Christmas cheer in Chelsea

In keeping with the spirit of Christmas, this month I am writing about planters prepared for a client in west London with a winter theme. Generous sized containers (50cm3) were chosen, which are statements in themselves.  These are in a smooth, dark slate finish which nicely complements the colour scheme at the front of the house.

The client wanted something contemporary and stylish, in keeping with their tastes.  We went with Urbis, who were very helpful, providing us with exactly what we were after: http://www.urbisdesign.co.uk/.  The planters are clean and tactile.  

We used corkscrew Laurus nobilis lollipops (sweet bay).  These are 3/4 standards with a clear stem of around 80cm and heads of around 45cm.  The heads echo the Buxus sempervirens balls (box) which sit neatly neatly in front of the imposing windows.

Finally, the bay have been underplanted with Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' and ivy.  The skimmia - if planted in a border - will grow to a good sized shrub.  These are being used simply as seasonal bedding plants.  Come mid-spring, these will be replaced and the planter will be refreshed with new colour! Personally, I love forget-me-nots... But we shall see.

A west London walled garden: "winsome and elegant"

Rather than a dramatic revamp, the client was after a modest makeover to ensure the rear garden did not feel so dark and colourless and the front garden was tidied up. Part of the brief was that the existing structures (in particular, the boundaries/walls and paving in the rear garden) were not changed.  

The new front garden: view from the road

In keeping with the brief, we made several modifications to the rear garden.  

First, we  increased the space for plants by widening the pre-existing brick planter.  It was a meagre 60cm: we widened it to over a metre, to allow for more generous planting to thrive.  These was also an increase in height to give the planting more prominence. 

Second, we added structure and depth via the use of further planters.  For instance, there was a platform linking the basement to the ground floor, which was rarely - if ever - used: this open space was stark and bare.  

After: new planters along platform

Before: the platform

We wanted to spruce up the area by adding colour via planting, so we built wooden planters which were fixed along the platform and by the basement.  These too were painted to match the newly-painted rendered wall

Once built, the planters were filled with chives and Liriope muscari: swards of colour softening the edge of the terrace and breaking up the lines.

We also three used potted camelias on the south side of the garden to give vertical structure.  Over time we expect these to fill out, providing a lush backdrop.  Apart from increasing planting space, we livened up the area with a lick of paint to give a pleasant contrast of colour to the planting.

Before: view of wall

And after

We also introduced a storage area (with space for shelving) for the client to keep her tools.  This is conveniently stationed in the corner of the garden, under the climbers.

Before: clutter with no where to hide away those bits and pieces

After: new storage area for the gardening tools and spare furniture

The planting was carefully chosen to provide year-round interest, using plants that fare well in partial shade.  These are mainly herbaceous perennials and bulbs, so the client will have to keep an eye on these and keep up the gardening otherwise everything might run amok!  But we have provided a maintenance guide to give some helping pointers.   And an irrigation system is in place to stop everything from drying out when no one is around to tend for the flowers.

Before: view towards basement

After: view towards basement

The colour scheme is mainly cool: lots of blues, lilacs, whites and purples.  The spring months see beautiful Helleborus niger (Christmas rose) along with Galanthus nivalis (snowdrops).  Bright dashes of pink come from Cyclamen coum, which is underplanted throughout and can especially be enjoyed under the camelias.  Early summer sees the first foxgloves and blue geraniums, followed by the pinks of Echinacea purpurea and glorious flowers of the paeony.  By mid summer to late summer, the bright blue asters and delicate nodding heads of the Anemone x hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’ should be in full bloom.  By autumn, the garden is awash with the blue flowers of Liriope muscari and pinks of Cyclamen hederifolium.

Before: north/east border before it was raised

After: north.east border with new planting

Structure is provided in the garden by the (existing) agapanthus and swards of irises (echoed in the straps of Liriope muscari).  Alchemilla mollis is also used to break up the scheme – its bright lime foliage drawing the eye around the garden.

This is a pretty garden to be enjoyed and definitely a space to get stuck in and do some weeding and deadheading!  But more importantly this is a delightful space to enjoy a summer’s evening with friends.

Meanwhile, the front garden was tidied and repaved with blue limestone and basalt pavers.  These look lovely dry and fantastic when it rains: a really elegant front entrance!  To finish it off, the front wall was partially rebuilt and capped with limestone to match the paving.  The existing planting (agapanthus) in the raised planter was repeated along the front of the wall. And lovely Erigeron karvinskianus (Mexican fleabane) was planted underneath to soften the lines.

