Professional Documents
Culture Documents
CREATE
YOUR
GARDEN
HOW TO
CREATE
YOUR
GARDEN
ADAM
FROST
CONTENTS
06 GETTING STARTED
DESIGN
152 BUILD YOUR GARDEN 196 PLANT YOUR GARDEN 214 Introduction
154 Introduction 198 Introduction 216 January
156 Basic tools for hard landscaping 200 Basic tools for soft landscaping 218 February
158 Preparing the site 202 Preparing the ground for grass 220 March
160 Creating a good base 204 Lay turf 222 April
162 Lay a gravel path 206 Plant trees and shrubs 224 May
166 Lay slab paving 208 Plant perennials 226 June
168 Lay brick paving 210 Plant bulbs 228 July
172 Build a low brick wall 230 August
176 Build steps 232 September
182 Concreting posts 234 October
184 Erect fencing 236 November
188 Build a plant support with 238 December
rope swags
192 Build a raised bed
194 Build a water feature 240 Useful information
242 Measurements and calculations
248 Glossary
250 Basic building materials
252 Index
255 Acknowledgments
256 About the author
G E T T I N G S TA R T E D
I love the way gardens help us connect to nature, the
seasons, and the wider landscape. Whether you’ve got
a tiny city oasis or an acre in the country, a well-thought-out
garden is good for mind, body, and soul.
A lot of people are daunted by the idea of need from it. Like your home, your
designing their own garden. With so much garden should reflect your personality.
overwhelming information out there, it Thirdly, think about plants. Many
can seem a real challenge. However, in people have a big fear factor around
reality, garden design isn’t that different plants, what with the Latin names and
from any other sort of design. the idea that if something doesn’t get
Think of it this way. Most of us can pruned on the last Wednesday in March,
get our heads around turning our house the whole world will come to an end. In
into a home, choosing colours, buying reality, learning about plants can be a
furniture, and arranging it all so it journey that takes a lifetime and you
meets our practical needs and we feel really don’t need to know loads to start.
comfortable, and garden design is not Finally, if you can make some sort of
that different. connection to the area where you live,
For me, a well-designed garden is whether by growing particular plants or
essentially about four things: space, using local materials, then you’ll end up
people, plants, and a sense of place. with a stronger sense of place. Memories
The first step to great garden design are a very important part of my design
involves understanding the space you process – not just looking back on them,
are working with. By that, I mean the size, but also looking at how we can create
the soil, the climate, and the landscape. them for ourselves.
Secondly, you need to understand that, The garden should be a comfortable,
above all else, gardens are about people, useable space that reflects your needs
and the key to creating one that works and taste. Looking down from above, in
well is to focus on what you want and its simplest form a garden layout is just a
series of shapes; how you balance those
shapes impacts the way you use your
garden and how your garden feels.
In this book, I’ll show you how to
develop your own garden style and
choose the right plants for your garden.
I’ll teach you the key principles of planting
design, how to understand the way
plants in nature work in layers, and
how to mimic that in your own planting.
I’ll show you some simple building
techniques and give you monthly tips
and reminders to help you keep your
garden looking beautiful from one year
to the next. With a few insights and a
step-by-step approach, I think that
anyone can learn how to create a
decent-looking, well-designed garden.
I want this book to get well worn,
damp – even a little muddy! It will
hopefully be a friend that will hold your
hand while you are creating a space that
is special to you. Remember, creating a
garden is not about chasing perfection;
it’s about enjoying the journey and those
little moments that surprise you along the
way. I really believe that if you care about
your garden, you will create a beautiful
place that you want to be in.
Have fun!
UNDERSTAND
YOUR SPACE
”
Great gardens are all about
”
emotions and how they make you feel.
INTRODUCTION
The first stage of the design process is really all about
information-gathering, which will help you understand your
space and what you want from it. Defining that at the outset
will ensure that your design can realistically work within the
space you have, and stays true to your needs.
There are two ways to understand you instinctively want to linger with
your space: the physical attributes – a cup of tea. Think about the views
size, shape, average rainfall, soil, and from the house and your surroundings.
so on – and the emotional – the way I’ll show you how to measure up
it makes you feel. your garden (which is not as scary as it
There’s nothing quite like spending might sound) and how to survey the
time in your garden at different times soil, rainfall, and temperatures, so you
of day and year to understand its know what you have to work with.
emotional effect on you, and everyone’s Then I’ll ask you lots of questions to
experience is personal to them, so a help you define what you want. This
garden design needs to reflect that. will all make sure the garden you design
”
Explore your space and find the places is perfect for your requirements.
”
get the best out of your garden design.
12/13
GET TO KNOW
HOW TO
YOUR SPACE
As you get ready to design your space, it’s tempting
to rip everything out and start with a blank canvas, but
don’t rush into anything like that just yet. First, you
need to get a sense of your garden’s potential by
observing what it currently looks like.
DESIGN • B U I L D • E N J O Y
4 LISTEN
It’s easy to get so used to noises around us that
we no longer actually hear them. Yet sounds
are really important when designing your
garden, whether they enhance the atmosphere
or need to be muffled. As you get to know your
space, take the time to really listen to your
surroundings.
YOU WILL NEED Having an accurate scale plan of your garden is critical if you want to
> sketch pad design it yourself. (You don’t have to keep things where they currently sit,
> pencil but it’s worth getting to grips with what’s already there and how it might
> 30m (100ft) tape measure affect your design and budget.) However, there’s no point making a grand
> ruler plan that is not to scale, as the design and proportions won’t work when you
> compass come to build it. It will also be impossible to order the correct quantities
> line and pins
of materials, so making an accurate drawing will save you money, time,
”
once it’s built. Most boundaries are not neat and square to the house,
and they often have kinks, curves, or obstacles in the way, such as trees design process.
or structures, making measuring tricky. But don’t worry. There are basic
techniques, such as triangulation and taking offsets, that you can use to
measure all manner of shapes and plot fixed features on your scale plan.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
A B A B A B
ck
Ba
take two measurements from The important thing is to have two Measure
the widths
your fixed points (A and B) to the fixed points from which to take your
of windows
point you wish to plot. measurements. For greater accuracy, and doors
you may want to establish several
fixed points on the house from which
Back boundary
to work off. The more locations on the
Shed curve you measure, the more accurate
HOUSE
Tree it will be. If you have a big or complex
D E
garden, it may be worth investing in a
1 Make a rough sketch of the house walls
DESIGN • B U I L D • E N J O Y
C professional survey, which can save that look on to the garden as well as the
curved boundary. Measure and mark the
time and money in the long run. size and position of windows and doors.
