. A simple arc with vertical edge, pulling back the
Fine slate chips, decorative gravel,
or fine milled decorative bark rectangular shapes cutting in border soil, and mulching with
to it looks just as good. bark also works.
 SHAPING A L AWN 105

1Measure up
Decide on the new shape for your
lawn, and sketch it out on paper. To create
2Mark the circumference
Place a bamboo pole at the corner
of the square opposite where your curved
3Cut out the shape
Use a half-moon tool or a flat spade to
cut a vertical edge, following the sand
a curve, first measure out a square with a edge will be. Attach a string to it, then line. This separates the turf cleanly, and
tape measure, marking the corners. pulling the string taut, marking out the the slot will be used later for the edging.
edge of the circle with sand.

4Remove the turf

On newly laid turf, grass should peel
back, but on established turf, use a sharp
5Add the lawn edging
Push lawn edging strip down into
the slit you made previously. The edging
6Fill with slate
To define the shape and hide the
edging, add fine slate chips or gravel. To
border spade to slice through the roots, should be fractionally below the lawn protect mower blades from damage, the
removing a generous depth of sod. surface, allowing you to mow over it easily. mulch should be just below the strip.
106 SMART FEATURES

Stepping stone path

YOU WILL NEED
Paving slabs
Old sharp kitchen knife or utility knife
Small sharp spade
Soft sand
Bag of ready-mixed mortar (optional)
Bucket and trowel
Ramming tool or short plank of lumber
Rubber mallet

Paths are needed for all-weather

access in the garden, but they
can sometimes be very obtrusive,
especially if your garden is small.
If that’s the case, consider
stepping stones. Here, they are
laid into a lawn, but they are also
useful set through deep borders
so that you can reach plants
easily. On a firm base, such as a
well-used lawn, you probably
won’t need mortar to stabilize
the slabs, although sand
is useful for leveling.
Stepping stones make a lovely
feature leading to a garden seat
or a bird bath, but the route must
be practical—too many detours
and people will take shortcuts
over the grass.
 STEPPING STONE PATH 107

1Position the slabs

Experiment with laying out the slabs.
Walk your proposed path to ensure that
2Cut away the turf
On newly laid turf the grass will
readily peel back, but on established grass
3Remove the soil
Dig out enough soil to accommodate
the slab, allowing it to sit just below the
the steps you take are comfortable. Cut you’ll need to cut through the roots with lawn surface—this will make mowing
around the first slab to mark its position, a small, sharp spade. Keep the spade easier. If you are using mortar, remove
then put it to one side. virtually level with the ground. an extra 2–3in (5–8cm).

4Add the sand

Pour sand into the bottom of the
hole, and compact it with a ramming tool
5Add the mortar
If the ground is soft or you want to
ensure the slab doesn’t slip, add some
6Set the stone in
Place the slab into the hole and, if
using mortar, gently tap into position with
or piece of wood. In most cases this will ready-mixed mortar combined with just a rubber mallet. If you’re only using sand,
make a sufficiently firm base for the slab. a little water. Spread the dryish mix out you may need to remove or add some in
evenly with a trowel. places to prevent it from rocking.
Grow it, eat it
Any garden, no matter how small, can be a
productive garden. You can utilize most surfaces,
including walls and windowsills, for growing crops.
Whether you grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, and
salads on their own or mix them together with
flowers, your productive displays can also be
highly decorative. Most crops can be grown in
containers, and many provide tasty treats in a
matter of a few short weeks.
 110 GROW IT, EAT IT

Trained fruit PERFECT PLANTS

Walls and fences laden with juicy, brightly colored,
ripening fruit are a mouthwatering sight in summer.
Training stems of fruit trees in neat Training fruit trees takes a little work initially, but once
arrangements on fences and walls is an established they will provide you with a bountiful
harvest without too much maintenance. Tie in new
elegant and space-saving way of growing
shoots as they grow, and prune away unwanted ones,
your own. It makes use of bare vertical and you will have productive and decorative plants that
spaces while allowing underplanting too. can be used as features or divisions within a garden.

SUPPORTS
Young shoots need tying in to train them in the right
direction, but more mature branches also need support
when laden with fruit. There is a variety of supports you
can use for this job, depending on the surface you are
training against and the effect you want to create.

WIRES FIGURE-EIGHT TIE

If you have a wooden fence, When tying stems to stakes, use
affix strong horizontal wires at a figure eight. The string then
15in- (35cm-) intervals between sets between the stake and the
the posts, securing them to rings. stem, which prevents rubbing.

BAMBOO FAN
First fix horizontal wires to a
fence. Tie two bamboo poles
in the middle to create a cross
shape, and push the cane ends
into the ground in front of a
vertical support. The main
branches need to be tied in to
the vertical support as well as
the horizontal and angled ones
to create a fan shape.
 TR AINED FRUIT 111

SINGLE CORDON (LEFT) APPLE ESPALIER (ABOVE)

You can produce a high yield from just one This perfectly proportioned tree can be
upright or angled stem. This is ideal in small grown as a dividing fence or against
plots. Try apples, pears, white currants, red a wall. Train the main stems horizontally
currants (pictured), or even gooseberries. to create a balanced, even framework.

BLACKBERRIES ON WIRE (ABOVE)

Training blackberries doesn't have to involve
complicated shapes; just tying in sprawling
stems to a framework of horizontal wires
makes maintenance and harvesting easier.

APPLE STEPOVER (LEFT)

The ultimate space-saver, these low-growing,
horizontally-trained trees make perfect PEAR DOUBLE CORDONS
edging plants along paths or borders, or to These U-shaped trees look sharp when grown in a row and create an attractive and
divide beds. Despite their diminutive size, productive boundary. This technique is suitable for apples and pears that produce
they produce surprising amounts of fruit. fruit on spur-bearing sideshoots. Support plants with wires or against walls.
 112 GROW IT, EAT IT

Blueberry pot
PLANT Mid-spring to fall The blueberry is a great dual- Blueberry plants are ideal for
HARVEST Summer to early fall
purpose plant, earning its container growing, especially if
place on the patio for its juicy, you have neutral or alkaline soil,
YOU WILL NEED
superhealthy berries as well since they require acid soils. This
Large decorative pot, bigger than the as its pretty, ornamental is easily achieved in pots by
plant's original pot
appearance. In the summer using acid-based compost.
Compost for acid-loving plants
for the container abundant crops of delicious Although some blueberry
Trowel or compost scoop berries follow clusters of dainty varieties are self-pollinating,
1 potted blueberry plant (Vaccinium) white flowers, and once the others require a partner to bear
in a pot (2- or 3-year-old potted plants crop has been harvested in the fruit. However, if you have space,
will establish more quickly than
bare-root ones) fall, the plant treats you to buy a second variety because
a dramatic display of leaves in they fruit more prolifically if they
a range of reds and purples. have a companion plant.

1Prepare for planting

Place some drainage material on the
base of the pot. Cover the crocks with a
2Position the pot
Remove the plant from its plastic
pot, and place the pot centrally inside
3Firm in
When the level of the compost is
about 1in (2.5cm) below the rim of the
layer of acid-based compost—enough to the larger container. Backfill around the larger pot, press down on the compost
cover, but leave space for the plastic pot. container with more acid-based compost. to firm it in place but not compact it.
 BLUEBERRY POT 113

TIMELY ADVICE
F Favorite drink Water the plant in
well when first planted, and then continue
to water at regular intervals during the
growing season, particularly in hot
weather. If possible, use rainwater to
avoid raising the soil's pH level.
F Seasonal treat Each spring, apply an
annual top dressing of acid-based compost
along with half the recommended rate of
acid-based fertilizer.
F Mulch down Apply a 3in (7.5cm) layer
of acid-based mulch, such as leaf mold, on
top of the soil each spring. Pine needles or
conifer clippings are also good.
F Room to grow Compact varieties are
best for pots, but even these may need
more room. If the plant looks cramped,
pot in the spring into a larger container.

4Plant up
Carefully remove the plastic pot
without disturbing the compost "sides."
Tease out the plant's roots, lower it in, and
plant at the level it was in the original pot.
 114 GROW IT, EAT IT

Container fruit
Whether you have a large garden or a small patio,
putting fruit in containers is a practical and attractive
way to grow your own. With a little care and
attention, the plants will thrive and reward you with
an abundant crop of delicious, homegrown fruit.

CARING FOR YOUR PLANTS

Fruit grown in containers requires a little more care than those in
the ground because they are reliant on you to provide the food and
water they need to survive and flourish.

FEEDING NETTING
Feed fruit trees every spring Protect your fruit crops as they
using a balanced fertilizer. grow by covering them in mesh
Prepare the fertilizer according netting, but make sure birds
to the instructions on the packet. can't get trapped under it.

REPEAT POTS
Individual pots placed
strategically on a patio or
deck make a statement, but
if you have room, repeating
matching pots planted with
the same fruit draws the
PERFECT SOIL
eye. The arrangement is also Planting in containers enables you to grow fruit that may
good for plants that are not not be suited to your garden soil. Plants such as blueberries,
self-pollinating—they need blackberries, and cranberries need acidic soils, which can be
to be planted in groups. provided in any garden with a pot of acid-based compost.
 CONTAINER FRUIT 115

PERFECT PLANTS
Many plants have specific growing requirements, and most gardens couldn't accommodate
all of them, so by growing in pots you can provide the perfect conditions for each and every
plant. Containers naturally restrict the growth of fruit trees, which means you can be sure
that the plants will remain the right size for your space without needing a lot of pruning.

SPACE-SAVING TREES FROST-TENDER PLANTS

Fruit trees such as apples, pears, cherries, plums, damsons, and Container-growing means you can include tropical or
apricots are all available on dwarf rootstocks, which are suitable frost-tender plants, such as oranges or lemons, in your garden.
for growing in pots. This restricts their growth and improves Plant them in lightweight pots, and move them indoors when
their vigor, and in turn their productivity. the nights turn chilly and frost threatens.
 116 GROW IT, EAT IT

Strawberry basket
PLANT Early to mid-spring Strawberries make attractive pick a few strawberries every
HARVEST Early to late summer
hanging basket plants and are few days for a couple of months.
ideal if you don’t have much When planting in strawberry
YOU WILL NEED
growing space. This method of beds, it’s best to remove the first
14–16in (35–40cm) lined basket cultivation means you don’t get season’s flowers to encourage a
Large pot for support fungal damage from soil splash, strong root system, but that isn’t
Multi-purpose potting compost with and it stops slugs and snails from the case with baskets. Planting
added soil-based compost
eating the fruits. in the spring with pot-grown
Scissors
Plant a mixture of varieties plants allows you to crop in the
Slow-release fertilizer granules
with different cropping times to first year and, if you’re are a little
Water-retaining gel crystals (optional)
ensure a long season of fruiting. late planting, you can use
3–5 strawberry plants (choose a mixture
of varieties for a long season of fruiting) In return for regular watering and garden-center plants that have
feeding, you should be able to already started to flower.

1Prepare the basket

Set the basket on top of a large pot
to steady it. Cut a few drainage holes in
2Add the fertilizer
Ensure plants don’t run short
of nutrients by adding slow-release
3Plant the basket
Plunge the strawberry plants in a
bucket of water, then space them evenly
the lining, a third of the way up the sides. fertilizer to the compost. You can also in the basket. Plant them at the same
Leave the bottom intact to retain water. add water-retaining gel crystals. depth as they were in their pots. Gently
firm the compost around the plants.
 STRAWBERRY BASKET 117

TIMELY ADVICE
F Water regularly Plants can rot in soggy
compost, so don’t overwater, and keep water
off of foliage to avoid fungal diseases.
F Fertilize Use liquid tomato fertilizer once
flowers begin to form.
F Ensure even light Turn the basket weekly
to ensure that the fruits ripen evenly.
F Remove runners New plants form at the
end of stems; remove to improve fruiting.
Freshly cut runners can be rooted in lightly
shaded pots of moist compost to create
new stock. In strawberry beds, root
runners in the soil before severing.
F Encourage a second year of fruiting
Take the basket down at the end of
the season, and remove old leaves. The
following spring, replenish the compost
with fertilizer.

4Leave to acclimate
After watering, stand the basket in
a sheltered spot to get over the shock of
planting. Leave for around 10 days, then
hang the basket on a sunny wall.
 118 GROW IT, EAT IT

Edible climbers
If you're short of space on the ground, growing climbing fruit
and vegetable plants is an excellent way to make use of vertical
spaces and maximize your cropping potential. Fences and walls
in sunny spots are ideal locations, but plants will also happily
climb posts, pergolas, trellis, and obelisks in beds and borders.

CLIMBING STRUCTURES
Make a feature out of your practical plants by growing them up and over
decorative supports. The plants will quickly scramble and cover posts and
frames, adding height to a design and raising the fruit and flowers into the
sunlight and the pathway of pollinating insects.

BAMBOO
Wigwams and tripods of bamboo
poles provide a traditional
framework for beans and peas.

PERGOLA POST ARCHED WALKWAYS

Wires attached to posts provide Arches add a decorative element to a garden and look
support for climbing plants and great with fruit and vegetables hanging down from above.
make it easy to tie in stems. Lash together pliable prunings with twine for a rustic look.
 EDIBLE CLIMBERS 119

PERFECT PLANTS
Wherever there's a sunny wall or fence
in your garden, there's an opportunity
to grow your own food. Nail wood
strips to fence posts or walls, and
attach wires or trellis panels to these.
These will provide support for your
plants as well as ensuring there is
good air circulation around them.
CUCUMBERS
These climbing plants need help to grow
up supports and benefit from stems being
secured at intervals to trellis or frames.
VERTICAL GRAPEVINE TOMATOES
A hot and sunny wall is the perfect place Bush and cordon (single-stemmed) tomato SQUASH
for a vine. With regular pruning and initial plants can be trained up bamboo stakes. Tie Squash need lots of room, so growing
tying in, the plant will scramble up in the stems as they grow, and to encourage them in bamboo and rope nets raised
supporting wires and reward you with a fruiting, pinch off the sideshoots that grow above the ground frees up ground space
delicious harvest of sun-warmed grapes. between the leaf joints and main stem. and lifts fruits away from hungry slugs.
 120 GROW IT, EAT IT

Growing herbs
Herbs make wonderful ornamental features in window
boxes, in borders, or in their own self-contained space.
In addition to being pretty, herbs have been valued for
their medicinal and culinary properties for hundreds of
years. Nothing beats the flavor of freshly picked herbs
in favorite recipes or teas, or the fragrance of the leaves
as you brush past them on a summer day.

GET THE LOOK

This classic circular herb garden contains a useful mixture of annual and
perennial herbs. To achieve a similar look, plant a fennel and three pots
of chives in a 1ft- (31cm-) diameter pot in the center of a prepared
3ft- (1m-) diameter circular bed located in a sunny, sheltered spot. Divide
the ground below into five wedges. In each one, plant three pots of each
herb: parsley, thyme, marjoram, mint, and variegated sage.

TASTY TEXTURES MAGIC CARPET MEDITERRANEAN FLAVOR

Moss-curled parsley is a biennial herb best Thymus 'Silver Posie' is a pretty, evergreen Unlike pot marjoram (Origanum vulgare),
grown as an annual from seed in late spring. thyme that bears pale pink flowers in summer sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana) is
The delicate, frilly leaves hide a big appetite; above silver, variegated leaves. Cut with best grown as an annual to get the most
they need deep, compost-enriched soil. shears after flowering to keep it compact. out of its aromatic, pale green leaves.
 GROWING HERBS 121

FINISHING TOUCHES
Water your herbs regularly, more so in
dry conditions. If herbs shoot up in hot
weather, nip off the growing tip; this
will encourage the plant to bush out.

F Radiating lines Line the edges of each

segment with stones. Clip plants after flowering
to keep them compact so they don't encroach
into other wedges or outside the circle.
F Groundwork To emphasize the shape of your
herb garden, surround it with bricks laid in a
radiating pattern. Alternatively, dig a shallow
trench around the perimeter, and lay bricks
diagonally on their side against each other.
F Ward off weeds When annual herbs die off
in winter, cover the bare soil with waterproof
membrane, and scatter over some gravel. It is
a more attractive look and keeps weeds away
until you are ready to sow again in spring.
F Central theme If your central plant becomes
too big or overpowers the design, replace it. A
small standard bay in a pot would suit this spot.