Before: front garden

After: front garden

Reflections on a garden visit - Westonbirt Arboretum

As summer draws to a close, I thought it was timely to whet appetites for a garden visit to Westonbirt. Here is a piece I wrote last September, which won a prize from the Society of Garden Designers.

View in the Old Arboretum, Westonbirt

Nothing beats the English season of mists and mellow fruitfulness. Autumn, similar to its mirror-month, heralds transition and change, cranking the calendar through to winter. It's a sumptuous shutter, slowly drawing down the summer season, weighted by boughs of red and yellow and laden with luscious ripeness, from the crimsons of cotoneasters and pyracanthas, to the purples of damsons and sloes. Quietly, it soddens the heels of our jeans and muddies the soles of our shoes. Its damp mustiness fills our lungs -- a soft contrast against the dry scent of summer or the sterility of winter. And while the golden fields are combed and reaped, ready for the Michaelmas months, we prepare our stores with special treats: jams and jellies or pickles and nuts. Indeed the word for autumn and ‘harvest’ are the same, both deriving from the Old English word ‘haerfest’, suggestive of the rich picking.

View of Silk Wood, Westonbirt

But it is the romance of the weather that is particularly exciting. It veers moodily between inclement black patches of heavy rain and windy gusts, to grey overcast frowns and then a smiling moment reminiscent of golden, halcyon days and a hazy summer. Each swing allows reflection and introspection: the perfect time to enjoy one’s own company in the great outdoors.

Unsurprisingly, therefore, it is one of the best times of year to get out into the countryside and admire some of England’s most beautiful landscapes. And where better to see firsthand autumn at its best, than the arboretum at Westonbirt. Although born and brought up in the west Midlands, a mere 40 miles from Westonbirt, I – shamefully to say – had failed to set foot in the arboretum before late September this year.

Calocedrus decurrens, Old Arboretum - Westonbirt

Set in the heart of the Gloucestershire countryside, this 600-acre tract of land is a quiet haven in a tranquil setting. It is off the beaten track, a delve into the countryside, away from the M4 and M5 arteries. On arrival, a modest fee is paid to park the car and then the choice is yours as to where to wander. To the north east of the grounds is the stately Old Arboretum (no dogs allowed) with its wide drives: ‘Main Drive’, ‘Mitchell Drive’, ‘Jackson Avenue’ and ‘Holford Ride, each broad enough for the private landowner’s carriage to cavort casually around the picturesque estate. And to the southwest, down the asphalt track and across its cattle grids, is the more recent addition, Silver Wood. Both have their attractions. And – at this time of year – both have plenty of those trees for which Westonbirt is most celebrated, the Japanese maple. Even better, the nice people at the Forestry Commission have suggested seasonal route ways through the arboretum to allow you best to enjoy your visit.

Silver Wood and the Old Arboretum are quite distinct. The Old Arboretum is more starkly reminiscent of the original Regency-Victorian design: when the tree collection was still part of a landowner’s estate, attached to its august abode. Those days have long gone. In fact, it was back in the 1920s that the Earl of Morley – on acquiring this inheritance from his fruitless uncle – chose to sell the house and its delightful terraced gardens to a certain Revd P E Warrington and whence it became a private school for genteel young ladies. Up to that point, the property had been developed as a whole, under the watchful eyes of several generations of Holfords.

View in Acer grove, Old Arboretum - Westonbirt

The Holfords present a delightful tale of money and class. Sir Richard Holford, a Londoner, had originally come into the property, via marriage, in the mid seventeenth century. It remained in the hands of the family - without much change or development - until the beginning of the nineteenth century. Meanwhile, the elder sons, in rather Jarndyce-esque fashion – prospered in Chancery. But their wealth was significantly augmented during the nineteenth century thanks to canny investment in the New River Company (a venture tasked with supplying London with fresh water) and fortuitous inheritances from childless uncles. It was this cash injection into the family’s wallet, which allowed Richard’s great grandson, George Peter Holford and his great-great grandson, Robert Stayner Holford to redevelop the estate and plant the seeds, so to speak, which have born the fruit that we are still able to enjoy today.

Rhus trichocarpa, Old Arboretum - Westonbirt

And some of the elements of the design, originally envisaged by these two men, are still in evidence. George Peter Holford did a great deal to change the layout of the estate (replacing the old manor with a Regency house – now the girls’ school - and laying out a landscaped belted park).  