A B
CREATE A SCALE PLAN
B B B E
C C C
A A A Possible
new base
HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE of triangle
C B B B
A A A
and use a spirit level to make sure the Hammer the peg further in as necessary
more than 1m (3ft) long peg is vertical. until the plank sits horizontally. Measure
> spirit level the height of the peg (X).
COMPLICATED SLOPES
For more complicated level changes, Next, take levels of the fixed elements
I’d recommend hiring some equipment, that are going to stay in your design,
such as a laser-level device with a such as a tree, a shed, or maybe the
measuring staff, which allows you to top of a wall. After that, if I feel that I
get accurate readings around the garden. still need more levels to understand
Don’t panic – it’s quite straightforward. the space, I knock in a series of pegs
How the device works can vary with at different places around the garden.
the model, so make sure you read the Use the triangulation method
instructions that come with it. (see pp16–17) to measure and note
It’s important to have a fixed point down the distance of those pegs
to put the laser level on, from which from your two fixed points and add
you take your readings. Something them to your plan. Then take height
that’s not going to move from the point readings from the base of each peg,
you start gathering information to the where it meets the ground, with the
point at which the garden has been measuring staff and laser device.
built (something such as a drain cover Transfer these measurements onto
is ideal). your scale plan.
X
1m (3ft)
Y
)
(3ft
1m
B
)
(3ft Z
1m C
ft)
B 1m (3
West
WHAT IS SOIL?
Pick up a handful of healthy soil and, basically, you’ve got
Topsoil is the layer of
a Walt Disney movie going on. It’s a mixture of organic earth nearest the surface
matter, minerals, water, gas, and thousands of insects, of the ground. It is rich in
organic matter and full of
worms, and micro-organisms. Soil is basically topsoil
life. The depth of topsoil
and subsoil (see right). While soil types vary depending can vary, but is generally
on the geology of where you live, often your garden 5–12cm (2–5in) deep.
won’t be simply one sort. Topsoil is what you need to be
concerned with and it can be divided into six main types. Subsoil is the layer
Two of these topsoil types, silt and peat, are rarely found found beneath topsoil.
It is devoid of life and
in gardens, but you may have one or more of the other therefore not much use
four (see opposite). to gardeners.
ASSESS YOUR SOIL
2
The quickest way to assess the soil in your garden is to Rub the soil
feel it in your hands and rely on your senses to tell you between your
index finger and
what kind of soil you have. Soil types vary around a
thumb. Does it feel
garden so assess handfuls of it in different places to get like clay? Or, does
the complete picture. This test couldn’t be simpler to do the soil feel sandy,
and it doesn’t cost a penny. or is it full of grit
or stones?
Sandy soil is low in nutrients Loam soil is a combination of Clay soil is rich in nutrients Chalky or lime-rich soils are
and often on the acidic side clay and sand. It does not suffer but is heavy and hard to dig. It very alkaline (see p26) and can
(see p26). Light and easy to dig, from the extremes of the two retains water, draining slowly, be light or heavy. Often full of
sandy soil warms up quickly in types it is made up of and is and can take a long time to stones and nutrient-poor, this
summer but dries out easily. very easy to work with. warm up in spring. In hot soil type drains freely and
weather, clay can bake hard. warms up quickly.
> trowel
> plant pots or small plastic bags
> labels
> soil-testing kit
ACIDIC
GROW FOR YOUR SOIL
Some plants do better in acid conditions while others
prefer a more alkaline soil. Healthy soil normally ranges
from a pH of 5–8.5, and while it’s possible to influence
soil, I just wouldn’t. It’s always better to garden with
what you’ve got. If a particular plant takes your fancy
but doesn’t like your soil, you can always grow it in
a pot or raised bed filled with suitable soil. Garden
centres sell ericaceous compost for acid-loving
plants and multi-purpose compost for all others.
“
healthy plant growth. Worms and soil
micro-organisms absorb organic
matter, and in time the weather can Soil type can vary around the garden,
wash it away, so every 12 months you
so testing it in a number of different places
”
will need to add more. If your soil has
poor drainage, working in lime-free grit gives you a more accurate picture.
can really help improve it.
ALKALINE
Magnolias prefer slightly Clematis flourishes Lilac prefer neutral to slightly Polemoniums prefer to grow
acidic to neutral soil. in neutral soil. alkaline soil. in a slightly alkaline soil.
Your garden’s climatic conditions – and garden is never going to be a good idea,
microclimates – determine not only which so by discovering more about the specific
plants you can grow, but will also influence weather patterns in your garden, you can
your overall garden design. Sitting in the make sure you create comfortable places
dampest, most rainswept part of your to spend time in.
Q WHERE IS
THE SUN?
Areas facing south get more light and
warmth; areas facing north get less.
Q
help you when it comes to planting structures, and plantings can all
DOES RAINWATER
and maintaining your garden. You can deflect rain. Some areas may remain
COLLECT OR DRAIN
simply use a bucket to catch rain and a dry despite rainfall; others catch rain AWAY EASILY?
ruler to measure it, but a proper rain running off a hard surface and stay
gauge (from most garden centres) is damp longer. Look for rain shadows Wetter areas take longer to warm
up, so be aware of how easily or
more accurate. Whenever rain has after a downpour when damp spots
not water drains away. Areas that
fallen, check the gauge (or bucket) at the are visible. Are there places in your drain too freely may be susceptible
same time of day. Understanding the garden with awkward spaces, to drought.
rainfall in your garden year on year buildings that deflect rain, or dense
Q
“
will help inform your plant choices. coverage (hedges, trees, or pergolas)? IS THE LANDSCAPE
HILLY?