MORE PLANT OPTIONS

TASTY TEXTURES Coriander (Coriandrum
sativum), chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium),
lovage (Levisticum officinale)

MAGIC CARPET Chamomile (Chamaemelum

nobile 'Treneague'), creeping thyme (Thymus
serpyllum var. albus or T. serpyllum 'Snowdrift'),
Rosmarinus officinalis Prostratus Group

MEDITERRANEAN FLAVOR Basil (Ocimum

basilicum), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis
'Sissinghurst Blue'), silver sage (Salvia argentea)

SCENTED WONDERS Pineapple sage

(Salvia elegans 'Scarlet Pineapple'), orange-
scented thyme (Thymus 'Fragrantissimus'),
SCENTED WONDERS VIBRANT COLORS
lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote')
The purple-tinged leaves of the mint Mentha The dramatic, variegated evergreen foliage of
x piperita f. citrata have an eau-de-cologne Salvia officinalis 'Tricolor' makes up for its mild VIBRANT COLORS Basil 'Purple Ruffles',
scent. It grows vigorously in well-drained soil flavor. To ensure a good supply of leaves, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis 'Aurea')
enriched with well-rotted manure. prune after flowering.
 122 GROW IT, EAT IT

Spicy leaves
Don't stick to the same leaves for your salad bowl; the
joy of growing your own means you can try something
different. There is a good selection of spicy leaves
available now that will add zing and zest to your salad.
These are generally sold as seed mixes, such as Italian,
Asian, or spicy leaf selections. Choose the variety that
best suits your palate and style of cooking.

GET THE LOOK

Sow seeds in pots filled with multi-purpose compost with added soil-based
compost. Follow the instructions on the packet for the appropriate planting
depth and distances according to the variety you choose. Read the packets
carefully when buying—spicy mixes can be very spicy, so make sure you
choose one with your preferred level of heat! Water seeds in well, and thin
out seedlings as they appear, watering and weeding around them regularly.

CUT-AND-COME-AGAIN COLORFUL CROPS EXTENDED HARVEST

You can keep salads tasty all summer long Hot spicy salads look great with unusual, Some leaves can be sown in early spring
with cut-and-come-again varieties. Mizuna has colorful leaves in them. Exotic varieties such in warm ground or under cover and will crop
a light mustardy flavor and is ideal for shady as 'Red Komatsuna' are easy and speedy to into the fall. Frilly-leaf, Greek cress leaves are
patios; it dislikes extreme heat. grow, even in cooler climates. happy under cloches into winter.
 SPICY LEAVES 123

FINISHING TOUCHES
A container full of colorful spicy leaves
can brighten up a patio or garden in
summer as well as liven up your salads.
Keep them happy for a long harvest.

F Fill the gaps Cut-and-come-again seeds are

best for providing a harvest for the whole season
without needing to resow, but if there are gaps,
sow seeds into them to bring on new plants.
F Gravel mulch As the seedlings appear, scatter
some fine gravel over the surface of the compost
to keep down competing weeds and to conserve
moisture in the summer months. Many greens
will bolt if their soil conditions become too dry.
F Mix and match Pots look great grouped, so
plant a number of containers with a variety
of salad mixes; perhaps an Italian blend in one,
Asian in another, textured leaves in another.
F Winter warmers As the plants near the end
of their harvesting life, sow seeds of one of
the many winter varieties that are available
for a year-round crop.

OTHER PLANT OPTIONS

CUT-AND-COME-AGAIN Corn salad;
mizuna; purslane; endive

COLOURFUL CROPS Radicchio; ruby

chard; red giant mustard; golden purslane;
kale 'Red Russian'

EXTENDED HARVEST Buckler-leaf sorrel;

land cress; winter purslane; Texsel greens;
endive 'CanCan'

A TASTE OF ASIA Bok choy 'Golden Yellow'

or 'Canton White'; Chinese cabbage 'Golden
Yellow'; Chinese mustard; tatso; mustard 'Red
Frills'
A TASTE OF ASIA SALAD SEASONING SALAD SEASONING Watercress, parsley,
It's hardly surprising that many spicy leaves Let the salads season themselves; you won't mustard 'Green Wave', Italian dandelion
have Eastern origins. Crops such as red need to add pepper if you include leaves that 'Red Rib'
mustard are favorites in Asian cooking have their own spice. Arugula is an invaluable
and are often sold in stir-fry seed mixes. salad ingredient with a peppery kick.
 124 GROW IT, EAT IT

Kitchen-door salad
PLANT Mid-spring to early fall A mix of tasty salad leaves right You can plant up any broad,
HARVEST Late spring to early winter
by the kitchen door means that waterproof container as long as
you can pick a meal no matter it has drainage holes; colored
YOU WILL NEED
the weather. Many salads can be vinyl tubs work well if you drill
Broad container with holes for drainage harvested a few leaves at a time, some holes in the base.
Layer of drainage material (see pp.8—9) which allows the plant to put out If you are using a metal
Loam-based potting compost more shoots and replenish your container, line it with cardboard
General-purpose fertilizer granules supply. Here, we’ve used rainbow to protect the plant roots from
Purchased salad plants or salad strips chard, but any purchased salad excessive heat. To reduce
(e.g. chard, spinach, beets, cut-and-come-
again or loose-leaf lettuce, Asian greens, plants will do. Alternatively, sow moisture loss from terra-cotta
radicchio or herbs) seeds of quick and easy crops like pots, line with compost bags
cut-and-come-again lettuce. with holes cut in for drainage.

1Fill the container

Put a layer of drainage material in
the container. Fill almost to the top with
2Prepare to plant
Work in a general-purpose granular
fertilizer following the packet instructions.
3Plant and press in
Scoop out a planting hole so that the
plant will be at the same planting depth
a loam-based potting mix or with a Pre-soak the pots or strips of vegetables. as it was in its original container. Insert
50/50 mixture of general-purpose Gently remove the salad plants, separating the plant, backfill with potting compost,
compost and topsoil. individual plants at the roots. and lightly firm around the plant base.
 KITCHEN-DOOR SAL AD 125

TIMELY ADVICE
F Keep a full watering can handy Leafy
crops need lots of moisture, so water early
morning and, if very hot, in the evenings
too. After the initial watering, get the
water straight to the roots by watering at
the base of the plants.
F Feed well in summer Even after adding
granular fertilizer, your salad will run out
of steam after a few months. Feed with
a liquid fertilizer for leafy crops.
F Protect from pests Watch out for slugs
and snails when it's wet and in the
evenings. Take a light out at night to catch
them. Push in thorny twigs to deter cats.
F Keep warm Drape fabric over the pot
during cooler weather to prolong harvesting.

4Find a bright spot

Continue planting, allowing about
2½in (6cm) between each plant. Water
well, then stand the container in a well-lit
location. Plant a group of containers to
give a variety of leaves.
 126 GROW IT, EAT IT

Winter salad
When summer is over, you don't have to head back to the
supermarket for your salad; you can grow winter salad leaves just
as you would summer varieties. There are a great many hardy or
specialized winter varieties available, and if planted in well-drained
soil and picked regularly, they provide a continuous crop until spring.

FABRIC
Hardy varieties of salad leaves
will survive cold weather,
but if the temperatures are
forecast to plunge well below
freezing and frost is forecast,
give plants a helping hand by
providing them with some
warmth. Horticultural fabric
will prevent frost from
damaging susceptible PLANT BOX ADD HOOPS
seedlings and plants while Plant young plants such as these Push bamboo hoops into the soil,
still letting through essential chard 'Bright Lights' in a box of and cover with fabric, making
light and rainwater. multi-purpose compost. sure it does not rest on the leaves.

CLOCHE
A cloche acts like a mini
greenhouse, keeping the soil
warm and the frost off plants.
They are traditionally shaped
like a bell and so are best
used for individual plants.
However, tunnel cloches
are available if you want
to protect rows of plants. USING A CLOCHE ROWS OF PLANTS
Cloches block airflow, so they Select the plant you want to If you need to protect several
must be removed to ventilate protect, and place the cloche over plants, cover each with its own
plants on warm days. it without damaging the leaves. individual bell cloche.
 WINTER SAL AD 127

PERFECT PLANTS
Many hardy summer salad varieties will happily provide you with leaves
year-round, but there is also a wide range of varieties available that have
been bred specifically for winter use. They tend to have a stronger, more
robust flavor, and some are a little bitter. If you wish, blanching leaves by
covering them with an upturned flower pot will reduce the bitterness.

RADICCHIO WINTER PURSLANE

Despite its Mediterranean origins, this Claytonia perfoliata, known as winter
Italian leaf chicory is hardy, and its flavor purslane or miner's lettuce, produces small,
becomes sweeter as the weather gets rosette-shaped plants from early winter to
colder. Its red, mottled leaves provide a late spring. The fleshy, succulent leaves can
welcome splash of color in the winter. be eaten in salad or steamed like spinach.

MIZUNA TEXEL GREENS

These peppery, serrated salad leaves are Also known as Ethiopian greens, these
not unlike arugula in flavor and appearance. fast-growing salad leaves are related to
They can be grown year-round but are cabbage but have a flavor that is similar
perfect winter crops since they dislike hot to spinach. They are ideal for growing as
weather and prefer cool, wet conditions. cut-and-come-again crops all year round.
 128 GROW IT, EAT IT

Funky pots
Don't feel that you have to stick with a certain style or look
when it comes to containers—your garden can reflect your own
personality and tastes, so have some fun! You can use pretty
much anything you like to grow your own, just add drainage
holes. So dig out those funky containers!

JUICE CARTONS
Don't confine fruit juice cartons to the
recyling bin; give them a new lease on
life in your garden first. Cut off the tops,
pierce some holes in the bottom, fill with
compost, and plant with annual herbs.

CUT THE BOXES TO THE SAME HEIGHT

The boxes you use don't have to match, but
the arrangement does look better if they
are all trimmed to the same height.

MILK CARTONS
Plastic milk cartons may not be the
most attractive container, but when
overflowing with salad leaves and
carefully positioned as a group, they
create a quirky-looking living wall.

TIE UP WITH STRING

Pierce a hole in the side of each bottle near
the rim, and tie some string through it. Attach
the other end to a drainpipe or nails in the wall.
 FUNK Y POTS 129

BRIGHT IDEAS
Some plants just cry out for a
colorful container—brightening
up the garden on an unseasonably
dark day. Have fun with containers
of all colors, shapes, and sizes.
You can recycle practically
anything, including worn-out
footwear, used packaging, or
spare kitchen equipment.

COLANDER RAIN BOOTS

You won't need drainage holes in These bright red boots are the ideal
this pot, but it does need lining with height to double as a strawberry planter.
a waterproof membrane to prevent Plant on top, and cut holes in the sides
soil loss. The shiny material glinting for more plants. Rain boots also work well
in the sun may even keep birds off for root crops such as carrots or parsnips.
the precious fruit!

BUCKET OF TOMATOES
Don't throw out a battered bucket. Make
some drainage holes, hang it, or nail it to
the wall, and let tomatoes tumble down.

PACKING CRATE
BAGS OF VEGETABLES Wooden packing crates can be a stylish
These bags are a funky take on a growing feature. Line the sides with old plastic
bag and will add color and style to your compost bags to prevent rot and prolong
patio. Perfect for a zucchini plant, or try the crate's life, then plant it with
putting three seed potatoes in each one. climbing squash, figs, or kiwi.
 130 GROW IT, EAT IT

Sprouting seeds
Even those without a garden can with a perforated lid. There is a
YOU WILL NEED
enjoy the satisfaction of growing good selection of seeds available
Sprouting container their own produce, such as from garden centers or online
(clean, glass jar with a perforated,
screw-top lid or sprouting seeds. These delicious, suppliers, so choose those you
covered with a piece of muslin nutritious shoots can be grown like to eat best. Once big
secured with an elastic band)
from seed in just a matter of enough, the sprouts can be
1 packet of sprouting seeds
(e.g. mung beans (also known days, any time of year—perfect steamed and used in salads,
as bean sprouts), lentils, alfalfa,
beet, radish)
for the impatient gardener or sandwiches, and stir-fry dishes.
A sink and running water
as an activity with children. For a continuous crop of
Specialty sprouting containers sprouts, start a new jar of seeds
are available online or from sprouting every couple of days;
health-food stores, but it is just then you will always have some
as easy to use a clean glass jar ready when you need them.

1Soaking seeds
Place the seeds in a jar, and put on the
perforated lid. Add enough water to cover
2Rinse off
The next morning, drain away the
water through the perforated lid. Rinse
3Harvest time
Continue to rinse and drain the seeds
every day. They are ready to eat when the
the seeds, then set the jar aside in a warm the seeds in fresh water in the jar twice sprouts have reached 1in (2.5cm) long.
place out of direct sunlight overnight. daily, draining it away again each time. Rinse the seedlings well before use.
 SPROUTING SEEDS 131

TIMELY ADVICE
F Clean and fresh Make sure that the jar
you use for sprouting seeds is thoroughly
washed in hot soapy water before use.
F Let them breathe The seeds need air
to germinate, and poor air circulation will
cause them to rot. If your jar doesn't have
drainage holes, cover it with fine muslin
instead, and secure with an elastic band.
Do not use a sealed, airtight container.
F Rinse regularly Rinse seeds every 12
hours to prevent mold from developing
and to help remove seed hulls.
F Cook carefully Current guidelines
recommend that you should not eat these
shoots raw for health reasons. Steaming
until hot is the best way to cook them to
preserve their nutrients and vitamins.
 132 GROW IT, EAT IT

Vegetables from seed

PLANT Mid-spring to fall You can buy many vegetables as be turned over and fed with
young plants, ready grown, but it well-rotted manure well in
YOU WILL NEED is far more economical to grow advance, and then raked to a
Short bamboo stakes and string
them from seed if you have the fine tilth when you are ready to
space. Some varieties can be sow. This makes it easier for the
Length of lumber and a dibber or trowel
sown directly into seedbeds or delicate roots of the seedlings to
Seeds (carrots shown here)
vegetable beds, soil conditions find their way through the soil.
Enough horticultural fabric to cover
the seedbed and weather permitting, while Planting in drills makes
others are best started off under thinning and weeding much
cover and planted out when the simpler because you can clearly
temperatures have warmed up. identify the leaves of your crops
Always prepare the ground and run less risk of hoeing up
well before sowing. It needs to developing seedlings.

1Preparing to sow
Mark out the drills using lengths of
string tied between stakes. Using the edge
2Sow seeds
Sprinkle the seeds evenly along
the length of the drill, following the
3Protect seedlings
Water seedlings well in dry weather.
If frost is forecast, cover the developing
of a piece of wood and a dibber or trowel, instructions on the seed packet. Gently seedlings with a layer of fabric, and lightly
make the drill in the prepared soil. cover with soil without displacing them. pin it down at the sides. Fabric is also good
for protecting crops from flying pests.
 VEGETABLES FROM SEED 133

TIMELY ADVICE
F Sowing seeds indoors Sow seeds into
individual pots, modules, or seed trays
filled with potting compost.
F Keep warm Put sown seeds in a cool
greenhouse or on a windowsill indoors
until they have germinated.
F Harden off After the last frost, prepare
seedlings for outdoor living by gradually
exposing them to temperatures outside.

4Thin out
Gently pull out seedlings along the
row until they are at the recommended
growing distances. Compost thinnings
away from the beds—in particular carrots
to prevent attracting carrot flies.
 134 GROW IT, EAT IT

Container crops
Most fruit and vegetables are ideal candidates for container-growing.
You don't need a vegetable garden or a rented plot to grow your own;
use your space creatively, and you can place pots around the garden to
make use of sunny, sheltered spots. Walls, steps, windowsills, and patios
all are good homes for healthy plants and need only a little planning.

PLANTING A WINDOW BOX

The kitchen window ledge is ideal for a
box of homegrown salads or herbs
since it is easy to reach out and pick
them as needed. Sow cut-and-come-
again varieties for a constant crop.

COPPER STRIP
Attach a copper strip around the sides of the
container. This will give slugs and snails a shock
and stop them from devouring your harvest.

PLANTING IN GROWING BAGS

These are handy for growing tomatoes, zucchini, or squash
in smaller gardens. Throw away the bags at the end of the
growing season, and dig the compost into borders.

CUT A HOLE PLANT UP WATER AND FEED

Knead the bag to fluff up the Make a hole in the compost, then Water plants in growing bags
compacted compost inside. remove each plant from its pot. well, and feed regularly as fruits
Lay it flat, and cut a hole in the Put a plant in each hole, and form; the compost will quickly
plastic around a cardboard collar. backfill with compost. Firm in. become depleted in nutrients.
 CONTAINER CROPS 135

BRIGHT IDEAS
Colorful crops lift a garden in summer, and if you are intermingling your
containers with ornamental plants in beds, borders, or patios, why not choose
fruit or vegetables that will provide a splash of color as well as a tasty
harvest? You don't have to stop there—use containers that are interesting
or brightly colored to show off your homegrown produce to best effect.