But arguably it was his son who was most instrumental in securing Westonbirt as one of the most significant arboreta in the country. Extending the park onto neighbouring arable fields, enlarging approaches, and moving villages, Robert Stayner Holford dramatically changed the layout of the estate. And, importantly, for us today, he chose to plant by palette rather than by botanical family: achieving the perfect picturesque design was his aim rather than systematic indexing. Hence, the paths around the Old Arboretum are laid out in picturesque style, much favoured by the contemporary landscape designer, William Sawrey Gilpin (who is said to have influenced the planting scheme). Indeed, the effect today remains in many ways as it did in 1886: ‘the outline of the vista is not monotonous; here the shrubbery projects, there it recedes; at one point some favourite tree is made to stand out boldly, as if to emphasise the project’ as described by contemporary garden journalist William Goldring in the magazine The Garden.

To a large degree, this sums up the beauty of the Old Arboretum. Holford Ride and the Main Avenue are wide thoroughfares that belie perpetual movement as the eye is drawn along these pathways. There is constant change and continual contrast of form, from rounded Acers, such as the many Acer palmatum or Acer platanoides to fastigiate conifers - magnificent Calocedrus decurrens reigning over the plot, as well as of colour from bright lime greens to deep emeralds. And significantly, there is use of dense and open planting to present a sense of light and darkness. This visual feast hides many forgotten corners, protected by ancient yews. These Taxus baccata, the females laden with fruit, quietly provide a peaceful backdrop to some of the more dramatic planting.

Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea' [Indian bean tree], Westonbirt

But what was most delightful during my visit in late September was the bashful hint of colour. Although the vibrant clashes of reds and yellows hadn’t -- for the most part --quite arrived, the air was tense with expectancy. A notion of gold hung around the fat Catalpa bignoniodes and its ‘Aurea’ cultivar. Similarly, colour tickled the tips of the Acers, naughtily nudging them. You could see them beginning to blush, deep reds caressing the edges, before a full flush of embarrassment was cast.  

This sense of imminence was most strong in the Acer Glade, just north of Mitchell Drive. Here, an Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’ was flushed scarlet – its leaves and seed pods a brilliant crimson; while opposite, an Acer palmatum subsp. amoenum was bravely maintaining a dignified lime green glow, with only the gentlest trace of pink settling around its fringe. Marrying the two, nestled between them in the wet grass, were swathes of wild mushrooms.

Cercidphyllum japonicum, Old Arboretum - Westonbirt

Away from the Acer Glade, was a trio of ‘multi-sensory’ trees – Rhus trichocarpa, Acer griseum and a Cercidiphyllum japonicum. Each was brandishing colour brightly. The Japanese sumac flushed cherry-red, its stems turning first, followed by oval leaves. Nearby, the charming Acer griseum, retained summer colour, but its peeling reddish bark clashed against the turning leaves of the sumac, while the brazen Katsura tree showed off row upon row of flaming heart-shaped foliage, the colour burning out from its centre, with no sense of modesty. 

To give gravitas to the trio, and other trees in the glade, were magnificent conifers which towered above. In particular, ancient Abies grandes and Larix seemed to sway far away, like old men. The Larix’s boughs of needles hung like wispy beards, presenting a very serious impression contrasting against the youthful frivolity below. In fact, the conifers at Westonbirt are some of the oldest in the country. The Sequoiadendron gigantum at the entrance of the arboretum were planted in the mid 1850s: since wellingtonias were only introduced into England in 1853, it is likely that these are among the first to be sown. Robert, and then his son, George Lindsay Holford – who inherited the estate in 1892 – were avid plant collectors and gardeners. Both of them invested in seed expeditions around the globe (George for example had a stake in Ernest Wilson’s 1910 exhibition to China). It was these two men’s ongoing contributions that ensured the collection was able to grow in stature. But it was also thanks to these two men that such care was taken in the layout of the grounds: ensuring interest and colour all year round.

Euonymus oxphyllus, Old Arboretum - Westonbirt

Euonymus oxphyllus, Old Arboretum - Westonbirt

For me, on the day I visited, one of the most striking displays in the Old Arboretum was a grove of Euonymous oxyphyllus by the Loop Walk. From a distance, the thirteen trees looked like one, each trunk groaning forwards, away from an epicentre. But on closer inspection these were individual plants, all baying southwards. Although not a very remarkable shrub most of the year, in mid September, these Euonymous oxyphyllus were screaming blood. They presented a most shocking display of brilliant colour: dripping red leaves from pendulous branches. And amongst its foliage were round, scarlet seed cases. Occasionally these had neatly cracked open to reveal three or four shiny tangerine-coloured jewels, which seemingly were hung together by a precarious thread. The effect was exhilarating, both from afar but also under the branches where you could see close-up the varied colours and textures.