By discovering more about your garden’s Even beyond your walls, hills or
hollows can affect rainfall, while
specific climate, you will be able to create
”
dips can collect cold air to form
comfortable places to spend time in. frost pockets.
WORKING WITH This city space was both sheltered and damp, so I used the
shadows of the open, airy trees to play with light on the modern
CLIMATE concrete surface, and used water extensively to help reflect light.
The plants were chosen not only for the damp conditions but
also to bring light, movement, and contrast to the space.
The seating was designed as Limited colour palettes Polished concrete pads gave
single units that could be used can work well in smaller me a great reflective surface to
individually or brought together, spaces as they rely on a lot bounce light around the space.
and could be moved around the of contrast. I chose plants A cantilevered step hovers over
space depending on whether that thrive naturally in damp, the pool, placed to make you
shade or sun was wanted. woodland conditions. pause and enjoy the water.
Take a good look at the boundaries and so see this as an opportunity to get
your views, and consider the location in creative. There are many ways to take
which your garden sits. Think about how advantage of lovely outlooks, which
these factors will affect the design you’re is often called “borrowing” a view, and
aiming for and the overall feel. Chances ways to distract the eye from things
are that whatever you look out onto, you’d prefer weren’t visible.
good or bad, you’ll be unable to change,
”
assess what is visible beyond your
boundaries. There may be something inside it.
out there you’d like to borrow, such
as a tree or church. Or there might be
some ghastly eyesore you would
prefer not to see. If you plan to screen
off such a view, think about whether
NEED TO KNOW
you might be creating more shade.
If you are using plants for screening, Boundaries affect other
decide if you want year-round people around you, so are
coverage, or just in the warmer months subject to legal jurisdiction
when you will often be outside. in the form of deeds and
regulations. Before making
any changes, think about the
following:
flint), as these may be linked to the Creating a design driven by local > Local authority regulations
local geology and the practicalities of material or historical industries, and regarding height restrictions.
using what’s to hand. For example, in featuring an architectural detail or > Shadows your boundaries
an area that’s mainly limestone, you emblem, helps your garden stand may cast on your garden
may see a lot of great stonework. I the test of time. Growing plants and next door.
also try to find out if there are any local endemic to the area is another way to
building methods linked with such harmonize a garden with its locality.
Q WHAT IF MY
Q DO I REALLY HAVE
DESIGN • B U I L D • E N J O Y
DESIGN FOR
PEOPLE
”
Ask yourself who will use the garden,
”
and how they’ll want to use it.
INTRODUCTION
In order to create a garden that people are really going
to enjoy, you need to think about who will use the space,
what they will use it for, and how much time and money you
can spend on it. There is no point designing a garden
that doesn’t fit with you or your family’s needs.
I often think that most of us lead two needs. That’s what I want you to do, too.
lives: the one in our heads and the one Interview yourself: ask who will use your
we lead in reality. As you work out who garden, and how they will want to use it.
you’re creating the garden for, you have Even if some of the answers may seem
to be absolutely honest with yourself. obvious, they’ll help your plans become
Your design might look lovely on paper, more specific and tailored to your needs.
but if it doesn’t meet the needs of you By asking yourself what you want from
and your family, it isn’t going to work in your garden, and writing your answers
the long run. down, you’ll start to pinpoint what your
When designing a garden for a client, garden specifically needs to include to
I ask countless questions, as I try to allow you all to do the things you and
”
build a picture of their lives, wants, and your family enjoy.
”
that you love spending time in.
38/39
WHO IS
Q&A
YOUR GARDEN FOR?
For me, the best gardens are well loved, well used, and
uncomplicated. Gardens can draw people out of the
house because they make them feel comfortable,
relaxed, and happy. Take a moment to think about who
will be using the space and how best to meet their needs.
DESIGN • B U I L D • E N J O Y
Q WHAT’S THE
AGE RANGE?
“
who will use the garden, including
children, teenagers, parents, and
grandparents. How will their age While some younger
influence the way they use the space?
family members will
Think about
happily spend hours
> the ages of the main users of the
garden playing outdoors, others
”
> any children or grandchildren; may need encouragement
how old are they?
to draw them outside.
> any family or friends who are Involve your family in the garden to draw
quite elderly them into the space and connect them to it.
Bear in mind
While some younger family members Think about providing a space that
will happily spend hours playing is just for them, such as a den or
outdoors, others may need some treehouse for younger children,
encouragement to draw them out of or a comfy area with beanbags
their bedrooms and into the fresh air. or hammocks for teenagers.
Think about
> any wheelchair use or physical
challenges to factor in
> how difficult you find it to walk,
DESIGN • B U I L D • E N J O Y
Bear in mind
Accessibility isn’t just about avoiding
trip hazards and including handrails on
steps or slopes, although that is a good
start. If you or a relative find it difficult
to bend, kneel, or walk, you might
want to create raised beds, which are
easier to plant, maintain, and view up
close from a seated position. If there
are wheelchair users, paths need to
be wide enough for them to move
around. The surface of paths is a
consideration, too. Wheelbarrows,
wheelchairs, and pushchairs are easier
to manoeuvre and move around on
paved surfaces than they are on gravel.
”
although that is a good start.
Q WHAT ABOUT
YOUR HOBBIES? Q WHAT ABOUT
YOUR PETS?
You’re designing a garden to spend Pets are a part of the family, and Bear in mind
time in, so why not design it to suit the while you may not want to design Remember that all pets need plenty
interests you already enjoy? This the garden around them, it’s worth of space. If you have a rabbit, for
question may help you decide if a considering the role they play in instance, consider where the hutch
single multi-purpose open area, such your outdoor space. will stand, and allow space on the
as a lawn or patio, might suit your lawn for a rabbit run. Don’t forget
Think about
family better than smaller spaces about the garden boundary when
> the size of your pets
designed for specific activities. planning a pet-friendly garden: walls
> whether they live entirely outdoors, and fences need to be secure to
Think about or roam freely between house
prevent escape.