WINDOWSILL CROPS
Chili peppers provide a welcome blast of
heat in the summer, and the dramatic red
fruits will warm up any windowsill.
COLORFUL TRUGS RADIANT RADISHES
English trugs are one of the most versatile Juicy radishes are quick and easy to grow,
PLANTING POCKETS pieces of garden equipment, and work well and if planted successionally, you can enjoy
Living walls are a beautiful, textural as containers. With drainage holes, one the crunchy texture of these cheery red
feature, and these clever planting pockets large trug can hold two rhubarb plants, roots from late spring until early fall,
will provide a prolific herb harvest. giving a good harvest from a small space. plucked from a pot right by your back door.

TIN BATH PAINTED POTS

Line metal pots with compost bags to stop The joy of ceramic and tin pots is that
the compost from drying out too quickly. you can paint them any color to match
your mood, to reflect your personal style,
STEPPED PLANTERS or to contrast or echo the colors of the
These stylish willow boxes hide the plastic fruit or vegetables planted in them. All they
liners beneath and make a smart feature need is a coat of outdoor paint, and they
along the top of a wall or lining wide steps. have a whole new lease of life.
 136 GROW IT, EAT IT

Sack of potatoes
PLANT Late winter to mid-spring Potatoes are one of the easiest Early potatoes will take 14–15
HARVEST Early to mid-fall
crops to grow in containers. You weeks between planting and
can use any large recycled pots harvesting, main plantings 15–17
YOU WILL NEED
and tubs as long as they have weeks, while storage potatoes
Tubers (seed potatoes) grown from drainage holes. For a rustic look, will take 17–20 weeks.
virus-free stock (select based on cropping
time, resistance to disease, cooking use, use a lined burlap bag, shown Once harvested, you can store
color, and texture). here, rolling up the sides as you any sound storage tubers in
Egg carton add more compost around the paper or burlap bags. Brush the
Black trash bag and burlap bag or other base of the shoots. soil off, and leave them to dry in
large container
You’ll find potato tubers, the sun for a few hours.
Loam-based potting compost
including early, main, and storage If you only grow one type, pick
Scissors or shears
varieties, in garden centers from an early type for a quick supply
the late winter on. of delicious baby new potatoes.

1”Chit” the tubers

If you “chit” the tubers, it encourages
new shoots. It’s not essential, but it does
2Plant in compost
Place a punctured black refuse bag
inside the sack, and add 6in (15cm) of
3“Earth up”
As leafy shoots extend, “earth up”
by adding more compost to just below the
speed up growth. Place the tubers in an egg compost. Space out three sprouted tubers, shoot tips, rolling up the sack gradually.
carton so most of the “eyes” are at the top. being careful not to snap the fragile This stops light from reaching the tubers,
Leave in a cool, light spot for a few weeks. shoots, then cover with compost. which turns them green and inedible.
 SACK OF POTATOES 137

TIMELY ADVICE
F Start them off Chit early varieties in late
winter. For even earlier crops, plant and
protect the tubers in a greenhouse.
F Feed storage varieties These may
run short of nutrients, so feed every two
weeks during summer with a general liquid
fertilizer. Early types shouldn’t need feeding.
F Avoid splashback on leaves Water
beneath the foliage to lessen the risk of
diseases such as blight.
F “Earth up” This will cover some of the
plant’s green leaves, but don't worry—
new shoots will soon appear.
F Harvest Early potatoes can be harvested
when they flower, but leave storage crops
until the leaves start to yellow. Gently feel
the tuber size in the soil before harvesting.

4Prepare to harvest
Water regularly during the growing
season. Once the plants are ready to
harvest, cut open the bag with scissors
to reach the potatoes.
 138 GROW IT, EAT IT

Homemade compost
Good compost can make all the difference to
the quality of your soil and the health of your
plants. You can buy bags of it from garden
centers, but why bother when you can make
it yourself using your own organic material?

IDEAL COMPOST COMPOSITION

Perfect compost is produced when there is the right
balance of brown (carbon-rich) and green (nitrogen-rich)
materials within the heap. A 50:50 ratio is ideal for
bacteria and micro-organisms to work their magic.

LEAF MOLD
If you have a lot of trees
in or around your garden,
gather the leaves up in
the fall, and put them into
sacks or bags. Leave in an
GREEN BROWN GRASS CLIPPINGS out-of-the-way corner of
This is the "soft" waste; including This "hard" waste includes Too much grass stops micro- your garden, and after
leaves, annual weeds, raw shredded woody plant stems and organisms from working well, so one or two years you
kitchen waste, and uncooked fruit prunings along with paper, mix grass with shredded brown will have perfect,
and vegetable trimmings. cardboard, and straw. and green waste before adding. crumbly compost.

TURNING AND EMPTYING

F Mix it up Turning the materials in the compost heap
helps incorporate air, which is vital for the composting
process. If the materials in the heap become too wet
or compacted, composting is much slower.
F Emptying the heap Compost can be ready in six
months if left over the summer, when it rots more
rapidly. The compost is ready to use when it is dark BAGS OF COMPOST
brown with a crumbly, soil-like texture. Use from the Put leaves in thick plastic bags,
bottom of the bin first. and moisten if dry. Pierce holes
in the bag, and set aside to rot.
 HOMEMADE COMPOST 139

COMPOST DOS & DON'TS

BRIGHT IDEAS
Compost can be made in a variety of receptacles, from closed bins to open F Do place woody material at the base of

heaps. Bins with a lid will produce more heat and therefore compost more the bin to help with air circulation.
F Do keep the bin moist in dry weather to
quickly, but open heaps are much easier to turn. Choose your composting
help rot the materials.
method according to how much space you can give to it, as well as how
F Do turn the bin, and cover it to increase
much waste material you are likely to want to compost. the heat within the heap if you want to
speed up the composting process.
F Don't add too much wet or soggy waste;
it will upset the balance of the heap, and
you will end up with a sludgy mess.
F Don't add large twigs and bits of
cardboard to the heap—shred these
materials first.
F Don't add cooked food to a compost
heap—it will encourage vermin.

WORM COMPOST
STYLISH BEEHIVE ROTATING TUMBLER
If you only have a small garden
These pretty wooden bins are designed These plastic bins are available in many
to look like traditional beehives. They are sizes to suit all gardens. The bins are or do not have much compostable
ideal for smaller gardens or where you attached to a frame that allows the waste, a worm compost is a good
need your bin to be aesthetically pleasing gardener to rotate the bin, aerating and way to produce rich, homemade
rather than an eyesore. turning the material with minimum effort. compost. Kitchen and garden
waste is very quickly transformed
into nutritious plant food. You just
need some composting worms
and a special bin, then let the
worms do the rest!

RECYCLED RECYCLER TOWER OF TIRES

Open, slatted bins can be made from This is a simple, economical way to make
wooden pallets. Line with bags that a compost bin. Many garages will happily CARING FOR YOUR WORMS
have been punched with air holes. Cover give away used tires for free, which can be Avoid excess heat, cold, or wet.
the compost with cardboard or carpet to stacked to create a funky circular bin. As Don't overfeed, and draw off liquor
help the heap heat up and cook nicely. the heap grows, just add another tire! (free concentrated fertilizer) regularly.
 Better
boundaries
Walls, fences, and hedges should provide a
decorative backdrop to the garden as well as
privacy, but boundaries and internal divisions are
often in need of a mini makeover. Happily there
are all kinds of quick and easy solutions that will
pep up screens and partitions and make even dry
or shady sites sparkle with flowering and foliage
climbers and wall shrubs.
 142 BET TER BOUNDARIES

Hedge makeover
Hedges make attractive boundaries around or within gardens,
and add color and texture. Whether high or low, hedges can
provide a lush backdrop to other planting too, and if evergreen
plants are used, provide interest and form in a winter garden.
Whether informal or formal, hedging looks its best when it is
healthy and in good condition. If your hedge is looking a little
neglected, don't despair, a good trim will give it shape and
style and encourage fresh new growth.

HEDGE TRIMMER
Powered hedge trimmers make light
work of large hedges, but check for
nesting birds first. Keeping the blade
parallel to the hedge, use wide, sweeping
movements, working from the bottom up.
Always wear the correct safety gear, use
sturdy ladders, and avoid overreaching.

SHEARS
Handheld shears are ideal for smaller
hedges and those with small leaves.
Getting a straight line on top of a formal,
geometric hedge can be difficult, so attach
a string to two vertical poles to act as a
cutting guide. Keep the blades of the
shears parallel to the top as you cut.

INSTANT IMPACT
F Quick trim If you don't have time to cut the either side of the gap and tying them together
whole hedge, take a pair of shears, and lightly to hide the hole. If the gap is large, then
and evenly snip along the top of the hedge to consider buying a mature specimen to replace
give it more definition. the one that has died.
F Fill gaps Fill small gaps where plants have died
away in the hedge by taking a long branch from
 HEDGE MAKEOVER 143

WAVY HEDGE
Wavy or cloud hedges look
striking in an informal plan.
Billowing shapes soften
boundaries and lines within the
garden. The perfect shape takes
practice, but this relaxed style
easily tolerates mistakes.

BATTERY-OPERATED HEDGE TRIMMER

Battery trimmers are a good option for gardens without an outdoor
electric supply and are also relatively safe. Trimmers with cords
cause many accidents because they are easy to get tangled up in.
Small models save wrist strain when trimming topiary.

TOPIARY SHEARS
To sculpt hedges into crisp
shapes or figures, use sheep
shears (left) or small-bladed
shears. Both are perfect for
precise trimming. Sheep shears
are used one-handed, so rest
frequently to reduce fatigue.

HEDGE CLIPPINGS
Immediately remove hedge
trimmings from the plant
surface and base to prevent
them from rotting and
spreading disease. Run your
hand or a long pole over the
hedge to dislodge clippings.

IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME

F Add shape Create interest in a hedgerow by punctuating it with sculpted
features. In informal hedges, create triangular finials or topiary animals.
F Healthy hedging Trim the sides of a tall hedge, making sure the sides
slope slightly inward toward the top. The top of the hedge should end up
narrower than the bottom. Cut this way, the hedge won't splay out when
heavy snow settles, and the base receives more light.
 144 BET TER BOUNDARIES

Creative fences
Sprucing up fences is a big improvement.
Start by replacing rotten posts, gravel boards,
and broken panels. Add a touch of sophistication
with toning paint-stains, and unify mismatched
panels with the addition of screening or trellis.

ADD FINIALS AND TOPPINGS

It's easy to upgrade existing fencing to add more
character and charm to the garden. Simply mount fence
caps and ball- or acorn-shaped finials to posts and paint,
or attach trellis, retaining privacy but letting in light.

TOP NOTCH FACE LIFT TRELLIS WILLOW FINISH

Drill a hole through the fence cap Exterior paint-stain is best applied Produce a lighter look by filling in Use pre-soaked or fresh willow
and post, and screw in the acorn- with a brush or small roller to the gap above solid panels with wands to weave a decorative
shaped finial to finish. untreated or weathered wood. trellis. Secure with screws. edge for handmade trellis.

SCREENING
This versatile product comes
in various finishes from dark
rustic brushwood or heather
to lighter willow, and finally
traditional bamboo. Attach
with a heavy-duty staple
gun to cover mismatched
fence panels or to create
textured backdrops.
 CREATIVE FENCES 145

BRIGHT IDEAS
Make wooden screens, fences, and trellis panels work hard in the space they
occupy by giving them a decorative or practical function. Get creative with
paints, stains, sculptural elements, and plants. Below, red currant cordons with
strawberries at their base provide both an ornamental and edible façade.

LAYERED LOOK
Transform a lackluster fence by attaching a
roll of screening to create a plain backdrop
and fixing a piece of decorative
architectural trellis in front. Position a
topiary standard in the foreground.

FUNKY FIXTURES PAINT PUNCH BROWN STUDY

Provided they are waterproof and Add punch to your patio by painting sections Paint individual fencing planks in a variety
frost-proof, you can fix any colorful object of screening or trellis in an eye-catching of brown and gray shades to create a subtle
to a fence using nails or transparent wire shade. Use as a stand-alone feature or as contemporary backdrop for the garden—
ties. Pick a theme and have fun! a backdrop for a flowering climber. a great way to use up leftover wood stain.
 146 BET TER BOUNDARIES

Cool exposure
Cool, shady borders may not be drenched with sunlight
from morning to evening, but that doesn't mean they
can't be just as colorful as a sunny plot. Cooler
exposures are the perfect home for shade-tolerant
plants with variegated leaves and pale flowers, a
variety of deciduous and evergreen shrubs, not to
mention lush-looking woodland varieties.

GET THE LOOK

On one side of a water feature, plant one Clematis henryi (see how to on
pp.150–151). On the other side, plant one ivy (Hedera colchica 'Sulphur
Heart'). About 2–3ft (60–90cm) from the ivy, further away from the water
feature, plant the rambler rose 'Albéric Barbier'. Plant your choice of Japanese
maple (Acer palmatum) in the ivy's foreground so that the branches arch
over, framing the fountain. On the other side, plant five to seven foxgloves.

CLEMATIS COLLECTION SHADY SHRUBS SELF-CLINGERS

Clematis such as Clematis henryi raise their Japanese maples, Acer palmatum cultivars, Climbers such as ivy will happily romp up a
heads to the sun but love their roots in the thrive in sheltered locations, where their wall without needing any training or support.
shade, so they are ideal for cooler sites. Plant leaves are protected from scorch. Red cultivars Choose variegated ivies to lighten up a dark
in well-drained soil, and train up supports. need some sun to develop their foliage color. wall, such as Hedera colchica 'Sulphur Heart'.
 COOL EXPOSURE 147

COMPLETE THE LOOK

Natural light may be hard to find in a
shady garden, but with a few clever
tricks you can brighten up dark spots
with plants and accessories.

F Sparkling cascade Water tumbling into a raised

pool from a traditional pump will catch the light
and glisten. If you prefer a modern look, stainless
steel water sculptures have mirrored surfaces.
F Poolside planting Soften the pool edges, and
brighten up hard landscaping with shade-tolerant,
moisture-loving marginal or bog plants. Choose
plants that won't outgrow their space too quickly
and will shine in the shade, such as white flowers
of Zantedeschia or golden-variegated foliage.
F Fern focus Ferns provide a lush backdrop
to flowering plants, and evergreen ones will
provide color and texture even in the winter.
F Light touch Focus on using tricks of the light.
Use pale-colored flowers and foliage, and
lay light paving slabs to reflect natural light.

MORE PLANT OPTIONS

CLEMATIS COLLECTION Clematis alpina,
C. macropetala, C. montana, C. 'Ernest Markham',
C. 'Perle d'Azur', C. 'Jackmanii'

SHADY SHRUBS Jasminum nudiflorum,

Hydrangea macrophylla, Choisya ternata
'Sundance', Skimmia japonica 'Rubella'

SELF-CLINGERS Parthenocissus henryana,

Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris, Hedera
colchica 'Dentata Variegata'

WOODLAND BLOOMS Geranium nodosum,

Geranium phaeum 'Album', Anemone x hybrida
'Honorine Jobert', Campanula persicifolia

WOODLAND BLOOMS TOLERANT ROSES TOLERANT ROSES Rosa 'Zéphirine Drouhin',

Woodland plants such as foxgloves (Digitalis There is a good range of shade-tolerant R. 'Bleu Magenta', R. 'Danse du Feu', R.
species) bring a splash of color to darker roses available which will provide color and 'Madame Alfred Carrière', R. 'New Dawn'
corners. They are at home in cooler exposures, fragrance. White or pale-colored ramblers such
preferring well-drained soil and shade. as Rosa 'Albéric Barbier' lighten shady spots.
 148 BET TER BOUNDARIES

Warm exposure
This is the exposure that many gardeners dream of:
a warm spot in which a multitude of popular or exotic
plants will thrive with the minimum of fuss. A sunny,
sheltered site is ideal for recreating a Mediterranean-
style garden, which features an explosion of hot-colored
flowers and foliage as well as climbers or feature plants
dripping with citrus fruits and grapes.

GET THE LOOK

Against the wall, plant a grapevine (Vitis vinifera), choosing a suitably
hardy one for your area (see pp.150–151 on how to plant a climber). To the
right, place a potted Meyer's lemon. Further right, plant an outdoor peach
variety like 'Peregrine' that is already trained onto a wooden fan. Attach
the fan to wires. In front, plant five Maltese cross (Lychnis chalcedonica)
and in front of them, slightly left, plant three Dahlia 'David Howard'.