Japanese maple glade, Silk Wood - Westonbirt

Another lovely, but less violent, display in the arboretum is the National Japanese Maple Collection in Silver Wood. The colour hadn’t yet turned when I visited. But the sun was sparkling through the arching larches, amongst which the Acer are planted. This presented a serene and comfortable view as the path dipped and curved round, drawing the eye around the maples. The larch give effective vertical interest – soaring high above the planting – letting dappled light fall through. Arguably, the comments, made by Albert Bruce Jackson (responsible for cataloguing Westonbirt’s trees in 1927) still ring true: “the charm of Westonbirt lies not so much in the number of species represented and in the beauty and symmetry of the individual specimen, as in the skilful manner in which evergreens, like yew and box, have been used as a background so that each plant or group of plants stands in a perfect setting.”[1]

Cyclamen, Westonbirt

So, all in all, I am a big fan of Westonbirt and its classical country walks. But it strikes me as lucky that we are able to enjoy the estate today. In 1926, green-fingered George died childless and his nephew, the fourth Earl of Morley, inherited the estate. It was he who sold the house, splitting it from the arboretum. When he died in 1951, it was also without issue. Consequently, Westonbirt was handed over to the Treasury (in lieu of death duties). Within a few years it was clear that Westonbirt would be delivered to the Forestry Commission - then associated more with timber reserves than managing heritage gardens. Fortunately, the Forestry Commission has proved an effective steward, conscientiously maintaining the arboretum and managing its plants (including further cataloguing the trees and shrubs). Let’s just hope that the Forestry Commission has the funds to continue its work. Sadly, cuts in public spending mean that nothing in the current economic climate is wholly secure. And recent press reports suggest that the destinies of many publicly funded bodies, including the Forestry Commission, are unclear. So who knows what the future might hold. But as Arthur Hellyer aptly put it in his Country Life column in March 1953: ‘if the heritage of Westonbirt is neglected one may be sure that both we and our children will be the poorer’.

27 September 2010

[1] Albert Bruce Jackson, Catalogue of the Trees and Shrubs at Westonbirt (Oxford) 1927, p vi

Monochrome and minimalist

This was a design for a lovely couple and their garden in south London.  They wanted something a bit different, which was clean and contemporary with an emphasis on polished surfaces and structured space.

After: view of terrace and screen

The garden was part of a new build and, fortunately for us, practically an empty canvas.  And even better: the client was open to the use of some unusual materials, for instance stainless steel.

The space itself was not immediately inspiring.  It was nearly - though not quite - square, with a slight gradient away from the house.  The existing pathway and paving were mean and uncomfortable, doing little to make the garden feel clean and structured.  The main clues for the design came from the clients' elegant interior decoration which was modern, bright and clean.

Before: area before terrace was built

Outside, the dominant feature was the conservatory.  This stood plum in the centre of the house (and therefore the garden).   Hence, it was the conservatory doorway which formed the basis for the grid which in turn led to the square motif leading across the garden (see photo below).  This neatly broke the space in two between the lush green of the lawn and the tidy terrace.

Before: view towards house

The materials selected were contemporary both in colour and texture.  The hues were predominantly monochrome to create intentionally bold statements.  Meanwhile, the finish was smooth and clean with dark, honed basalt and detailing of polished, silver sandstone.  These two stones were used to break up the large terrace area: silver sandstone 'squares' and detailing between the basalt pavers.  In dry weather, these feel soft and giving underfoot; in wet, the colours glisten and richly darken.

After: view of terrace

Perspective at design stage

The client had an existing upright, stainless steel, water feature which they were keen to incorporate into the garden.  To marry the metal into the design, a screen (made from perforated stainless steel) was constructed along one side of the garden.  This formed the backdrop of the terrace area.  Behind the screen LED lighting was fixed - barely visible during the daytime - but at night providing soft ambient atmosphere as it glowed through the metal perforations.

After: view of planters and phormium

The client didn't want many plants. So strong, structural phormiums were placed in generous-sized, jet black planters.  This provided some vertical interest (increasingly so, as the phormiums grow year on year)  in the garden.  The phormiums were repeated throughout the space, around the terrace.  Finally, the planters were fixed in bright white aggregate which contrasted against the black pots and brightened up the space.

Before

After

We took a similar approach in the front garden - simply aiming to tidy up the lines and create a clean space which reflected the personalities of the client.

Before

After

This was a garden we very much enjoyed creating for a lovely and gracious client.  

Fun for all the family: "bonny and bright!"

Another day, another garden.

Andy and I just completed an outside space in west London for a couple and their three children. The brief was to create a garden for the whole family to enjoy. 