> space for exercise and garden
> family sports and games > any mess they’re likely to create
when let loose in the garden
> any wildlife lovers in the family
Bear in mind
The obvious choice when designing for
sport and exercise might be to include
a large lawn area, but earmarking a
quiet, private space for gentle exercise,
such as yoga or pilates, could be just
the encouragement you need to get up
and work out each morning. Or, if you
love wildlife, why not plant wildflowers
in a designated nature corner to attract
birds, butterflies, and bees?
DESIGNING FOR This garden I designed to be a place where a family can enjoy
the outside world, from cooking on an open fire to clambering
PEOPLE around in the rock pool. The undercover seating and fireplace
make it a comfortable place that can be enjoyed all year round.
This open-sided stone I selected this stone to evoke The naturalistic
shelter, with a fireplace family memories of a special planting and the
and a cantilevered oak place, and then used it in both green roof combined
roof, is the ideal spot for raw and treated states throughout to fulfill the ambition to
friends and family to relax the design, which brought a create a diverse habitat
and have fun together. wonderful sense of place. for local wildlife.
So many of us begin creating a garden storage, and so on, which – although very
without really considering its function in important – don’t tell you how you want to
detail. I try to get people firstly just to think use the space.
about the garden as a space. This may If instead you think about how people
sound strange, but I find that the moment will use the space and how it can fulfil their
we think “garden”, our minds go to the needs, it will open up more possibilities
practicalities of sheds, compost heaps, for your design.
Think about
> whether you want a place where
you can relax
> whether you want to use the garden
for entertaining
Maybe flowers a priority on your wish list,
> if you want to grow lots of flowers or are you more interested in growing your
own fruit and vegetables?
Q IS YOUR GARDEN
FOR PLAY?
Think about
> how many children will be playing
there (yours and their friends)
> allowing space for fixed structures, To make a dining area feel more intimate and private, you
may want to add an overhead structure to enclose the space.
such as a set of swings, a trampoline,
or a climbing frame
Think about
DESIGN • B U I L D • E N J O Y
Bear in mind
If you have cats, make sure you position
bird feeders high off the ground where
cats cannot reach them. Locating bird
feeders in prickly bushes, such as holly,
will also deter cats. You can put
obstructions on the supporting pole of
a bird table, called “baffles”, which will
prevent cats and squirrels climbing up.
If you have young children, an open
body of water such as a pond could
be dangerous: a high-sided water
When designing your wildlife garden, consider which
flowers to plant to attract bees and butterflies, and where feature may be a better option.
you can hang bird feeders and put bug houses safely.
Q IS GROWING FRUIT AND
Q IS THERE ROOM
> whether you want to interplant
VEGETABLES A PRIORITY? crops among perennials in your TO GROW?
borders
There’s nothing that quite beats the It’s easy to plan for the big items on
Bear in mind
taste of freshly picked produce, nor the your wish list: areas for entertaining
Think carefully about how much
sense of achievement you get from and play; planting ideas for wildlife;
space you can realistically dedicate to
cultivating your own personal harvest. and kitchen gardening. But it’s those
growing crops. Don’t think you have
If you’re thinking of incorporating a smaller moments, the fun times spent
to keep your flower garden and
kitchen garden into your outdoor together in the garden as a couple or
vegetable garden separate, either. If
space, take a moment to consider what a family that really make it special.
you’re short on space (or if you just
you want to grow, and how much you Put down your pencil and imagine
want to get a little creative with your
actually need to grow. everything that could happen in your
planting), try combining your crops
garden over the years. Then start
Think about with your ornamentals: runner beans
to plan a space that could lend
> what fresh produce you like to eat and among your climbers, kale mingled
itself to those future memory-
what fresh herbs you cook with with marigolds, and so on. As for
making moments.
> whether you have space for climbers, herbs, a great introduction to the
such as peas or runner beans grow-your-own lifestyle, consider Think about
> whether you want to grow different
planting these close to the house so > whether you have allowed enough
crops each year, or devote a you can easily nip out and pick just room for seasonal activities, such as
permanent space to perennial as much as you need. setting up a summer paddling pool
vegetables, such as asparagus, > including a barbecue
rhubarb, or fruit bushes
> whether there is an area for a firepit
you can all sit around
> whether there is space for family
games, such as table tennis
or badminton
Bear in mind
What matters here is space and
ensuring there is enough room
in the garden to allow for those
impromptu family moments. Your
interests and hobbies may change
from year to year, but an open space,
such as a lawn area, can become
whatever your family needs it to
be as you all grow.
A dedicated area for vegetable-growing is a must for some, but you can
always plant your edibles in with your ornamentals if you want mix it up.
Gardening is all about time, from the your garden will evolve as you and your
passage of weeks and months as a plant family’s needs change. Remember, too,
comes into bloom to the decades of that once you have your design, you can
patience required to watch a tree grow to break down the build and do it one bit at a
full maturity. Garden design and planting time. As you care for your finished garden,
are also ongoing processes. Things don’t don’t be afraid to make adjustments to suit
stop the moment you plant your last bulb; your changing needs.
“
You may want to build your garden as
Bear in mind
soon as possible, or it may suit you
It is important to have a master plan,
better to break it down into various
Garden design but the actual build can be broken
chunks of work.
and planting are down into projects. Breaking down
Think about elements of the garden into stages
an ongoing process > whether you are eager to have the can allow you to budget over a longer
– it doesn’t stop the garden design finished as soon as period and save up money. However,
possible, or whether you can take bear in mind that buying building
moment you plant
”
your time and follow a stage-by-
materials in bulk is always cheaper,
your last bulb. stage approach
and if you will need to bring stuff
> if you need to bring building materials
through the house, you may not want
through the house
to have to clean up repeatedly. If you
> whether there is a special event that are planning to redecorate the house,
means the garden must be finished
it may be better to finish the mucky
by a certain date
business of garden building first.