BOUNTIFUL VINES JUST PEACHY TROPICAL HARVEST

Grapevines can be successfully grown Store-bought peaches will never be good Nothing beats the fragrance of citrus flowers
outdoors in all but the coldest areas. There enough once you've tasted homegrown on a summer's day. Heat-loving limes, lemons,
are plenty of hardy varieties that will bear fruit. A sunny wall and winter protection and oranges need lots of sun and must be
abundant fruit on a hot and sunny wall. will reward you with a delicious harvest. taken inside in the winter to fruit another day.
 WARM EXPOSURE 149

COMPLETE THE LOOK

Bring a Mediterranean feel to your
garden with just a few well-placed
features, and on a sunny day you will
find yourself transported miles away.

F White walls Crisp white walls are a trademark

of homes in hot countries, and when the sun is
reflected off of them, they create the perfect
light backdrop for dark foliage.
F Touch of terra-cotta If you can't top your walls
with warm terra-cotta tiles, include this texture
and color in your plan by placing large clay pots
along paths, on balconies, or as features
set in beds and borders.
F Smart shutters You can replicate this
Mediterranean look by fixing wooden shutters
to a wall. These fake shutters can be sealed shut,
or you can open them to reveal a mirror behind,
which will reflect the planting in front.
F Constant color Keep the space warm and bright
by including hardy plants that will provide foliage
or flowers year-round.

MORE PLANT OPTIONS

BOUNTIFUL VINES Grape 'Brandt',
'Perlette', 'Phoenix', 'Pinot Noir', 'Siegerrebe',
'Boskoop Glory'

JUST PEACHY Peach 'Rochester', 'Peregrine';

Nectarine 'Lord Napier', 'Early Rivers'

TROPICAL HARVEST Meyer's lemon

(Citrus x meyeri 'Meyer'), 'Garey's Eureka'; Tahiti
lime (Citrus x latifolia); Orange 'Washington';
Calamondin 'Tiger'

HOT FAVORITES Crocosmia 'Hellfire',

Dahlia 'Grenadier', Canna indica, Achillea
'Paprika'
HOT FAVORITES VIVID FLOWERS VIVID FLOWERS Hemerocallis 'Corky',
Once dismissed as dowdy, dahlias are enjoying The red Maltese cross (Lychnis chalcedonica) Helenium 'Moerheim Beauty', Achillea
a well-deserved return to popularity, and the vies for attention with other plants in this 'Walther Funcke', Rudbeckia fulgida var.
orange blooms and dark foliage of Dahlia design. Happiest in sunny, moisture-retentive sullivantii 'Goldsturm'
'David Howard' are very much in style. soil, it blooms for weeks if deadheaded.
150 BET TER BOUNDARIES

Planting climbers
YOU WILL NEED

Well-rotted manure or garden compost

Slow-release granular fertilizer; general
fertilizer or fish, blood, and bone
Bamboo poles
Soft garden twine and scissors
Shears
Climber (Honeysuckle – Lonicera
periclymenum 'Serotina' shown here)
Bark for mulching (optional)

Taking extra care when planting

and training climbers allows
them to grow and establish
quickly and cover the fence,
wall, or trellis more evenly. Most
climbers race to the top of their
support to reach the sunniest
spot, so if you leave them tied
to their original poles, they do
just that. With all the plant’s
resources feeding the growth
running along the top of the
fence, the base loses foliage.
To have a strong, bushy plant,
pruning at planting time helps,
though it might seem rather
drastic. It’s particularly useful
with wilt-prone, large-flowered
clematis, too. Cut back to about
12in (30cm) above ground level,
just above a pair of large buds.
 PL ANTING CLIMBERS 151

1 Provide support
Screw in vine eyes to your fence posts.
You might need to drill pilot holes first.
2 Prepare the ground
Improve a broad area, digging in
manure or compost and applying fertilizer.
3 Plant the climber
Set the plant in the hole, tilting it
backward so the poles touch the wires.
Thread galvanized training wire through Dig a planting hole at least 18in (45cm) The surface of the root ball should be level
the vine eyes, pull it taut, and secure. from the fence to avoid a dry "rain with the surrounding soil. Backfill and firm
Space the wires every 18in (45cm). shadow" area. Add a fan of poles. with your hands.

MORE PLANT OPTIONS

F Foliage effect Golden hop (Humulus
lupulus 'Aureus'); gold-leaf jasmine
(Jasminum officinale 'Fiona Sunrise');
purple-leaf grapevine (Vitis vinifera
'Purpurea'); variegated Persian ivy
(Hedera colchica 'Dentata Variegata')
F Flower power Clematis 'Bill MacKenzie';
Clematis Jackmanii Group e.g. 'Niobe';
Clematis viticella cultivars e.g. 'Polish Spirit'
and 'Madame Julia Correvon'; passion
flower (Passiflora caerulea)
F Quick cover Chinese Virginia creeper
(Parthenocissus henryana); Clematis
montana 'Elizabeth'; Clematis tangutica;

4Re-attach stems
Undo stems from their poles and
fan them out, attaching each to a new
5Mulch with bark
After giving the plant and surrounding
soil a thorough soaking, apply several
Lonicera japonica 'Halliana'; rambler roses
F Fragrance Jasmine (Jasminum officinale);
star jasmine (Trachelospermum
jasminoides); white Chinese wisteria
support pole with twine, using a figure inches (centimeters) depth of bark mulch (Wisteria sinensis 'Alba')
eight. Tie above a bamboo joint to around its base. Keep a gap free of mulch
prevent it from slipping. around the neck of the plant.
 152 BET TER BOUNDARIES

Brightening walls
In areas where planting opportunities are limited,
especially near the house, adding color by painting
or staining walls and fences can create a lively
atmosphere. Think about the mood or style you
want to evoke and how elements apart from walls
(e.g. doors, furniture, and structures such as pergolas),
can be united using a limited color palette.

GET THE LOOK

Choose one wall for the bold feature color (see pp.86–87 for preparation tips).
In sunny areas and hot climates, clear oranges, reds, and yellows work well
but in cooler, cloudier regions and in shade, the light is blue-toned, so
blue-reds like raspberry or maroon as well as burnt orange shades and rich
blues glow effectively. Use a contrasting shade to highlight smaller elements
such as furniture, doors, and trellis panels.

VIBRANT HIGHLIGHTS DECORATIVE DETAIL CONTRASTING TEXTURE

Rich cornflower blue paint is used here A narrow border, created by setting in mortar Exposed stone or brickwork surrounded by
to make a feature of the door, chair, and lines of small, gleaming-white and polished- whitewashed treatment adds to the rustic
bench, providing a lovely cool contrast to black pebbles, echoes the pebble patio and charm of this courtyard and emphasizes
the vibrant orange wall. enhances the Mediterranean theme. windows and doors.
 BRIGHTENING WALLS 153

FINISHING TOUCHES
Using a particular palette often
suggests a theme. The colors used here
create a Mediterranean feel, which is
further enhanced by the choice of
furniture and decorative elements.

F Add-on ornaments A few blue and white

china plates are wall-mounted as ornaments,
but you could also feature a mosaic tile
(see pp.40–41).
F Climber-covered pergola Shocking pink
Bougainvillea casts dappled shade over the
dining area. In frost-prone regions, use a
hardier climber such as a grapevine or the
evergreen Clematis armandii.
F Chair lift Bring new life to an old, worn
kitchen chair or occasional table using bold
blue exterior gloss paint over universal primer.
F Pots and planters Finish off by adding
terra-cotta pots in various shapes and sizes,
some planted and others left empty.

COLOR WHEEL
Wheels are useful for showing which color
FEATURE COLOR FABRICS AND FURNISHINGS combinations create the best effects. Here,
You don't need a lot of the bright wall Here, the collection of cool, white chair cool blue has been used as a complementary
color to really make a statement. This orange covers mirrors the white walls, but plain or highlight color to hot orange, on the opposite
evokes sunshine and heat perfectly and is a patterned fabrics can also work, bringing out side of the wheel. Pick colors next to each
ideal foil for the climbing Bougainvillea. other colors to link the design together. other for a more harmonious effect.
 154 BET TER BOUNDARIES

Plant a boundary
There are locations where the views beyond the
garden's boundaries are too beautiful to block out
completely. While some sense of separation is
desirable, with clever planting the garden can
appear to extend far beyond its true extent.
Soft plant dividers are also very useful for
creating separate “rooms” within the garden.

GET THE LOOK

After thoroughly preparing the ground and pre-soaking all the plants,
lay out the following: on the far right, one ornamental cherry and on the
far left one purple smoke bush. In between, arrange a broad strip of five
Miscanthus sinensis 'Malepartus' or similar on the left, and overlap with
five Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea on the right. Behind the grasses
dot five Joe Pye weed. Plant in prepared holes, water in, and add bark mulch.

HIGH RISE TREE LINE PROUD PLUMES

The wildflower lookalike Joe Pye weed The ornamental cherry (Prunus) provides Turning darker as they age, the narrow
(Eupatorium purpureum) lifts its domed a spectacular display of fall leaves and plumes of eulalia grass (Miscanthus sinensis
heads above the surrounding planting. in the spring, produces dainty tresses of 'Malepartus') echo the darker purple foliage
Its blooms are a late treat for butterflies. pink or white blossoms. of the neighboring shrubs.
 PL ANT A BOUNDARY 155

FINISHING TOUCHES
The planting in this border has been
selected to enhance the woodland's fall
display and to help draw the eye
towards the “borrowed” landscape.

F Filtered view The flower stems and foliage

of certain taller grasses and perennials allow
you to see through to the area beyond yet still
create a sense of enclosure.
F Framed picture Select sections of the view
for framing using arching tree or shrub branches.
F Woven layers Arrange plants in long,
overlapping bands to create an illusion of depth,
allowing greater planting diversity within a
relatively narrow border.
F Hidden barrier A low wire fence provides
extra security along the property's boundary
and is almost invisible once the foreground
is planted.

MORE PLANT OPTIONS

HIGH RISE Rudbeckia laciniata 'Herbstsonne';
Echinops ritro; Verbena bonariensis;
Veronicastrum virginicum 'Album'

TREE LINE Sumach (Rhus typhina); Prunus

subhirtella 'Autumnalis Rosea'; Magnolia x
soulangeana; Cotoneaster frigidus 'Cornubia';
Japanese crabapple (Malus floribunda)

PROUD PLUMES Aruncus dioicus; Calamagrostis

x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'; Cortaderia selloana
'Pumila'; Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberfeder'

RICH TINTS Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo';

Cotinus 'Grace'; Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin';
Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy'; Fothergilla major
RICH TINTS GOSSAMER GRASSES
In summer, cloudlike flower plumes appear The see-through flower stems of plants like GOSSAMER GRASSES Deschampsia
on the purple smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria purple moor grass (Molinia caerulea subsp. cespitosa; Stipa gigantea; Panicum virgatum;
'Royal Purple'). The rounded leaves develop arundinacea) and its varieties are perfect for Anemanthele lessoniana
rich tints before they drop in late fall. creating soft boundaries.
 Welcoming
wildlife
Birds, bees, and butterflies add another dimension
to the experience of gardening, and just by making
a few subtle changes or additions to your planting
design, you can dramatically increase your plot’s
wildlife quotient. You don’t have to turn the borders
over to weeds or sacrifice color and interest. Many
plans and planting ideas, designed to attract a
variety of creatures, also look terrific.
 158 WELCOMING WILDLIFE

Wildlife habitat
Share your garden with
WILDFLOWER AREAS
some wildlife visitors, and Encourage beneficial insects and
pollinators including bees and butterflies
you will be repaid in full.
into your garden by luring them to
You can while away the days borders filled with their favorite plants.
watching them and know
that as they busy themselves
in your garden, they are also
reducing your workload!

TOADS AND FROGS

The ultimate gardener's friends, toads and
frogs will happily munch on a wide range
of insects and are particularly fond of slugs, so
it's worth making space for them in your
garden. Help them set up housekeeping by
providing cool, dark places to hide in like clay
pots, log piles, or stones around ponds.

WATER IN THE GARDEN

Water will attract a wide range of creatures
and lots of insects. Insects draw dragonflies,
birds, amphibians, and bats. Ensure your
pond has a sloping side for safe access to
the water. To make sure it is tempting for
the creatures, position it in a sunny spot
sheltered from strong winds.

INSTANT IMPACT
F Don't be too tidy Wildlife won't flock to a some are slightly buried. Left undisturbed,
neat garden because it provides fewer beetles and other beneficial insects will
opportunities for shelter. If you want visitors, soon make the logs their home.
keep pruning and clearing to a minimum. F Nectar source Sow quick-growing, hardy
F Log pile Dig a shallow trench in a shady corner, annual flower mix in gaps in the border
and pile up logs or pruned branches in it so that to provide nectar for bees and hoverflies.
 WILDLIFE HABITAT 159

GREEN ROOF
Living green roofs not only
make dull hard landscaping
look attractive, but they also
make ideal homes for beneficial
insects. Grow plants on a
prepared shed roof, or buy rolls
of ready-made sedum matting.

TREES AND HEDGES

Trees and hedges provide
welcome spots for birds and
other wildlife to nest, forage
for food, and take shelter from
weather and predators, so do
a thorough check for nesting
animals before pruning.

ROOSTING POUCH
Made from natural materials,
these hanging pouches provide
a safe and cozy home for little
birds away from harsh weather
and predators. Hang or fix to a
tree in a sheltered spot out of
prevailing winds and full sun.

SMALL ANIMAL HOUSE

Place a wooden box or house
in a quiet corner, and it won't
be long before a wild creature
takes up residence.

IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME

F Planning more habitats Spend time in your garden thinking of and
planning ideal sites for nest boxes, wildlife ponds, or bog gardens.
F Plant a perch If your garden is relatively new, plant quick-growing or
mature shrubs or a small tree to provide safe vantage points for birds.
F All access pass Check boundaries lines, and ensure fencing has large
enough gaps at ground level for small visiting animals to come in and out.
160 WELCOMING WILDLIFE

Mini bog garden

YOU WILL NEED
Bamboo cane and string
Plastic sheeting
Well-rotted manure or garden compost
Pebbles
Moisture-loving plants (e.g. Chinese
rhubarb (Rheum palmatum), Hosta,
fiber optic plant (Isolepis cernua),
Acorus gramineus ‘Variegatus’,
Japanese water lily (Iris ensata),
Lysimachia ciliata ‘Firecracker’,
Houttuynia cordata ‘Chameleon’)

A bog garden is the perfect

alternative to a pond if you have
young children. It also provides a
great habitat for frogs, toads, and
salamanders. They not only find
shelter among the lush canopy
of foliage but also relish the
moisture and ready food supply.
Put a bog garden next to a
pond, and you have the best of
both worlds, including a retreat
for emerging young frogs. The
moist ground allows you to grow
a wide range of wildlife-friendly
flowers, providing nectar and
pollen for bees and other insects.
Add plenty of well-rotted
manure or homemade compost
to your bog garden before you
plant to improve the soil’s
capacity to hold moisture.
 MINI BOG GARDEN 161

1Choose your location

Pick a spot in good light. A natural
hollow is ideal. If next to a pond, ensure
2Prepare the ground
Remove grass, weeds, and plants.
Pile soil nearby to use for backfilling.
3Lay out the liner
Spread a single sheet of plastic in the
hole. The bog garden must have drainage,
that water run-off can’t enter the pond Excavate a depression deep enough to so puncture the center of the sheet several
since it will overfertilize the water and plant the largest rootball at the center. times with a fork. Backfill with a mixture
encourage algae. Mark out a circle. of manure and excavated soil.

SUITABLE PLANTS
F Astilbe
F Bowles’s golden sedge
(Carex elata ‘Aurea’)
F Bugle (Ajuga reptans)
F Candelabra primulas
(Primula pulverulenta, Primula beesiana,
Primula bulleyana)
F Dwarf umbrella plant
(Darmera peltata ‘Nana’)
F Joe-Pye weed (Eupatorium maculatum)
F Ligularia ‘The Rocket’
F Ligularia dentata ‘Desdemona’
F Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria

4 Plant moisture lovers

Avoiding walking on the soil, plant
a big-leaf plant like Chinese rhubarb
5 Water thoroughly
It will take a while for the soil to
settle, but don’t try to flatten out any
‘Blush’)
F Ragged robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi)
F Stachys palustris
(Rheum palmatum ‘Atrosanguineum’), unevenness or press down too hard F Water avens (Geum rivale
and surround with moisture-loving on the soil because this will adversely ‘Leonard’s Variety’)
plants. Edge with pebbles. affect the drainage. Water well.
 162 WELCOMING WILDLIFE

Planting for bees

Bees buzz over wild gardens, so allow the
base of a mixed hedge to fill with leaf litter
and “weeds,” and grow nectar- and pollen-rich
flowers together with a variety of meadow
plants and cornfield annuals.