Perspective [the red blob is a bean bag!]

Sunlight was key for the family: the garden at the outset felt rather cold and damp.  The far end of the garden caught the light but was not accessible owing to some raised planters.  Hence, we proposed taking out the part of the planter set against the existing brick wall.  This walled area then would become a perfect spot for decking.

The garden beforehand

We wanted this to be a little bit like an outside ‘playroom’.  So to make the space feel more uniform and clean, we proposed constructing screens, which were rendered and painted.  Towards the west side of the garden, set into the decking is sandpit circa 1m x 1m.  The children could perch on the edge of the decking of the grass and play to their hearts’ content!

The layout plan

Once the kids were tucked up in bed, we imagined this decking area to be both great for entertaining and a place of refuge to enjoy a quiet glass of wine.  The subtle spotlighting and dense planting would provide a refreshing ambience. 

The plants were set in raised planters.  Planters were used for several reasons.  First, to provide some elevation in the garden; second, to provide a clean frame to complement the square turf; third, these were an effective way of dealing with the excess soil produced from building the lawn and deck.

End result [excluding final planting] towards covered sandpit

The planting comprised certain plants that were already in the garden.  These were given a new lease of life by adding some architectural newcomers, such as New Zealand flax, ferns and hostas.  Splashes of colour are provided by geraniums and aquilegias, to complement the existing yellow and golds of the foliage.  Several of the plants can be enjoyed for their scent or culinary use, such as sage, rosemary and choisyas.  So the children can pick and try these.  

View towards decking area [still awaiting final planting -
the hostas haven't yet been planted in this photo]

The main area of the garden was a fresh and clean patch of artificial turf.

The area was levelled as far as possible to ensure that the turf and the decking were flush, ensuring a smooth transition across the garden.  This also meant that the use of the space was maximised (whether for a game of badminton or tag) without the inconvenience of steps.

Picture of japanese maple.  In this picture, the hostas haven't yet been planted

We were delighted with the result and hope that it brings pleasure to the five of them for years to come!

'Make yourself right at home!'

With the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show coming up, it seems timely to tell a little about design we submitted for the RHS/Wyevale East 2011 student design and build award.  Similarly - like Southport - we were runners-up (one of two this time but sadly no cash prize to soften the blow!).  Nonetheless, it was still a great experience and good practice to understand the issues arising when putting together show garden submissions.  To be clear: we are not building this garden at RHS Hampton Court (although we would be delighted to build it if someone is so taken by the design they want it in their garden!).

The brief was to design an urban garden (6m x 4m) for a young couple in their early 30s with two children - (girl 8 and boy 5). The hard landscape materials were not to exceed £5,000 (eg paving, lawn, sand, cement, screws, paint, decking, aggregates, etc).

Andy and I produced a garden entitled 'Make yourself right at home!'.  This garden was an inviting, happy, colourful space for the whole family.  The planting was intentionally relaxed, naturalistic and sensory with particular regard for scent and taste.  For instance, sweet smelling flowers/foliage and edible plants were used throughout.  Some of these were supposed to fall across one another to create an informal atmosphere.  And for the busy mum and dad, it was comparatively low maintenance: reliable, thriving herbaceous perennials and shrubs were used throughout.

Example of textiles in the garden:
these are produced for external use

The garden's main feature was a rich, raised, rug of lawn into which bright cushions were incorporated (see right for an example of the colours which were going to be used).  This was intended to create an integrated lounging area within the grass - a sort of outside sofa.  

This floating bed was framed by a brilliantly coloured canvas sail above (again, vibrant pinks), held aloft by four posts, and surrounded by cool planting (lavenders, purples and softer pinks) flowing through the garden.  The area was intended to be a cosy place for the family to romp and relax!

A Sorbus hupenhensis (rowan) was used to provide vertical structure.  Its delicate leaves and mass of white berries are delightful during the summer.  The other main architectural plants, leading the eye around the garden, were majestic Cynara cardunculus (cardoon/artichoke thistle - see below) nestled between sensuous swathes of Molinia caerula subsp. acundinacea 'Karl Foerster' and Verbena bonariensis (verbena).

Verbena bonariensis

Dramatic spots of colour - picking up the colours in the cushions on the lawn and the overhanging sail - were provided by Centranthus ruber var. coccineus (red valerian) and Allium spaerocephalon, while the rest of the planting was softer pinks and purples.

Cynara cardunculus

The plants were predominantly mainstream culinary herbs or more unusual edible plants, such as the petals of pinks or rowan berries which can be used for jellies.