Q HOW BUSY
ARE YOU? > how many holidays you take
every year
high-maintenance space you’ll enjoy
caring for. But if you know, deep
How much time do you actually have > what time of year you tend to go away down, you won’t have that much
to look after your space once you’ve > whether you already enjoy pottering time to spare, don’t worry. It’s perfectly
created it? Think about your in the garden for hours possible to create a beautiful garden
commitments and work out how that places fewer demands on your
> how long your current “to do” list is
and when you will be able to care (not just garden jobs, but all the tasks time, with a higher ratio of hard
for your garden. that you know need doing – do they landscaping to planting areas, that only
Think about
mount up quickly?) needs basic watering, feeding, and
Bear in mind weeding to keep it in shape.
> how often you are away
at the weekend If you are already hands-on in the
> whether you have to do a lot garden and have plenty of time to
of running around and being dedicate to its upkeep, then by all
a “taxi” for your kids means go ahead and create a
Q
DESIGN • B U I L D • E N J O Y
Q WHATAT IF I HAVE
A TINY BUDGET? Q HOW DO I
GET MY KIDS
OUTDOORS?
Good design doesn’t have to One of the best ways to get kids
cost a fortune. The main thing is outdoors is to provide them with
to have a space you enjoy using. some sort of a den. You can buy
Whether you have expensive playhouses, but anything from a
stone slabs, salvaged concrete homemade treehouse to a teepee
ones, or even gravel, it doesn’t made of sticks will do. Another
really matter. If you design your way is to get them growing
garden well, then you can always vegetables or cooking outdoors.
build it gradually in stages to allow I love making pizza with my kids
you to take the time to save up and have put a pizza oven in my
money for things you really need garden so now all their mates
and want to have. come round too.
”
Good design doesn’t
have to cost a fortune.
”
The main thing is to have
a space you enjoy using.
KEY
QUICK FIX knowledge
> I think most of us live double
HOW TO FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR GARDEN
lives: the one we dream of and
When you’re designing to sit, ideally in a warm our everyday life. Be as realistic
your garden, make sure it’s secluded spot, it will mean as you can about how much time
a space you really want to there’s always a destination. you have to spend in the garden.
spend time in. Ideally, your Food eaten outdoors is > Think carefully about all
garden will become a place always tastier, so ensure the people who will use the
that you can’t help but be you have a decent table garden and for how long.
drawn into whenever you and enough seating for > Make sure the garden is
look out the window. If everyone. If you can cook designed in such a way that it
there’s a comfortable place outside, even better. doesn’t become a chore. If you’re
not a keen gardener, then avoid
making a lot of work for yourself
because you’ll only end up
FIND YOUR
STYLE
”
Style ideas can come from anywhere: magazines,
”
websites, even a tile pattern on a kitchen floor.
INTRODUCTION
Just like a room inside a home, a garden is made up of various
elements that, when combined together, give it a sense of
place and style. It’s easy to buy things in an ad hoc way, but
for a more cohesive look, you’ll need to think through what
you’d like to include and the overall effect they’ll create.
Every element in your garden – paths, I’ll show you how to create a moodboard
boundaries, steps, water features, (see pp82–83), an essential part of the
structures, lighting, and furnishings – design process. I tend to use them to
will play its part in how the space feels, fine-tune my choices and decide how
so you should take your time when the colours, textures, and materials of
deciding what you want to include and my chosen elements will work together.
where you want to position it. This is your chance to get creative and
In this section I’ll share with you a really play with different ideas, though
selection of galleries that show how I would suggest that, once you start to
versatile you can be with your chosen hone in on an individual style, try to
elements, and how each one can help keep to a limited palette of materials.
”
contribute to an overall style. After that, It always pays to keep things simple.
”
the garden and give it a timeless feel.
56/57
FINDING THE
FOCUS ON
RIGHT MATERIALS
Before you choose which hard landscaping materials
you want to use in your design, it helps to know a little
about them. While aesthetics are important, you’ll also
need to keep in mind practicalities such as cost,
durability, and how easy a material is to maintain.
DESIGN • B U I L D • E N J O Y
”
HARD WOOD SOFT WOOD
to date. Wood taken from broad-leaved trees, The wood of coniferous trees – such as
including oak, chestnut, and ash, is known pine, fir, and cedar – is soft wood and tends
as hard wood. This type of wood typically to be yellow or reddish in colour. These
feels high-quality; it’s not surprising to trees grow faster and so are generally much
discover, then, that hard wood is more cheaper than hard woods. Like hard wood
expensive than soft wood (see right). (see left), soft wood is available both planed
Smooth (planed) wood can work well with a and sawn, depending on the look you want
more modern look, while rough (sawn) to achieve.
wood lends itself to a more rustic aesthetic. If you want to bring some colour into your
Since wood is a natural material, it garden, soft wood can look great, especially
changes with exposure to the elements. if you paint or stain it or work in some nice
Most hard wood “silvers” beautifully as it design detail. Most soft wood will need to
ages, but if you’d prefer to keep its original be treated if used outside – check with your
colour then you will have to treat it. supplier once you’ve chosen.
BRICKS STONE CONCRETE
You can buy bricks in a wide range of Depending on your budget and preference, Paving slabs made of pre-cast concrete
colours, finishes, and sizes, so it’s pretty you can buy a variety of different types of come in many colours and finishes –
easy to find something to fit in with your stone slabs including granite, limestone, and everything from wood-effect to sleek
design aesthetic. Generally, you get what sandstone. The finished look of your garden and smooth. Don’t be put off by the word
you pay for in terms of quality. It depends will not only depend on the type of stone “concrete”; there are some fantastic effects
whether you like the uneven texture of you choose, but how it’s cut. A natural finish and finishes available.
handmade brick or the uniformity of a fits a more rustic or traditional aesthetic. As well as the pre-cast products, you
factory-made one. If you’d like your garden For a more modern look, try crisply cut can also pour and polish concrete on site
to feature brickwork that matches your stone, but take care where you position it for a crisp, contemporary look, and to
house, you could also consider investing – polished stone can become damp and create more fluid shapes. For this, however,
in reclaimed bricks, as they might offer a slippery on a north-facing terrace. you might want to call in the specialists.
better match than brand-new ones.