BEE HOUSES
Site bee houses in a sunny, sheltered spot close to a good
nectar and pollen source. Some solitary bees lay eggs in
bore holes in wood, and bumblebees often use abandoned
rodent nests or cavities underground.

BEE PLAYGROUND
The habitat stack (above) MAKE IT
offers shelter and nesting
sites for bees and other F Bee hotel Mason bees lay eggs
small creatures. Arrange in hollow stems, so gather up some
bricks, roof tiles, drainage bamboo poles, and make the perfect
pipes and drilled blocks of bee bolt hole. Put modeling clay
wood in layers using old in the base of a clay pot, cut short
lengths of bamboo poles, and press
untreated planks for
as many as you can into the clay.
support. Fill potential bee
In spring, suspend from trees or
nests with hay, fleece and from hooks in your borders.
hair from animal grooming.
 PL ANTING FOR BEES 163

PERFECT PLANTS EARLY BLOOMERS

To draw the bees in, grow single-flowered, English-garden perennials such as delphinium,
poppy, verbascum, campanula, polemonium, and scabiosa; hardy annuals like Phacelia, These plants are vital for the
survival of emerging queen
and wildflowers. Most flowering herbs are irresistible too.
bumblebees after hibernation.

Aubrieta deltoidea; Ajuga

reptans; comfrey (Symphytum
officinale); crocus; Cytisus x
praecox; forget-me-not
(Myosotis); foxglove (Digitalis
purpurea); fruit trees; grape
hyacinth (Muscari); hazel
(Corylus avellana); Helleborus;
pieris; Primula vulgaris;
Pulmonaria saccharata;
CRANESBILL BLANKET FLOWER PLUME THISTLE
rhododendron; Ribes
A classic English-garden The two-toned Gaillardia Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum'
sanguineum; Rosmarinus
perennial, common varieties cultivars bloom for months is a less prickly relative of the
officinalis; Skimmia japonica;
like Geranium 'Johnson's Blue' in summer if regularly wild thistle, which flowers in
Viburnum x bodnantense;
are always buzzing with bees. deadheaded and are bright the summer. It likes moisture-
Salix; winter heathers (Erica)
bee and butterfly attractors. retentive soil.

LAVENDER
These fragrant, aromatic herbs are the bee's favorite.
Use a range of varieties in any sunny, well-drained spot
to increase the spread of flowering. English lavenders are
hardier and will self-seed into gravel and paving cracks.

FRENCH LAVENDER LAVENDER

Lavandula pedunculata subsp. Varieties of Lavandula
pedunculata blooms all summer, angustifolia flower from mid-
and Lavandula stoechas plants to late summer and come in
have tufted blooms. a range of pastels.
 164 WELCOMING WILDLIFE

Homegrown bird food

Herbaceous borders and prairie-style plantings offer many foraging
opportunities for seed-eating birds in fall and winter. Simply
stop deadheading in late summer to allow plants to form seedheads.
Large swathes of one plant are an even bigger draw for visiting flocks.

PLANT IT
The seedheads of these plants are extremely attractive to birds. Combine 3–5
of each with ornamental grasses such as Calamagrostis x acutifolia ‘Karl Foerster’
and Stipa gigantea in a sunny corner of the garden, adjacent to cover from larger
shrubs, or add groups of 3–5 in a herbaceous or mixed border.

RUDBECKIA COSMOS CONEFLOWER

Single types of annual Rudbeckia This tall annual is sold in divided Echinacea purpurea, a perennial
hirta are available as young trays in spring or as pot-grown that flowers through summer,
plants in early summer. plants later in the year. thrives on fertile, not-too-dry soil.

SOW IT MAKE IT
Some plants are hard to
find in garden centers but F Seed treats Melt suet, and mix
with bird seed. Place around pine
easy to grow from seed. cones or in small pots threaded
Sow most hardy annuals with string. Harden in the freezer
and hardy biennials, e.g. before hanging outside.
teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) F Fruit and nuts Use a darning
and evening primrose needle to string up dried fruit and
nuts. Slice fallen apples, and link
(Oenothera biennis), direct SUNFLOWERS them together with string.
into prepared soil (spring– Sow medium-height and tall F Sunflowers Cut off deadheads,
early summer). Choose single sunflowers individually in small thread with string, and hang up.
flowers over doubles. pots or divided trays in spring.
 HOMEGROWN BIRD FOOD 165

PERFECT PLANTS
Even a single berrying or fruiting plant is a valuable resource for birds.
Many are also highly ornamental, making it easy to justify adding one or
two to smaller urban plots. Shrubs, trees, and climbers not only offer food but
also shelter and nesting sites. It’s best to grow ornamental forms of natives,
but most birds will adapt and rarely reject any glistening red or black fruits.

BERRIES FRUITS
Plant a single cotoneaster shrub at the back Single-flowered Rosa rugosa makes
of the border, or use Cotoneaster an excellent informal hedge or border
horizontalis against a wall or fence. For a specimen; finches love to break open
thorny barrier, plant firethorn (Pyracantha) the large hips in fall. Also try ornamental
or barberry (Berberis thunbergii). crabapples (Malus).

CLIMBERS TREES
Cover walls, fences, and garden buildings As well as planting a lawn or boundary
with fragrant honeysuckle (Lonicera specimen of a berrying tree like rowan
periclymenum), which later develops (Sorbus), consider smaller ornamental
glistening red berries. Mature ivy conifers and other cone-bearing plants
(Hedera helix) has bird-friendly black fruit. (e.g. birch, alder) as a source of seeds.
 166 WELCOMING WILDLIFE

Winter bird care

As winter sets in, plants die down, and the ground hardens
with a coating of frost or snow. It becomes difficult for birds
to forage for the food and water they need to survive until
spring. In these chilly conditions, birds must build up their fat
deposits to keep warm, so high-energy foods should be on
the menu. In the morning and the hours just before dusk, put
food in a place where birds can safely access it, and ideally
position feeders out of the reach of squirrels.

BIRD TABLE
The simple bird table is one of the most
effective ways to feed birds, especially the
less agile ground feeders. Ensure the one you
buy or build has drainage and a raised rim to
prevent food from sliding off. A roof gives
some protection from predators plus shelter
from the rain. Clean regularly.

SUET BALLS
You can buy suet balls ready-made or prepare
them yourself with seeds and melted suet.
Thread string through the bottom of a yogurt
container, and pack in the ingredients. When
set, cut away the pot and hang. Never use
mesh-covered balls; these can trap the birds'
feet or beaks and injure them.

INSTANT IMPACT
F Nesting boxes Buy a wooden birdbox, and and some grapes onto a circular wreath frame,
attach it to a wall or fence, or fix to a tree and hang in a tree.
in a safe, sheltered spot out of direct sunlight. F Break the ice Pour boiling water from the
They make cozy winter roosts too. kettle onto frozen bird baths to melt the ice.
F Edible wreath Give the birds a Christmas F Ground feeders Scatter apple pieces and
wreath. Thread bits of apple, pear, orange, broken suet cakes on a snow-cleared patch.
 WINTER BIRD CARE 167

SEED FEEDER
Buy, fill, and hang a feeder.
There is a huge range of
bird seed, and seed-and-insect
mixes available; some suited to
general purpose or specialized
bird feeders, others to tables
or the ground.

BIRDFEEDER CARE
Clean and wash your birdfeeder
regularly using hot soapy water
with a drop of disinfectant
added to remove harmful
bacteria. Scrub and rinse well.

PEANUTS
Nuts are protein rich and high
in fat, but when moldy contain
a toxin that can kill birds. Only
buy nuts from reputable
suppliers, regularly empty and
clean feeders, and never offer
salted or roasted types.

BIRD BATH
Bathing is vital for maintaining
cold-insulating feathers. Provide
a dish with shallow sloping
sides, such as a garbage can lid.
Break ice, clean, and refill daily.

IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME

F Eating station Try to get ahold of a wooden post that has cracks or
holes in it, but if you can't, drill some. Pack fatty foods such as suet into
the holes so that birds can peck at them. Secure the post in the ground.
F Rooftop living If you want to encourage swallows, house martins,
or sparrows to nest, get out the ladder and secure appropriate boxes
(available from garden centers) just below the roof gutter.
 168 WELCOMING WILDLIFE

Planting for butterflies

Many butterflies are becoming endangered,
but you can do your part to encourage these
beautiful creatures to enter your garden when
deciding on your planting design. Choose their
favorites, and create a butterfly paradise.

PLANT ON THE PATIO

If you want to get up close and personal, plant irresistible
blooms in pots or in beds at the edges of patios. Butterflies
will happily enjoy nectar from a variety of plants, so choose
carefully to have flowers in bloom throughout the summer.

BUTTERFLY POTS BEDDING FEAST

Verbenas and heliotrope are Gloriously colorful and vibrant
much loved by butterflies and zinnias are the sort of flowering
DRINKING
are also long-flowering, providing plants that make both gardeners F Nectar of the gods The ultimate
them with food for many months. and butterflies happy. Their nutritious treat for butterflies is a
Plant trailing verbena in baskets cheery flowers repeat through saucer of washed sand saturated
and on the sides of large pots summer if deadheaded regularly. with water enriched with sugar
and raised beds. Blend heliotrope Other tempting bedding plants syrup and manure. Leave it in full
and jewel-colored, upright include fragrant wallflowers, sun, and watch them flock in!
verbenas with compact, single French marigolds, oregano, F Standing room only Ensure
single-flowered cosmos varieties, Mexican sunflower (Tithonia), there is no surface water so
bedding salvias, or tender single dahlias, sweet alyssum butterflies can land on the sand.
lantana. (Lobularia maritima), and lavender.
 PL ANTING FOR BUT TERFLIES 169

PERFECT PLANTS
Butterflies like to be warm, so grow plants that they find attractive in sunny
beds. To keep these beautiful and beneficial insects visiting your garden, offer MORE PLANT OPTIONS
a good selection of plants to provide nectar from spring all the way through SPRING FLOWERING Aubrieta 'Doctor
to fall. Spring flowers will pep up insects after winter hibernation, while fall Mules'; bluebells; grape hyacinth (Muscari);
ones will allow butterflies to build up essential food reserves. honesty (Lunaria annua); holly (Ilex
aquifolium); Juneberry (Amelanchier
lamarckii); lady's smock (Cardamine
pratensis); wallflower (Erysimum cultivars)

SUMMER FLOWERING Heliotrope;

Phlox species; bergamot; sea holly (Eryngium
species); mullein (Verbascum species); hemp
agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum); purple
loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria); ragged robin
(Lychnis flos-cuculi); Scabiosa caucasica 'Clive
Greaves'; sweet rocket (Hesperis matronalis);
teasel (Dipsacus fullonum); Verbena rigida

FALL FLOWERING Ivy (Hedera helix);

michaelmas daisy (Aster novi-belgii); Sedum
LONG-STANDING FAVORITE ENGLISH-GARDEN STYLE
spectabile; Sedum 'Herbstfreude'; black-eyed
The tall stems of Verbena bonariensis Centranthus ruber is an amazing sight when
Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida); Echinacea purpurea;
provide nectar from spring until the first its flowers are covered in a haze of feeding
Vitex agnus-castus; Caryopteris x clandonensis
frost. These airy plants look elegant butterflies. The rich red blooms appear from
'Heavenly Blue'; Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue'
scattered through other plants or when mid-summer until fall, when the plant will
used as a see-through screen. self-seed to get ready for another year.

BRIGHT AND SHOWY DELECTABLE BEDS BUTTERFLY BUSH

The butterfly plant Asclepias tuberosa is a Flowering from late summer into fall, Found along railways, roadsides, and on
perennial, so it flowers reliably year after hebes provide a late feast for butterflies. vacant land, buddlejas are tough plants
year. The 3ft- (90cm-) tall plant is topped There are many different varieties, in that are easy to grow in any soil. Their
by striking orange flowerheads and shades and sizes to suit every garden, and dense panicles of multicolored flowers are
develops long seed pods in the fall. their evergreen foliage is welcome in winter. paradise for butterflies into the fall.
 170 WELCOMING WILDLIFE

Wildflower meadow
Even city dwellers can have a taste of the countryside
in their urban gardens with a little planning and a few
carefully selected native and garden plants. You don't
need acres of space to create a wildflower meadow; you
can mirror the effect in a border. A meadowlike design is
a beautiful sight in the summer and once established
will encourage birds, bees, and other beneficial insects.

GET THE LOOK

Prepare the ground where you want to plant your wildflower meadow.
The ideal spot will have good, well-drained soil in a sunny spot. Rake the
soil to a fine tilth, and sow seeds in drifts to get an even distribution of
plants—allow taller plants such as viper's bugloss and corn marigold to
punctuate the design rather than grouping them at the back. Annuals provide
first-year color while perennials and biennials establish.

WAVING TALL SUN WORSHIPER FAMILIAR FRIENDS

The long stems of common yarrow (Achillea The corn marigold (Chrysanthemum segetum), The cheery white flowers of the perennial
millefolium) hold clusters of delicate white once a familiar sight in wheat fields, is an ox-eye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) are
flowers high above the other plants. In full annual that comes back year after year, a common sight along roadsides and in
sun, however, this perennial can be invasive. provided the soil is turned over each fall. meadows from late spring through summer.
 WILDFLOWER MEADOW 171

FINISHING TOUCHES
Meadow meets urban garden. Here, the
natural planting is offset by paving and
stone seating, allowing visitors to enjoy
the space without walking over plants.

F Pathways Create a walkway through the

meadow so you can enjoy the planting. Formal
paths are a chic, practical feature in a small,
urban garden, or you can create a solid pathway
with pieces of tree stumps, bark, or gravel.
F Sit and savor A wildflower garden in all its
glory should be enjoyed. Place seating
throughout the meadow so you can sit among
the flowers. Stone seats add a contrast in
texture, or use wooden benches or those made
from willow or hazel for a more natural feel.
F Add height The trees in the wildflower beds
add height to this design. The canopies and
lower branches need to be trimmed to allow
maximum sunlight to reach the plants. Rustic
poles or pergolas can also add interest and
height if you don't have room for trees.

MORE PLANT OPTIONS

WAVING TALL Ammi majus, cow parsley
(Anthriscus sylvestris), giant scabiosa
(Cephalaria gigantea), Verbena bonariensis

SUN WORSHIPER California poppy

(Eschscholzia californica), Cosmos bipinnatus,
teasel (Dipsacus fullonum)

FAMILIAR FRIENDS Corn cockle

(Agrostemma githago), cowslip (Primula veris),
field scabiosa (Knautia arvensis), poppy
(Papaver rhoeas), red clover (Trifolium pratense)

SHADY CHARACTERS Geranium

macrorrhizum, Japanese anemone (Anemone
x hybrida), foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
SHADY CHARACTERS A HAZE OF BLUE
This semi-evergreen, clump-forming perennial The biennial viper's bugloss (Echium vulgare) A HAZE OF BLUE Campanula trachelium,
red campion (Silene dioica) is perfect for filling is a tall bee magnet that adds a cool note to cornflower (Centaurea cyanus), meadow
shady gaps. In addition, the pink flowers add the design. Sow two years consecutively cranesbill (Geranium pratense)
welcome color from spring to fall. to have flowers each year.
 172 WELCOMING WILDLIFE

Healthy pond
Not only are ponds a soothing spot for a gardener to while
away a few hours on a warm day, but they are also a
welcome home for a multitude of wildlife. However, no
matter how informal your pond, it does demand care and
attention to keep it looking its best and to provide a healthy
habitat for any visiting creatures. Left untended, weeds and
planting can take over, and decaying vegetation can taint the
water and encourage unwanted algae and bacteria.

STOP BLANKET WEED

A submerged bag of barley straw
discourages troublesome algae. Use a
bundle of about 1½ oz of straw per sq yd
(50g per sq m) of water surface area for
the best results. Lower the bundle in
place in spring, and remove it in fall
when it has turned black.

CLEAR OVERGROWTH
Oxygenating plants are necessary in a
healthy pond, but can be over vigorous
and require thinning out routinely.
Gently remove excess by gathering with
a spring-tined rake. Pile onto the sides
to allow creatures to slip back into the
water overnight, and then compost.

INSTANT IMPACT
F Elegant lilies Waterlilies add a sophisticated wrap itself around the pole and can be simply
touch to a sunny pond and a welcome splash of lifted out. Leave it at the side of the pond
color. Choose a plant for the size of your pond. overnight to allow insects to return to the water.
F Wind up weeds To clear unsightly blanket F Night vision If you enjoy wildlife-watching at
weed, take a bamboo pole, insert it into the night, position solar-powered spike lights around
bulk of the algae, and turn it. The weed will the edge of the pond.
 HEALTHY POND 173

CLEAN FILTER
In late fall, remove the pond
filter, and clean with the hose
to remove weeds or debris.
Store away for the winter.

RAINWATER TOP-OFF
Wildlife ponds in particular
benefit from being topped off
with rainwater rather than tap
water. Position water barrels
near the pond where they can
catch and store water, ready
to be piped in when needed.

PLANTING UP
Lower deep-water plants into
the pond in mesh baskets,
which will allow them to take
root. Covering the top of the
compost with pebbles prevents
the soil from dispersing into
the water and clouding it.

REMOVE LEAVES
It is important to remove leaves
from the water as they fall to
keep them from decaying in
the pond. Scoop them out with
a net, or place netting over the
pond surface at peak leaf fall,
but remove it before winter.

IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME

F Dividing marginals The planting at the edges of the pond can get a
little overcrowded over time. In spring, lift congested clumps of plants, and
divide them into chunks. Replant the healthy roots, and compost the rest.
F Slipway If you want to encourage wildlife into your pond, make sure they
have easy access to the water. Build pebble slopes for them to walk down,
and position large stones at the edge for sunbathing creatures.
 Easy care
There are plenty of time- and labor-saving ideas
that help make gardening a more enjoyable and
productive pastime. Knowing how to do the
minimum amount of maintenance at the right
time will produce maximum results. There are also
techniques for cutting back on routine jobs like
feeding and watering, as well as ways to streamline
annual activities such as pruning—all of which will
give you more time to relax and enjoy your garden.
176 EASY CARE

Automatic irrigation
YOU WILL NEED
Irrigation "starter kit"
including an outside tap adaptor
Tape measure
Utility knife for cutting pipework,
plus cutting board
Hammer
Outdoor tap adaptor (only necessary to
purchase if one in kit doesn't fit tap)
Large cable clips with nails

If keeping patio pots and

hanging baskets properly
watered is becoming a chore,
a small automatic watering
system is invaluable. Add a
watering computer or timer to
your tap, and you can even
program the water to come
on while you are not home,
or in the middle of the night—
no annoying water drips.
Watering in the cool of the
evening is important because
it reduces the amount of water
lost through evaporation.
Automatic drip nozzle
irrigation is very efficient since
the water has time to slowly
penetrate, rather than running
off and over the edge of the
container before it has soaked in.
 AUTOMATIC IRRIGATION 177

1 Attach the pipe to the tap

Screw or snap in the fixture to your
outdoor tap, and then spread out the
2 Connect the pipes
Loosely secure main tubing in
position, but don't cut off the excess yet.
3 Place one end in first pot
After measuring, cut side branches to
the right length using a utility knife,
tubing, laying it out to be certain that Attach branches to it, using the T-joints. allowing some extra leeway. Attach the
it will reach the various pots, planters, If they are difficult to insert, soften the drip nozzle to the end of the pipe, and
and baskets easily. pipe ends in a bowl of hot water. push the plastic peg into the soil to secure.

4Run pipe into next pot

Here, we've put the end of the main
pipe into the topmost basket, fixing a drip
5Attach pipe to pergola
Tuck the pipework into spaces
alongside paving and decking, and use
6Insert into last basket
Put the final drip nozzle in place.
A "thirsty" basket like this one containing
nozzle, but you could put a stopper on for cable clips to attach to any fence and tumbling tomatoes will enjoy regular
future extensions, and run a side branch trellis panels and up and along the watering. Adjust the duration and
to the basket instead. framework of the pergola. frequency of irrigation to avoid waste.
 178 EASY CARE

Lawn makeover
A glorious green expanse looks
AERATING
stunning in any garden design, but a Compacted soils have had all
the air spaces trampled out,
lawn needs a fair bit of maintenance so grasses find it difficult to
and care to keep it looking at its best. grow through. Spiking the
lawn in the fall creates
However, each of the tricks of the airways for healthy roots.
trade for creating a lush carpet are
quick to perform and often have
lasting results—and several only need
to be done at certain times of the
year rather than on a regular basis.

RAKING UP LEAVES
Clear away leaves as they fall onto your lawn, using a
spring-tined rake. If left, a layer of leaves will smother
the grass and weaken its growth. Collect the leaves as you
go, and put them into perforated plastic sacks with a little
water—in a year you will have nutritious leaf mold.

MOWING
It doesn't take long to run a mower over a lawn, with
satisfying results. To keep grass healthy, don't cut it too
short. Grass cut very short grows quickly and therefore
requires more mowing. In hot weather, raise mower
blades to high to prevent scorching the grass.

INSTANT IMPACT
F Brush away worm casts Worms are a sign of moss. The lawn may look a little battered at
a healthy lawn, but the casts they leave on the first, but within days it will perk up.
surface do not look good. Brush away with a F Tidy steps If you have stepping stones or a
stiff broom on a dry day. path set in the grass, a quick trim to redefine
F Rake out moss A quick, vigorous work-over the edges will lift the overall appearance of a
with a spring-tined rake will remove lurking lawn. Remove turf strips and clippings.
 L AWN MAKEOVER 179

TOP-DRESSING
A generous application of a
top-dressing mix will help
iron out lumps and bumps
and improve the soil texture.
Evenly scatter over some sandy
compost mix with a spade, then
brush it into the surface.

EDGING
Trim margins with edging
shears for a sharp look and to
clearly define where the grass
ends and the borders begin.

SPOT WEEDING
Flat, rosette-forming weeds
hide from the blades of the
mower and need hands-on
treatment to get rid of them.
Use an old knife, or paint
selective weedkiller onto
individual plants to kill roots.

SEEDING PATCHES
In areas where the grass is
sparse or worn away, sow new
seed to fill the gap. Rough up
the soil surface with a fork, and
evenly scatter over the seeds.
Cover with netting to protect
from birds, and water in well.

IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME

F Scarify Thatch (old grass, dead moss, and other plant debris) can build
up and smother the grass. In the fall, thoroughly rake it out with a
spring-tined rake, or rent an electric scarifier.
F Repair worn edges Slice out damaged edges using a spade, and lift
them away from the soil. Turn the piece around so the tattered edge is
facing in, and firm it into place. Seed the patch, and trim the new edge.
 180 EASY CARE

“Beat the drought” border

If you have a sunny garden on only cuts down on watering
YOU WILL NEED
free-draining soil, using drought- but also reduces weeding.
4 bags of ornamental gravel tolerant plants makes a lot of The permeable matting
Grit or gravel (optional) sense. With water supplies under allows rainwater to penetrate
Weed matting, chalk, and scissors increasing loads, the less water but, especially with the addition
Heavy-duty galvanized wire we use in the ornamental of a light-reflecting surface
Shears with wire-cutting notch garden, the better. mulch, also helps to keep the
Bucket and hand brush Many alpines, shrubby and soil cool by trapping moisture
Drought-resistant plants (e.g. carpeting evergreen herbs, as around the plant roots.
Rhodanthemum ‘African Eyes’, Lavandula
angustifolia ‘Hidcote’, Stachys byzantina, well as Mediterranean shrubs Don’t lay the gravel too thickly,
Helianthemum, Verbascum chaixii, Sedum and perennials have excellent or it will then trap moisture,
telephium (Atropurpureum Group) ‘Purple
Emperor’, Callistemon ‘Perth Pink’) drought-resistance. A sunny which creates good conditions
border set up as shown here not for weed seeds to germinate.

1Turn over the ground

Dig the area to below the depth of
the largest plant’s rootball, breaking
2Lay the weed matting
Level the soil to reduce the risk
of water pooling, then cover with
3Lay out the plants
Using long pieces of wire, peg down
the folded edges. Bend over the tops of
up any large clods and working in some the matting, overlapping the pieces the wire to grip the matting. Keeping the
grit or gravel for drainage if the soil has generously. Roughly trim to size, and plants in their pots, decide how you want
a high clay content. fold the edges over. them arranged in the border.
 “BEAT THE DROUGHT” BORDER 181

TIMELY ADVICE
F Water in the first summer The root
systems of the plants might not yet
be sufficiently developed to cope with
drought, so water in the first summer
during any hot, dry spells.
F Lightly clip for shape After lavender
bushes and helianthemum have flowered,
use shears to take off the old flowers and
flower stems and a little of the soft shoot
tips. This keeps plants bushy and compact.
F Deadhead Daisies need regular
deadheading and removal of the flower
stalks to encourage more blooms.
F Weed Remove weed seedlings in gravel
before they form a large root system since
they are much easier to pull out when
tiny. It also doesn’t give them time to
flower and self-seed.

4Cut planting holes

Mark the positions of the plant pots
using a piece of chalk. Cut cross-shaped
5Remove excess soil
Work soil around each rootball,
removing excess to a bucket. Firm lightly.
6Disguise with gravel
Water thoroughly. Cover the matting
with just enough gravel to camouflage it,
holes at each marked point with scissors, Replace the folded-back matting, and use lifting the foliage to work the gravel
fold back the corners of the matting, then a hand brush to sweep away soil crumbs. underneath.
plant through the holes using a trowel.
 182 EASY CARE

Late winter pruning

This is a useful time to make a start on
pruning since the garden is relatively quiet CLEANING TOOLS
workwise. In mild spells you can cut many Keeping tools in good order makes pruning easier and
reduces the risk of spreading disease. Clean debris, sap,
mid- to late summer flowering, hardy, or rust off of blades, sterilize with rubbing alcohol, and
deciduous shrubs and climbers, including oil with a lubricating, anti-corrosion product.
wisteria, as well as shrubs that are grown
for their foliage or colored stems.

PRUNING DOGWOOD
Act now if you have plain-leaf dogwoods grown for their
colorful bark, including the scarlet-stemmed Cornus alba
'Sibirica', multi-toned Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire'
SHEARS PRUNING SAW
(pictured), and mustard yellow Cornus sericea Scrape off any solidified sap Remove sawdust from the
'Flaviramea'. Cut before the leaf buds start to swell. New, with a razor blade, then rub blade with a stiff brush,
non-flowering wood is the brightest; cutting back hard with steel wool. then oil with a rag.
will encourage fresh growth to shoot up from the base.

BUSH AND PATIO ROSES

Cut growth back by a quarter to half, creating an open
framework as shown. Remove dead or diseased parts,
and spindly and crossing branches. Pick off old leaves.

SHORTEN
Begin with a general
cutting back, shortening
and thinning out last
year's growth so that BASIC FRAMEWORK PRECISION CUTS
you can see where to Reduce the bush to a low framework Angle the cut to allow
cut next. Remove dead of branches as shown, cutting to just rainwater to run off. Cut
or damaged wood and above a pair of buds. New growth to just above an outward-
crossing branches. shoots from these. facing bud where possible.
 L ATE WINTER PRUNING 183

WEATHER GUIDELINES
The main rule of thumb is to watch the weather forecast and avoid pruning and cutting back during
frosty or snowy periods. Your local weather and climate may differ from elsewhere, so watch for
signs of regrowth such as buds swelling, and take action.

DECIDUOUS FOLIAGE SHRUBS RAMBLER ROSES HARDY LATE BLOOMERS

For larger, more intensely colored leaves, prune Cut back now if you didn't prune in the fall, or For larger blooms on the hydrangeas listed below,
back relatively hard, concentrating on removing if you have more radical pruning to do to rescue cut to a low framework of branches, otherwise
a proportion of older stems. a rambler that has become overgrown. just remove a third of oldest stems.

Acer negundo 'Flamingo'; ornamental elder Rosa 'Albéric Barbier'; R. 'Albertine'; R. 'American Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'; Hydrangea
(Sambucus); Physocarpus opulifolius e.g. 'Dart's Pillar'; R. 'Bleu Magenta'; R. 'Blush Rambler'; R. paniculata e.g. 'Pink Diamond', 'Unique';
Gold', 'Diabolo'; Berberis thunbergii (colored leaf); 'Bobbie James'; R. 'Crimson Shower'; R. 'Félicité et Hypericum 'Hidcote'; Hypericum x inodorum
Salix integra 'Hakuro-nishiki'; smoke bush Perpétue'; R. 'Kew Rambler'; R. 'Paul's Himalayan 'Elstead'; Potentilla fruticosa e.g. 'Abbotswood',
(Cotinus); Spiraea japonica; Weigela (variegated Musk'; R. 'Rambling Rector'; R. filipes 'Kiftsgate'; 'Limelight', 'Primrose Beauty'; Spiraea japonica
cultivars); variegated dogwood (Cornus) R. 'Seagull'; R. 'Veilchenblau' (flowering varieties); Clethra alnifolia

HARDY EVERGREENS BUSH AND PATIO ROSES LATE-FLOWERING CLEMATIS

Cut to control size if necessary, after flowering Hard pruning (see left) and removal of dead Cut these clematis back about 12in (30cm)
and fruiting, and also if you want to train wall or black-spot infected stems and foliage from the ground, just above a strong pair of buds,
shrubs. Finish before nesting season starts. keeps plants vigorous and healthy. or retain a larger branched framework.

Cherry laurel (Prunus lauroceracus); Cotoneaster x Rosa 'Amber Queen'; R. 'Arthur Bell'; Clematis 'Abundance'; C. 'Alba Luxurians';
watereri and other cultivars; Elaeagnus x ebbingei; R. 'Blessings'; R. 'Champagne Moments'; R. C. 'Étoile Violette'; C. 'Gravetye Beauty'; C.
Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaeity'; Firethorn 'Fascination'; R. 'Ice Cream'; R. 'Indian Summer '; 'Hagley Hybrid'; C. 'Huldine'; C. 'Jackmanii'; C.
(Pyracantha); Garrya elliptica; Mahonia x media; R. 'Many Happy Returns'; R. 'Margaret Merrill'; R. 'Kermesina'; C. 'Little Nell'; C. 'Madame Julia
shrubby honeysuckle (Lonicera nitida); Viburnum 'Royal William'; R. 'Ruby Anniversary'; R. 'Scarlet Correvon'; C. 'Minuet'; C. 'Pagoda'; C. 'Perle
tinus e.g. 'Eve Price'; yew (Taxus baccata) Patio'; R. 'Sweet Dreams'; R. 'Warm Wishes' d'Azur'; C. 'Polish Spirit'; C. 'Ville de Lyon'
 184 EASY CARE

Spring pruning
Pruning is really important now, but be guided by the weather in your area,
and delay if spring is late and it is still cold and frosty outside. Early spring is
ideal for finishing off bush roses and pruning climbing and repeat-flowering
shrub roses. Later in spring, deal with spring-flowering plants and frost-
vulnerable, late-flowering shrubs, shrubby herbs, and perennials.

PRUNING FAST AND LATE BLOOMERS HYDRANGEA PRUNING

Many deciduous shrubs and climbers that flower in Prune mop-head and lacecap hyrdangeas (Hydrangea
the midsummer bloom on wood produced the same macrophylla cultivars and hybrids) lightly, otherwise
year. You can prune these plants relatively hard in spring. you remove the new year's flowering wood. Leave the
Pruning keeps fast-growing, short-lived types youthful. heads on over winter to help protect buds from frost.

BUDDLEJA LARGE DOUBLE BUDS

Cut back the majority of Find a pair of large green
last year's growth to a swollen buds a little way
framework of healthy, back from stem tip. Cut just
well-spaced branches. above. These buds become
stems that bear flowers.