“
DESIGN • B U I L D • E N J O Y
”
brick in the terrace edging.
1
2
3
4
LAWN
DESIGN • B U I L D • E N J O Y
WHICH MATERIALS?
Take inspiration from materials, colours, and
patterns used on or in the house. If you have
a blue slate roof, for instance, you may want
to edge the terrace in blue bricks; or there
may be a pattern on the kitchen flooring that
you can repeat on the terrace. Perhaps
choose materials traditional to your area,
Make sure even if you put a contemporary spin on
you have
them. All these details help give the terrace a
plenty of
space to move stronger connection to its setting. Always get
around the samples of your chosen materials to see
seating area
how they look in context, too. Bear in mind
that a small sample of stone may not represent
exactly what you’ll end up getting, as natural
Put seating materials can vary from batch to batch.
where it won’t
block the view or
WHAT’S PRACTICAL?
the flow through
to the garden Practical issues are very important, both
in terms of colour and texture, so make
Pick up details
sure you understand how materials will
from the house work in a particular spot. If the terrace
to create a is south-facing, pale-coloured materials
connection
with it can get blindingly bright in summer. If it’s
north-facing and you live in a region with
high rainfall, the area will be shaded by the
house and often damp, so avoid smooth
stone that can become slippery.
FRENCH WINDOW
1
DESIGN • B U I L D • E N J O Y
2
3
1 The coursed pattern of the smooth
paving draws the eye along the path,
while the irregular edges are softened
by the planting and pebbles.
2 Using small bricks offers an opportunity
for tighter corners, which can help create
a sense of movement and intrigue.
3 The self-binding gravel of this
secondary path contrasts well with the
smooth texture of the main stone walkway,
while its pale colour bounces light around
4 the garden.
“
4 Stepping stones can turn a path into
an adventure as you explore and enjoy
the plants around you. They are best used
Give people a path to follow and their for low-footfall walkways.
heads will come up to look at the plants
”
5 Natural wooden planks laid across the
direction of travel visually exaggerate
instead of down to look at their feet. the width, creating an illusion of space.
The warm tones of the wood set off the
planting to great effect.
A curved path edged by planting stops A pause point on a path can be A secondary path can have its own
people cutting the corner, while arches delineated by different paving and character, distinct from the primary,
can draw them through a space. an arbour, with a seat and a view. practical path.
1
DESIGN • B U I L D • E N J O Y
2
3
1 Timber sleepers are a cost-effective
way of making steps. They work best in
a natural setting away from the house.
2 Natural locally sourced materials can
create a traditional feel and give a sense
of place.
“
4 3 Adding detail and pattern in brickwork
can transform a simple set of steps into a
focal point.
To save money when constructing level changes, 4 The boulders and informal planting
surrounding these low, wide steps ties
think how you can use the material you’ve excavated in this seating area with its surroundings.
from one place and relocate it in another (known as
”
5 By making the steps broader than the
front door, this entrance feels more open
‘cut and fill’) rather than paying to take it off site. and welcoming, and also provides space
for planted containers.
”
atmosphere of your garden.
2
1 3
1 Boundaries can be a feature in your
garden, almost like a piece of sculpture.
This see-through screen divides the space
without making the garden feel smaller.
2 Horizontal fencing panels not only
provide the perfect setting for plants,
but also make a garden feel larger.
3 Trained fruit trees can look striking
against a simple backdrop, even in winter.
4 This Corten water feature forms a bold
centrepiece within a classic hedge, giving
it a contemporary update.
5 This stone wall interrupts the hedge
line, creating a backdrop for the pots in
4 the foreground.
2
1 3
4
“
5
”
to sit for a quick coffee?
2
1 3
4 5
6
1
2
“ On days when
it’s dark by the time
you return home,
even minimal lighting
just out the kitchen
window will put a smile
”
on your face.
3
4
1
2
“ Make your garden a more
personal and unique space by
including decorative items that are
”
meaningful to you and your family.
2
3
1 A greenhouse can be more than just a
practical structure; it can also be decorative
and echo the architecture and colours of the
main house.
2 A covered seating area next to still water
provides a peaceful spot for contemplation
and enjoying the view.
3 This steel archway feels light and
welcoming. Growing fruit over the arch
adds character as well as producing a
wonderful harvest.
4 Rope swags create a glorious framework
for roses or other climbers. Their sweeping
shape gives a softer look than timber beams.
5 A covered dining area helps you make
the most of your garden. A green roof not
only adds an air of fun, but also offers an
4 unconventional wildlife habitat.
“
HOW TO
A moodboard will
Moodboards help you work out what you like and
help you make clear
don’t like, and help you pin down the themes you want decisions when you’re
to capture in your finished design. They are a fun part choosing and sourcing
of the creative process, and will help you think about materials, so you don’t
your design in a different way. Don’t worry about what
”
get overwhelmed by all
they look like – this isn’t an art show. the choice.
DESIGN • B U I L D • E N J O Y
1 GATHER MATERIAL
WHY MAKE A MOODBOARD? Collect source material that you like,
such as pictures from magazines
You might think that a moodboard seems and Pinterest, paint swatches, fabric
unnecessary or time-consuming, but if you samples, or natural objects. It might be
do create one, you will reap the benefits in the texture, colour, pattern, or shape
that catches your eye. You don’t have
the long run.
to do it all at once – you can add to the
• A sense of unity: a moodboard will help collection over time if you prefer.
you focus in on your garden’s overall theme,
and identify anything that doesn’t seem to fit.
traditional
lively
bold
Q I’M WORRIED
DESIGN • B U I L D • E N J O Y
QUICK FIX
KEEP THINGS SIMPLE
Using too many materials materials and how their
is a common mistake, colours work together, as
even among professional well as the overall look or
designers who can get drawn style you want to achieve.
into the trap. In any garden As a rule, I use two, three,
of any size it pays to keep or four materials. Once I’ve
things simple. When you’re designed a garden, I’ll go
designing, think about your back and see if I can pare
use of hard-landscaping anything back a bit more.