BUTTERFLY LURE
Reducing the bulk of a
butterfly bush (Buddleja SHAPE UP
davidii) causes lots of new Cut away dead or frost-
stems to sprout. These bear damaged wood, spindly
the honey-scented blooms. stems, or crossing branches.
 SPRING PRUNING 185

EARLY-SPRING ROSE PRUNE

Repeat-flowering bush roses flower on
new wood; climbing and English roses
grow on new shoots growing from a
framework of older wood. Selective
pruning in late winter and early spring
triggers fresh growth and keeps plants
healthy and vigorous. Improve results
by mulching in late winter and feeding
with granular rose food in spring.
REPEAT-FLOWERING CLIMBERS ENGLISH ROSES
Tie in main branches to fill space, and cut Prune these repeat-flowering shrubs back by a
SPUR PRUNING
back overlong shoots. Shorten last year's quarter, shortening some sideshoots to a few
Stimulate flowering
sideshoots to create spurs. buds and removing dead or diseased parts.
shoots by cutting
back old flowering Rosa 'Aloha'; R. 'Compassion'; R. 'Danse du Rosa 'Abraham Darby'; R. 'Evelyn'; R. 'Gertrude
stems that are Feu'; R. 'Dublin Bay'; R. 'Étoile de Hollande'; Jekyll'; R. 'Golden Celebration'; R. 'Graham
growing off the R. 'Handel'; R. 'Parkdirektor Riggers'; R. 'Pink Thomas'; R. 'Jude the Obscure'; R. 'Mary Rose';
main framework to Perpétue'; R. 'Schoolgirl'; R. 'Swan Lake'; R. 'Molineux'; R. 'Scepter'd Isle'; R. 'Winchester
two or three buds. R. 'The New Dawn' Cathedral'; R. 'William Shakespeare 2000'

SHRUBS AND CLIMBERS

If you aren't sure how to prune a
summer-flowering shrub, a good rule
is to cut out about a third of the oldest
wood in the spring. This is often a
different color and texture from the
newer stems. Don't prune spring- and
early-summer-flowering shrubs until
after they have flowered. Always check
for bird nests before you start cutting. WINTER OR SPRING FLOWERING GROWS FAST; FLOWERS LATER
Prune deciduous shrubs after flowering, Cut back summer-flowering shrubs, woody-
removing a third of old wood or cutting based perennials, and shrubby herbs above
flowered stems back (to base with Kerria). regrowth at the base.

HONEYSUCKLE Flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum); Abutilon x suntense; Artemisia 'Powis Castle';
Contain by cutting Exochorda x macrantha 'The Bride'; Forsythia x Caryopteris x clandonensis; Ceanothus x
back any long, intermedia; Kerria japonica; Prunus triloba; delileanus 'Gloire de Versailles'; Santolina
straggly growth, and Spiraea x arguta; winter-flowering honeysuckle chamaecyparissus; curry plant (Helichrysum
remove dead or (Lonicera x purpusii 'Winter Beauty'); witch italicum); Fuchsia (hardy cultivars); Penstemon;
damaged stems. hazel (Hamamelis) Perovskia atriplicifolia; Lavatera x clementii
 186 EASY CARE

Summer pruning EARLY BLOOMERS

Late spring- and early-summer
flowering shrubs bloom on last
Summer is ideal for pruning frost-sensitive evergreens so new
season's wood so if you do
growth has a chance to toughen before cold weather arrives. need to prune, do it right after
Prune early shrubs and climbers to encourage next year's flowering so replacement
shoots have time to mature.
flowering shoots. Prune long whippy shoots on wisteria to
5–6 buds from old stems. Remember to check for bird nests.

SHEARING LAVENDER
English lavender, (Lavandula angustifolia)
needs clipping once it has flowered to
keep plants bushy. Cut to 1in (1–2cm)
above the woody part of the stem.
CAMELLIA
These winter- and early spring-flowering
shrubs need little attention. Summer
prune to keep them within their space.

SPRING FALLBACK REPEAT FLUSHES

If you don't have time to prune lavender in Use shears to cut back catmint (Nepeta x
summer after it flowers, clip them in spring. faassenii) and Lamium maculatum after
Avoid clipping in winter since cold weather each wave of flowering to encourage
can damage any freshly cut shoots. them to flower repeatedly.
SHRUBS AND CLIMBERS
For those that flower in early summer, cut
FALL PRUNING back flowered wood to strong new
RAMBLER ROSES sideshoots, and cut out one-fifth of oldest
wood to the base. Fresh growth will flower
Rambler roses produce a great show in next summer. Lightly prune early climbers.
early summer and are very vigorous. In
Beauty bush (Kolkwitzia amabilis 'Pink
summer, tie in the supple new growth.
Cloud'); Clematis alpina; Clematis armandii;
In the fall, trim extra-long stems that ROSE DEADHEADING Clematis macropetalla; climbing hydrangea
have grown beyond the supports, and Cut off faded blooms, particularly from (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris);
spur prune (shorten the shoots that bush and repeat-flowering climbing roses, Deutzia; mockorange (Phildelphus 'Virginal';
have flowered to two or three buds.) to keep plants flowering steadily. shown); Neillia; Weigela
 SPRING PRUNING 187

EVERGREENS
Shrubs with evergreen foliage
are often vulnerable to frost
damage on new growth, so
pruning is usually avoided until
after risk of frost has passed
because cutting encourages
a flush of new leaves.

EVERGREEN WITH WINTER DAMAGE FORMATIVE PRUNING AND TOPIARY

Warm spells and fall pruning promote growth flushes Even if topiary specimens like bay and boxwood
that may be damaged by late frost. Wait until have been scorched by harsh winter weather, delay
danger of frost has passed before cleaning up clipping or shaping until there is no risk of frost.
damaged shoots or hard pruning. Finish clipping by the end of summer.

Abelia; Aucuba japonica; boxwood (Buxus Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens); bay (Laurus nobilis);
SCREENS AND HEDGES sempervirens); Californian lilac (Ceanothus); Escallonia Euonymus japonicus; Japanese holly (Ilex crenata);
Trim hedges, screens, and shaped laevis 'Gold Brian'; golden Mexican orange (Choisya myrtle (Myrtus communis); olive (Olea europaea);
bushes. Clip evergreen azaleas lightly ternata 'Sundance'); Griselinia littoralis; Phormium; shrubby honeysuckle (Lonicera nitida); Ligustrum
immediately after flowering. Photinia; Pieris japonica; Pittosporum delavayanum; Cupressus macrocarpa 'Goldcrest'

FRUITING AND
ORNAMENTAL TREES
Although traditionally pruned
when fully dormant, many trees
are best pruned in summer once
all the leaves have opened and
risk of sap bleeding from cuts
has passed. This is because cuts
heal more easily in summer,
reducing the risk of die-back or
infection. Summer is also ideal CHERRIES AND PLUMS TRAINED FRUIT ORNAMENTAL TREES
for pruning trained apples and Both ornamental and productive With espaliers, fans, cordons, and Remove or shorten unwanted
pears because you can see forms of cherry and plum are stepovers, as well as dwarf trees branches. Take out any reverted
susceptible to silver leaf disease, in pots, cut back unproductive (all-green) shoots on colored-
where the fruits are forming and
especially when pruned outside leafy shoots (often growing leaf and variegated plants.
which parts are unproductive. the summer growing period. vertically) in midsummer after Also cut out dead, crossing,
Prune in midsummer. the fruit has set. and misplaced branches.
 188 INDEX

Index
A bees, attracting 71, 103, 162–3 topiary 20, 61, 74, 82–3 pruning 13
Acer palmatum ( Japanese maple) bellflower see Campanula Buying plants 9 self-clinging 147
20, 146 Bellis perennis (daisy) 15 tying in 45
A. p. ‘Sango-kaku’ 60 Berberis thunbergia (barberry) 165 C cloches 126
Achillea 68 Bergenia cacti, for containers 27 clover, red see Trifolium pratensis
A. millefolium (yarrow) 170 B. ‘Bressingham Ruby’ 58 Calendula officinalis (pot marigold) 62 color
acid soil for fruit 112 tidying up 44 Camassia quamash 46 cool 47, 75, 103
Actaea simplex Atropurpurea Group 61 berries for birds 23, 165 Camellia sesanqua 57 dark effects 17, 25
Aeonium 27 Betula utilis var. jacquemontii (silver Campanula (bellflower) fall border plants 57
aerating lawn 178 birch) 101 C. persicifolia 71 herbs 121, 123
Agave 27, 93 birch see Betula trimming 49 instant impact 53
Ajuga reptans bird bath 167 campion, red see Silene dioica in meadow 103
‘Braunherz’ 15 bird boxes 166–7 Canary creeper see Tropaeolum pale effects 25
‘Catlin’s Giant’ 15 bird feeders 166–7 peregrinum purple 75
Alchemilla mollis 48, 50 bird food candles 79, 90 solid 51
Allium homegrown 164–5 canopy for patio 34–5 in urban garden 75
A. christophii 48 for winter 166–7 Cape heather see Erica gracilis vibrant 121, 149
A. hollandicum ‘Purple Sensation’ bird table 166 Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’ 15 walls 152–3
47, 48 blackberries 111 carpeting plants 63 winter planting 59
A. sphaerocephalon 69 blanket weed 172 carrot fly 132 yellow 103
alpine plants 63 blueberries 112, 112–13 carrots 132–3 color wheel 153
alpine troughs 27 bog garden, mini 160–1 catmint see Nepeta compost making 138–9
alyssum, sweet see Lobularia borders 42–75 celebrations in garden 90–1 coneflower see Echinacea purpurea
maritima fall 56–7 Centranthus ruber (valerian) 169 conifers see Sorbus
Anemone blanda, in pocket planters late spring 46–7 C r. ‘Albus’ 50 containers
88 spring makeover 44–5 chard annual climbers for 72–3
animal houses 159 summer 48–51 ‘Bright Lights’ 126 automatic irrigation 176–7
animal sculpture 94 winter 58–9 ruby 64 butterfly-attracting plants 168
annuals, sowing 45 bottles as sculpture 99 ‘Chelsea chop’ 69 cleaning 38
aphids 49 Bougainvillea 153 cherry, ornamental see Prunus compost 138–9
apples 110–11 boundaries 154–5 chicory, Italian leaf 127 fall planting 22–3
in containers 113 boxwood see Buxus sempervirens chili peppers 135 for cut flowers 90–1
arch walkways 118 box blight 83 Chionodoxa ‘Pink Giant’ 15 drought-resistant 26–7
Argyranthemum frutescens Brachyscome multifida 32 chives 64 fruit 112–15
(Marguerite daisy) 18, 32 brambles, pruning 44 Choisya x dewitteana ‘Aztec Pearl’ funky 128–9
arugula 123 buckets as containers 129 (Mexican orange blossom) 20 pale colored 100
Asclepias tuberosa 169 Buddleja 169 Chrysanthemum segetum (corn planting 9, 14–15, 21, 26, 72–3,
azalea see Rhododendron B. davidii, pruning 44, 184 marigold) 170 96–7, 112–13, 172
bulbs Cirsium rivulare ‘Atropurpureum’ 163 for plunge planting 52–3
B deadheading 45 citrus fruits 113, 148 for ponds 96–7, 172
bags as containers 129 for plunge planting 53 clary see Salvia as raised beds 64–5
bamboo spring planting 44 Claytonia perfoliata 127 revival 13
fan, as support 110 summer 45 Clematis 147 salad crops 122–3, 124–5
screen 36–7 bunting 90–1 C. henryi 146 sculpture in 94
wigwams 118 buttercup, meadow see Ranunculus pruning 44, 48, 183, 186 shrubs 20–1
barberry see Berberis thunbergia acris climbers spring planting 14–17
bark mulch 48, 151 butterfly-attracting plants 69, 168–9 annual 72–3 summer planting 18–19
barley straw in ponds 172 butterfly bush see Buddleja davidii edible 118–19 for vegetables 134–5
bay see Laurus nobilis butterfly weed see Asclepias for encouraging birds 165 winter planting 24–5
beads 92–3 tuberosa planting 150–1 see also hanging baskets;
beehives as compost containers 139 Buxus sempervirens (boxwood), plunge planting 53 terra-cotta pots
 INDEX 189

copper strips 134 Elaeagnus winter planting 25 Cape see E. gracilis

corn marigold see Chrysanthemum E. pungens ‘Maculata’ 59 fountain cutting back 57
segetum E. x ebbingei ‘Limelight’ 59 in shady garden 147 Hebe 20, 169
Cornus (dogwood) English gardens 70–1 walls 87 Hedera (ivy) 24
C. alba ‘Siberica’ 58–9, 182 Erica (heather) fountain grass see Pennisetum H. colchica ‘Sulphur Heart’ 146
pruning 44, 182 E. x darleyensis orientale H. helix 15, 165
Cosmos 164, 168 E. x d. ‘Arthur Johnson’ 58 foxglove see Digitalis H. h. ‘Duckfoot’ 82–3
Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’ E. x d. ‘Darley Dale’ 56 frogs 158 hedge clippings 143
(smoke bush) 155 E. x d. ‘Kramer’s Rote’ 56 fruit hedge trimmer 142, 143
Cotoneaster horizontalis 165 E. gracilis (Cape heather) 22 for encouraging birds 165 hedges 140–55
cotton lavender see Santolina Erysimum (perennial wallflower) 46 growing 108–19 as backdrop 51
chamaecyparissus E. ‘Bowles’s Mauve’ 16–17 furnishings cloud 143
crabapples see Malus Ethiopian greens 127 cleaning 39 flowering 36
cranesbill, meadow see Geranium eulalia grass see Miscanthus sinensis color 153 Helenium 68
pratense Eupatorium purpureum ( Joe Pye cushions 39 Helichrysum
cress, Greek 122 weed) 154 furniture H. petiolare ‘Limelight’ 18, 19
crocks 7, 9 Euphorbia amygdaloides ‘Purpura’ cleaning 12, 39 variegated 32
Crocus 16–17, 61 color 153 heliotrope 168
C. chrysanthus 17 evening primrose see Oenothera containers on 38 Helleborus 58
in pocket planters 88 biennis English gardens 71 hens and chicks see Sempervivum
crops 108–39 oiling 39 herbs 64–5, 120–1, 128, 135
cucumbers 119 F Hesperis matronalis 70
cut-and-come-again leaves 123 fabric 126, 132 G Heuchera 60
Cyclamen 24 fabric containers 88–9 Gaillardia 163 Heucherella 60
fall Galanthus (snowdrop) 24 honeysuckle see Lonicera
D borders 56–7 Gaultheria procumbens 22 Hosta 101, 160
daffodils see Narcissus butterfly-attracting plants 169 gel crystals 7, 31 H. ‘Frances Williams’ 61
dahlias 52–3, 149, 168 containers 22–3 Geranium (cranesbill) Hyacinthus 15
daisy, Marguerite see fat balls for birds 164, 166 G. ‘Johnson’s Blue’ 163 Hydrangea
Argyranthemum frutescens feather grass, giant see Stipa G. pratense (meadow H. Endless Summer© 74
daisy-type plants 69, 70, 103 gigantea cranesbill 171 H. macrophylla, pruning 44, 184
deadheading 181 features in gardens 76–107 trimming 49 H. paniculata, pruning 44
deadheading 168, 186 feeding Geum 60 H. petiolaris ‘Preziosa’ 20
bulbs 45 borders 44 glass, for patio screening 37 hygiene, containers 13
containers 12 fruit in containers 112 grape hyacinth see Muscari
daisy-type plants 181 hanging baskets 30, 33 armeniacum I
hanging baskets 30, 33 fences 140–55, 144–5 grapevine 119 illusions 86
summer flowers 49 climbers against 150–1 grass clippings 138 Impatiens 67
Delphinium, trimming 49 decorating 86–7 grasses, ornamental 68–9, 74, 75, Ipomoea (morning glory) 53
desertlike plants 27 portholes 37 154–5 Iris
Digitalis (foxglove) 147 fennel see Foeniculum vulgare tidying up 44 I. reticulata 24
Dipsacus fullonum (teasel) 164 ferns 61, 147 gravel gardens 62–3, 71, 92–3, 123, I. ensata 160
division 45 fertilizer 7, 8 180–1 I. versicolor 96, 97
DIY sculpture 98–9 fescue, blue see Festuca glauca ground feeders 166 irrigation, automatic 176–7
dock, bloody see Rumex sanguineus Festuca glauca (blue fescue) 92–3 ground preparation 8 Isolepis cernua 161
dogwood see Cornus firethorn see Pyracantha growing bags 134 Isotoma axillaris 18
driftwood 95, 99 flag see Iris Italian leaf chicory 127
drought-resistant plants 180–1 Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) 70 H ivy see Hedera
for containers 26–7 foliage effects habitats for wildlife 158–9
for hanging baskets 31 climbers 151 hanging baskets 30–3 J
Dryopteris erythrosora (shield fern) 61 fall planting 23 automatic irrigation 176–7 Japanese-style garden 101
for hanging baskets 31 plants for 31 Joe Pye weed see Eupatorium
E poor soil 63 strawberries 116–17 purpureum
earthing up 136–7 shady areas 61 succulents 27 Jovibarba 26
Echeveria 26 spring planting 15, 17 Haworthia 27
Echinacea purpurea (coneflower) 164 summer planting 19 heather see Erica
 190 INDEX