”
The point of putting together
images for your moodboard is to
”
discover the kinds of things that
can make your heart skip a beat.
Q WHAT KINDS OF
IMAGES SHOULD I
CHOOSE?
relate directly to gardens and the
outdoors, but don’t be afraid to
include something like a piece of
KEY
Knowledge
music, a saying, or an image of
When you’re putting together people that sums up the mood > Collecting images of things you
images for the generic moodboard you want to create. The point is like is a good way of exploring
that will help you discover an overall to discover the kinds of things you different ways your garden could
aesthetic for your garden, don’t are strongly drawn to and that can look and feel.
worry about getting tons of images. make your heart skip a beat. > Don’t limit yourself to images
It’s great if you choose pictures that of gardens or plants. Consider
anything you are attracted to,
and work out what aesthetics,
Q Q
HOW MANY WHAT TERRACE colours, and moods you like best.
GARDEN STYLES MATERIAL > Think about words that
ARE THERE? SHOULD I USE? conjure up the sort of emotional
response you’d like your garden
There are many different labels bring about. Keep this in mind
for garden and planting styles When choosing elements for as you fine-tune your image
– Cottage Garden, Terrace hard landscaping you’ll find that selection.
Garden, Tropical Garden, and the deciding factors are cost, > When you’ve edited down
so on – but they are all open to practicality, and aesthetics. For your choices, start grouping
interpretation. In reality, the best hard surfaces close to the house, them together into categories
style will be the one that’s unique practicality is key. Take a look at my
of the strongest themes. This
to you. Focus on creating a garden advice on pp62–63 when weighing
will help you imagine even
you really love, where the various up the different practicalities; the
more clearly what your design
elements in it work together as a materials information on pp58–59
is going to look like.
whole rather than as a random may also guide your final choice.
mixture of details.
CHOOSE YOUR
PLANTS
”
The best way to tackle planting design is to break
”
the process into small stepping stones.
INTRODUCTION
For me, plants are the stars of the garden. They tell the story
of the seasons, encourage wildlife, and bring your garden
alive. Design-wise, plants add structure, texture, movement,
sound, and colour. They can also soften lines, create focal
points, and help create a particular mood.
Most of us have had moments process down. In this section, I’ll first
when we’ve felt overwhelmed by help you identify your own “planting
the vast number of plants out there. style”, before showing you how to plant
Good plant knowledge is something in layers to evoke nature. I'll take you
that evolves over time and even the through some of my favourite plants,
experts don’t know them all! To be and give you examples of how I develop
absolutely honest, you probably won’t my ideas for borders for different soil
get your planting right the first time and conditions. Finally, I’ll help you
– I don’t always get it right and I’ve been narrow down your plant wishlist into
doing this for decades. a practical and beautiful assortment
Planting design is a big subject, and of plants with which you can go on to
”
the best way to tackle it is to break the create your perfect borders.
”
compositions in your garden.
88/89
FIND YOUR
HOW TO
PLANTING STYLE
If you’re new to planting design, words like “rhythm” or
“repetition” might sound daunting, but planting doesn’t
need to be complicated. If you do a little research and
prepare a moodboard, you’ll be able to create a garden
that captures your individual personality.
DESIGN • B U I L D • E N J O Y
Although there are lots of defined planting about styles, it’s also good to also think
styles, for me a garden should reflect about mood or emotion. Your planting
someone’s personality. So, as you are shouldn’t be dictated just by how it looks,
drawn around your space don’t just think but also by how it makes you feel.
The best way to identify your planting Do the formal lines and symmetry
CREATING YOUR style is to build a moodboard (see stand out to you?
PLANTING WISH LIST pp82–83) specifically for your soft Wherever you go, take photos and
landscaping. Books, magazines, make plenty of notes. Write down
As you start to build a wish Pinterest, and television programmes words that describe the atmosphere
list of ideal plants for each are a great starting point for planting you’d like your garden to evoke, and
layer (see pp92–93), keep inspiration, but don’t forget to head how you want to feel when you spend
your planting moodboard outside, too. Check out a local garden time in it. You might notice one
handy. Planting design isn’t an centre to see what’s on offer. Head to underlying theme shining through
exact science, but as you note a park or a local garden open day and your notes, or perhaps a few themes
down the individual plants take a look at the borders. that could influence different areas
you’d like to include in your Whenever you spot something of the garden (a quiet, contemplative
garden, your moodboard will you like, try to work out what it space that links to a lively area for
help remind you of the bigger is you like about it exactly. Are the entertaining, for example). The theme(s)
picture – what you want your plants tumbling into each other? Do that you finally settle on will hopefully
planting to achieve as a whole the vibrant colours catch your eye? show a little of your personality.
“
– and help make sure that the
plants your choose will fulfil
your goals.
Look at the themes and moods
that emerged from your moodboard
”
to determine your planting style.
COMMON PLANTING STYLES
While I don’t believe you need to be
familiar with well-known planting styles
in order to plant a garden, you may
find it useful to look up a few online
as part of your moodboard research.
Here are a few to get you started:
• Romantic
• Formal or informal
• Minimalist or maximalist
• Contemporary
1 Strong leaf shapes work
• Traditional (e.g. cottage garden
against the straight lines of
or English country garden) the concrete edge.
• A particular climate (e.g. exotic,
2 These lavender beds
coastal, or tropical) evoke memories of
• Ecological/wildlife-friendly Provence.
3 This mixed border offers
more than just flowers –
there’s texture, movement,
and a feeling of a modern
1 English country garden.
2 3
To me, the gardens that feel right are the gardens that
carry layers in their planting. These bring structure and
seasonal interest but, most importantly, they also create
atmosphere. Nature is the best place to learn about
“ Take a walk in a
woodland and you’ll
notice how plants
naturally settle into
planting design, and plant layers occur in all climates, different distinct
”
from tropical rainforests to temperate oak woodlands. layers of growth.