K marginal plants, dividing 172 O lighting 78

kale, ornamental 22 Marguerite daisy see Argyranthemum Oenothera biennis (evening for patio 34–5
Kerria japonica ‘Pleniflora’ 46 frutescens primrose) 164 pests, summer bugs 49
Knautia ‘Melton Pastels’ 50 marigold onions, ornamental see Allium Petunia
French 168 sphaerocephalon Cascadias Bicolor Purple 88–9
L pot see Calendula officinalis Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ Surfinia Series
lady’s mantle see Alchemilla mollis marjoram 120 (black mondo grass) 15–16 for containers 18
Lamium maculatum, trimming 49, Mexican orange blossom see Opuntia 27 for hanging baskets 32
186 Choisya oranges in containers 53, 113 Phormium ‘Evening Glow’ 28–9
Lantana 168 Mexican sunflower see Tithonia oregano 64, 168 Plantago lanceolata (ribwort
Lathyrus (sweet pea) 72–3 mibuna 122 ornaments 71 plantain) 102
for patio screening 36–7 miner’s lettuce 127 Osteospermum 67 plantain, ribwort see Plantago
Laurus nobilis (bay), pruning 84–5 mint 121 O. ‘Whirligig’ 18, 19 lanceolata
Lavandula (lavender) 168 mirrored mosaic tiles 39 ox-eye daisy see Leucanthemum planters
French 70 mirrors 86, 100 vulgare for walls 87, 88–9
L. angustifolia 163, 186 Miscanthus 101 oxygenating plants 172 see also containers; hanging
L. pedunculata subsp. pedunculata M. sinensis ‘Malepartus’ 154 baskets
20, 74 mizuna greens 127 P planting advice 8–9
Lavatera (mallow), pruning 44 moisture-loving plants 160–1 painting plunge planting 52–3
lawns Molinia caerulea (moor grass) containers 135 pocket planters 88–9, 135
aerating 178 M. c. subsp. arundinacea 56, 155 walls and fences 86–7, 144–5 pond filter 172
edges 48, 178, 179 M. c. subsp. a. ‘Zuneigung’ 56 pansy see Viola ponds 158, 172–3
maintenance 178–9 mondo grass, black see Ophiopogon parsley 120 edges 147
mowing 178 planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ paths 51, 171 plants for 96–7
raking 178 moor grass see Molinia caerulea in meadow 103 see also bog garden
scarifying 179 morning glory see Ipomoea stepping stones 106–7 poppy see Papaver
seeding patches 179 mosaic tiles 38–9 patios 10–41 potatoes
shaping 104–5 moss, raking out 178 canopy 34–5 planters 129
stepping stones in 106–7 mowing lawn 178 cleaning 38–9 sacks 136–7
weeding 179 mulching fall planting 22–3 pots see containers
leaf color, plants for 22 bark 7, 9, 48, 151 lighting 79 prairie planting 68–9
leaf mold 138 containers 38 mosaic tiling 40–1 pressure washers 38
leaves, raking up 178 glass 27 planting between slabs 28–9 primrose see Primula
Leucanthemum (Shasta daisy) 70 gravel 21, 27, 92–3, 123 providing privacy 36–7 Primula (primrose)
L. vulgare (ox-eye daisy) 102, 170 slate 27 shrubs for 20–1 gold lace 15–16
light screens for patios 37 Muscari armeniacum (grape spring planting 14–17 P. auricula, showcasing 87
lighting in garden 78–9, 90–1 hycacinth) 15 sprucing up 12–13 P. Wanda Group 24
lily beetles 49 mustard greens summer planting 18–19, 32–3 pruning 57, 182–7
Lobularia maritima (sweet alyssum) ‘Komatsuna’ 122 winter planting 24–5 climbers 13, 48, 183, 185, 186
168 red 123 peaches 149 shrubs 44, 49, 84–5, 182–6
log pile 158 peanuts 167 see also topiary
Lonicera (honeysuckle) 70, 185 N pears 111 Prunus (ornamental cherry) 154
L. periclymenum 165 Narcissus (daffodil) pebbles pulley system for hanging baskets 30
L. p. ‘Serotina’ 150–1 N. ‘February Gold’ 59 beach effect 92–3 Pyracantha (firethorn) 165
Lupinus, trimming 49 N. ‘Jetfire’ 15–16 panels 75
Lychnis chalcedonica (Maltese cross) N. ‘Tête à Tête’ 59 Pennisetum orientale (fountain grass) R
148 in pocket planters 88 56 radicchio 127
nectar sources 158 cutting back 57 radishes 135
M Nectaroscordium siculum 50 Penstemon, pruning 44, 185 rain boots as containers 129
maintenance of gardens 174–83 Nepeta x faassenii (catmint), perennials raised beds 64–7
mallow see Lavatera trimming 49, 186 dividing 45 raking up debris 178
Maltese cross see Lychnis nesting boxes 166 supports 45 Ranunculus acris (meadow
chalcedonica netting against birds 112 perfume, plants for 70–1, 121, 151 buttercup) 102
Malus (crabapple) 165 Nymphaea tetragona (pygmy pergola red currants 111, 145
manure, well-rotted 8 waterlily) 96–7 climbers 118 Rheum palmatum 160
maple, Japanese see Acer palmatum colorful 153 Rhododendron, R. luteum 46
 INDEX 191

rock gardens 62–3 Silene dioica (red campion) 171 for compost 139 W
roosting pouches 159 Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’ 22 as planters 64 wallflowers 168
Rosa (rose) 71 slate 71 Tithonia (Mexican sunflower) 168 perennial see Erysimum
deadheading 49 for lawn edges 104–5 toads 158 walls 140–55
pruning 44, 182–6 mosaics 39 tomato planters 36, 119, 129 decorating 86–7
for shade 147 sleeper raised beds 65 tools 7, 182 fountain for 87
R. ‘Albéric Barbier’ 147, 183 slugs 134 top dressing 179 painting 152–3
R. rugosa 165 smoke bush see Cotinus coggygria containers 12 planters for 87
rowan see Sorbus snails 134 topiary 80–3, 95, 143, 145 white 149
ruby chard 64 soil type, identifying 8 boxwood 20, 60, 61 watering 9
Rudbeckia hirta 164 Sorbus (rowan) 165 clipping 12, 20, 187 automatic irrigation 176–7
Rumex sanguineus (bloody dock) 64 Spiraea, pruning 44 trees drought-resistant plants 181
spring 47 for encouraging birds 165 hanging baskets 30, 31, 33
S borders 44–7 planting 54–5 summer 49
sails for patio 37 butterfly-attracting plants 169 in wildflower meadow 171 topiary 83
salad crops 122–3, 124–5, 128, 134 container planting 14–17 for wildlife 159 topping off ponds 172
for winter 126–7 plunge planting 53 trellis 144 waterlily 96–7, 172
Salvia 168 sprouting seeds 130–1 Trifolium pratensis (red clover) 102 weed killer 7
S. horminum 62 squash 119 tripods 72–3 weed matting 180–1
S. officinalis ‘Tricolor’ 121 stepping stones 106–7 Tropaeolum (nasturtium) 72–3 weeding 8
Salvia ‘Mainacht’ 50 Stipa T. peregrinum (Canary creeper) 36 borders 44, 48
sand pots for butterflies 168 S. gigantea (giant feather grass) 74 trompe l’oeil 86 containers 13
Santolina chamaecyparissus (clary) S. tenuissima 68 trugs as planters 135 gravel gardens 181
62, 185 stone spirals 98 Tulipa (tulip) herbs 121
scarifying 179 stonecrop see Sedum blending colors 47 lawns 179
Scilla siberica in pocket planters 88 strawberries 145 for plunge planting 53 meadows 103
screens 144–5 hanging baskets 116–17 T. ‘Ballade’ 17 patios 39
painting 39 planters 129 T. ‘Golden Apeldoorn’ 46 wicker raised beds 65, 66–7
for patios 36–7 raised beds 65 T. ‘Purissoma’ 15 wildflower garden 62–3
sculptures 71, 94–5, 98–9 string lights 78 T. ‘Red Riding Hood’ 15 in lawns 102–3
sedges see Carex stones 92–3 T. ‘Strong Gold’ 46 meadow 170–1
Sedum (stonecrop) 63, 168 succulents 26, 93 T. ‘Toronto’ 15 plants for 102–3, 170–1
cutting back 57 succulents for containers 26–7 T. ‘Zurel’ 15–16 wildlife 156–73, 158–9, 172
for roof 159 summer tumbler for compost 139 willow
S. ‘Herbstfreude’ 56 borders 48–51 tying in 45 sculpture 99
seed sowing 9, 132–3 butterfly-attracting plants 169 Typha minima (reed mace) 96–7 trellis 144
Sempervivum (hens and chicks) 26–7, container plants 18–19 window boxes for vegetables 134
63 hanging baskets 32–3 U windowsill crops 135
Senecio cineraria ‘Silver Dust’ 15–16 sun, plants for 89, 148–9, 171 urban chic design 74–5 winter
shade sunflowers 164 borders 58–9
lightening a shady corner 100–1 supports 45 V containers 24–5
plants for 23, 60–1, 89, 146–7, 171 fruit trees 110 valerian see Centranthus salad crops for 126–7
Shasta daisy see Leucanthemum sweet peas see Lathyrus vegetables 108–39, 124–37 wires as supports 110
shears 142, 143 containers for 134–5 woodland plants 147
shells 93 T planters for 128–9 worm casts 178
shield fern see Dryopteris erythrosora table bed planter 65 from seed 132–3 worm compost 139
Shirley poppy 63 table decorations in garden 90–91 Verbascum, trimming 49 wreath, edible 166
shrubs teasel see Dipsacus fullonum Verbena bonariensis 169
berried 22 terra-cotta pots 98, 149, 153 verbenas 168 Y
for color 59 texel greens 127 Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ 57 yarrow see Achillea millefolium
for containers 20–1 themed gardens 92–3 vine weevils 49 yew hedges 51
flowering 47 thistle, plume see Cirsium rivulare vines 149
pruning 44, 49, 84–5, 182–7 thyme 63 Viola (pansy) 15 Z
for shade 147 Thymus ‘Silver Posie’ 120 V. Penny Series 22 zinnia 168
suitable for reshaping 85 ties 110, 151 V. Sorbet Series 22 zucchini planters 129
tying in 45 tires V. tricolor ( Johnny jump up) 63
 192 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Acknowledgments
THE AUTHOR would like to thank Collection: Nicola Stocken Tomkins Collection: Liz Eddison / Design: Images: Roger Cracknell 01 / classic
everyone on the Gardening Shortcuts (cl). 37 Sunny Aspects Ltd. (clb). Vivienne Walburn - Tatton Park (bl, bc, br). 153 Alamy Images:
editorial, design, and photography 38-39 The Garden Collection: 2007 (bc). 100-101 Dorling Roger Cracknell 01 / classic (bl, bc).
Nicola Stocken Tomkins (c). 44-45 Kindersley: Hampton Court Flower 154 The Garden Collection:
team at Dorling Kindersley, whose
Garden World Images: Jenny Show 2005, Designed by Guildford Andrew Lawson (cb). 154-155 GAP
dedication and enthusiasm for the Lilly (c). 46 Garden World College, ‘Journey of the Senses’. Photos: Clive Nichols. 158-159
project was a terrific encouragement. Images: Adrian James (tr). 46-47 101 Marianne Majerus Garden The Garden Collection: Jane
The Garden Collection: Nicola Images: Gardens of Gothenburg, Sebire / Design: Nigel Dunnett.
DORLING KINDERSLEY would like
Stocken Tomkins. 48-49 The Sweden 2008 (tr). 102 Getty 160 GAP Photos: Elke Borkowski.
to thank the following for their help: Garden Collection: Derek Harris. Images: Georgianna Lane / Garden 163 Alamy Images: Igor Zhorov
Helena Caldon, Zia Allaway, Chauney 50 GAP Photos: Gerald Majumdar Photo World / Photolibrary (clb). (cla). 164 Dorling Kindersley:
Dunford, and Hilary Mandleberg for (cra). 52 The Garden Collection: 102-103 The Garden Unwins (fcl). 166-167 The Garden
additional editorial help; Alison Torie Chugg / Design: Clive Scott - Collection: Jonathan Buckley / Collection: Liz Eddison. 167
Shackleton and Becky Tennant for RHS Hampton Court 07 (bl). 52-53 Designer: Christopher Lloyd. 110 Dorling Kindersley: Sean Hunter
Garden World Images: MAP Dorling Kindersley: Alan Photography (tc, c). FLPA: Gary K.
additional design help; Fiona Wild for
/ Nicole et Patrick Mioulane. 56-57 Buckingham (c). 111 Dorling Smith (ca). 168 FLPA: Peter
proofreading; Michèle Clarke for
GAP Photos: Richard Bloom. 58 Kindersley: Alan Buckingham (crb). Entwistle (cr). 172 GAP Photos:
indexing; Kate Johnsen for US editing; Garden World Images: Martin 114 Dorling Kindersley: Alan Michael King (c). 172-173 The
and Lori Spencer (US consultant). Hughes-Jones (bl). 58-59 GAP Buckingham (c). 114-115 Garden Garden Collection: Nicola
Photos: Matt Anker. 60 Garden World Images: John Swithinbank. Stocken Tomkins. 178-179 GAP
PICTURE CREDITS The publisher
World Images: MAP / Nicole et 118 The Garden Collection: Photos: Carole Drake / Design Dave
would like to thank the following for
Patrick Mioulane (bl). 61 Garden Andrew Lawson / Designer: Rupert and Tina Primmer. 183 The Garden
their kind permission to reproduce
World Images: Ellen McKnight Golby. RHS Chelsea Show. Country Collection: Steven Wooster (tc).
their photographs:
(bl). 64-65 The Garden Living Garden (cb). 122 GAP 184 Garden World Images:
(Key: a-above; b-below/bottom; Collection: Nicola Stocken Tomkins. Photos: Martin Hughes-Jones (cb). N+R Colborn (cl)
c-center; f-far; l-left; r-right; t-top) 70-71 The Garden Collection: 122-123 Marianne Majerus
Nicola Stocken Tomkins. 74 John Garden Images: The Old Vicarage, Jacket images:
10-11 GAP Photos: Elke Borkowski Woods Nurseries: Hydrangea East Ruston, Norfolk. 135 Getty Front: Marianne Majerus
(cl). 12-13 The Garden Endless Summer® The Bride (br). Images: Photolibrary / Garden Garden Images: Stephen Crisp t;
Collection: Nicola Stocken Tomkins 78-79 GAP Photos: Jerry Harpur. Picture Library / Linda Burgess (crb). Spine: GAP Photos: BBC
(c). 13 GAP Photos: Mel Watson 79 Getty Images: Friedrich 140-141 The Garden Magazines Ltd
(cra). 14 GAP Photos: BBC Strauss / Garden Picture Library / Collection: Jonathan Buckley /
Magazines Ltd (clb, cb, crb). 15 GAP Photolibrary (ca). 86 The Garden Design: Bunny Guinness. 142-143 All other images © Dorling Kindersley
Photos: BBC Magazines Ltd (clb, cr). Collection: Andrew Lawson / Mill The Garden Collection: Andrew
16-17 The Garden Collection: Dene, Glos. (cb). 86-87 Marianne Lawson / Old Rectory, Sudborough, For further information see:
Liz Eddison (clb). 18-19 The Majerus Garden Images: Ali Northants. 143 Corbis: Harpur www.dkimages.com
Garden Collection: Marie O’Hara Ward. 87 Getty Images: Juliette Garden Library (tc). Dorling
(ca). 22 Dorling Kindersley: Lucy Wade / Garden Picture Library / Kindersley: Musee National de la
Claxton (ca). 22-23 GAP Photos: Photolibrary (fcrb). Marianne Ceramique, Morocco (c). 144 The
John Glover. 24 Garden World Majerus Garden Images: Ali Garden Collection: Jonathan
Images: Gilles Delacroix (cra). Ward (fclb). 90-91 IPC+ Buckley / Design: Bunny Guinness
24-25 The Garden Collection: Syndication: Mark Scott / Ideal (cra, fcr). 145 The Garden
Nicola Stocken Tomkins (cr). 26 Home. 95 Dorling Kindersley: Collection: Liz Eddison / Designer:
Garden World Images: Richard Angus Beare (cb). The Garden Andrew Yates - Tatton Park 2003 (tl);
Shiell (fcrb). The Garden Collection: Liz Eddison / Designer: Nicola Stocken Tomkins (cr). 148
Collection: Nicola Stocken Tomkins Marney Hall - Hampton Court 2001 Dorling Kindersley: Alan
(clb, br). 27 Garden World (cra). Marianne Majerus Buckingham (bl). The Garden
Images: Isabelle Anderson (br). Garden Images: Charlotte Rowe Collection: Torie Chugg (br).
36 GAP Photos: Hanneke (cla). 99 Garden World Images: 152-153 Alamy Images: Roger
Reijbroek (cb). The Garden Gary Smith (tr). 100 The Garden Cracknell 01 / classic. 152 Alamy