DESIGN • B U I L D • E N J O Y
If you intend to plant a tree – whether it’s for the upper or lower
canopy – it’s worth thinking practically first. How tall do you want it
to grow? Do you want evergreen or deciduous? Do you want open
branches to let light through or dense foliage to screen unsightly f Cercidiphyllum japonicum (Katsura tree)
views? It’s easy to be pulled in by beauty when what is really needed One of my favourite deciduous trees, and a
good multi-stem option, it can grow to around
is an oval-shaped evergreen to block out a neighbour. Work out 12m (39ft) or more. Its small heart-shaped leaves
change to shades of pink, orange, and yellow
what the tree’s purpose is then build up a picture of the shapes and
in autumn. They also produce a unique burnt-
characteristics that will work best in the space. sugar scent when the frosts arrive that kids love.
f Acer campestre ‘Elegant’ (Field maple) f Betula nigra (River birch) f Lagerstroemia indica (Crepe myrtle)
This upright, compact, deciduous oval tree can grow This deciduous tree can grow up to 18m (59ft) tall. A deciduous tree or shrub that can grow
up to 10m (33ft) tall. It’s really versatile: I’ve grown Its cinnamon-coloured bark flakes off to reveal up to 8m (26ft), it has glossy green leaves
it as pleached hedging and as a multi-stem. It has pinks and creams. In spring, yellow catkins are and a multi-stem habit. I grow this tree
glorious autumn colour, which I enjoy seeing in our followed by soft green leaves that turn yellow in in my garden, but it may be harder to
hedgerows. It’s also extremely tough, tolerating autumn. It’s one of the best trees for wet ground, grow further north. Bright pink or red
most soil types, drought, and air pollution. but will happily grow in drier and hotter situations. crinkly blooms appear in early autumn.
a Zelkova serrata (Keaki)
A large, spreading, deciduous tree, it can reach more than 12m
(39ft) in height. Not unlike Carpinus (hornbeam), it carries lovely
smooth grey bark. It holds green oval-shaped serrated leaves
that turn orange-yellow in autumn and it is tolerant of most soils.
a Amelanchier lamarckii
(Juneberry/snowy
mespilus)
This small deciduous tree
is one of those plants I feel
every garden should have.
It can reach up to 10m (33ft),
and every season brings
different interest, from
white star-shaped blossom
in spring to berries and
fiery foliage in autumn. In
my garden I grow this as
a multi-stem tree, which
creates a really nice shape.
a Hamamelis x intermedia
‘Jelena’ (Witch hazel)
For me, witch hazel is one
of the hardest working
small trees. Its clusters of
bright flowers bring a smile
to my face in winter, and
many have a lovely scent.
This small, deciduous,
slow-growing tree can reach
up to 4m (13ft) tall and has
great autumn leaf colour.
f Cornus mas (Cornelian cherry) f Ginkgo biloba (Maidenhair) f Malus ‘Evereste’ (Crab apple)
This small deciduous tree can grow up to I do love the history of this tree – it’s A small deciduous tree that can grow up
5m (16ft) tall with year-round interest and one of the oldest trees on Earth. to 7m (23ft), with pretty spring blossom
superb bark as the plant matures. In spring, It can reach up to 30m (100ft) and that starts as pink buds and opens to white.
it has tiny yellow flowers. In autumn, the has unusually fan-shaped deciduous It bears lots of lovely small ornamental
foliage turns red and deep purple, and green leaves that turn brilliant yellow-orange fruit in autumn. It is one
carries small, cherry-like berries. yellow in autumn. of the most disease-resistant crabs.
“
large lacecaps of white flowers, is perfect.
The flowers are followed by berries, which
add another layer of interest. I do like this
shrub. Even when it loses its leaves, it still The right choice of
has a really strong form. It can reach up to 3m
(10ft) in height and has distinctive horizontal, shrubs can add structure
tiered branches. It looks great planted
and a great sense of
”
between a more formal and informal space.
f Phlomis russeliana (Turkish sage) f Mahonia x media ‘Winter Sun’ f Philadelphus ‘Belle Etoile’ (Mock orange)
This vigorous, spreading, deciduous plant (Oregon grape) Who doesn’t love the scent of a mock orange?
offers loads of interest all year, from its heart- A plant I’ve fallen back in love with, it has In late spring and summer this compact shrub,
shaped foliage to its 1m (3ft) tall stems with rosettes of glossy, dark green, evergreen which grows up to 1.2m (4ft) tall, is covered with
whorls of pale yellow flowers. The seed heads leaves and spikes of yellow highly fragrant an abundance of highly scented white flowers.
look particularly beautiful covered in frost. flowers. It grows up to 5m (16ft) in height. The deep green oval leaves are deciduous.
Although trees and shrubs are bigger, it’s the perennials (the This yarrow can grow up to 60cm (24in) tall.
Its silvery-green foliage works well with other
non-woody plants) that will make up most of your planting. plants. Its bright orange umbels age to bronze.
Perennials come in many shapes and sizes and can be hardy, half-
hardy, evergreen, or deciduous – or, in the case of herbaceous
perennials, die back and reappear each year. Think about when a
plant looks at its best and make sure it suits your soil and climate.
Inevitably you’ll make a few mistakes, but just keep playing – I still am!
f Eupatorium purpureum (Joe Pye weed) f Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel) f Limonium platyphyllum ‘Violetta’ (Sea lavender)
This is a good structural plant that works in Fennel is such a valuable plant. With its fine, This plant has a coastal feel to it and works well in
most soils in either sun or part shade. Slightly soft foliage, it adds up to 1.8m (6ft) of height a gravel garden. Growing up to 50cm (20in) tall, it
domed flowers add a delicate touch to this and interesting texture to a border. You do has purple flowers above a clump of evergreen
giant, which can reach up to 2m (7ft) tall. need room for this one to work its magic. leaves that can change colour in the sun.
a Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’
(Switch grass)
An impressive ornamental grass with upright
metallic blue leaves up to 1.5m (5ft) tall that
turn yellow in autumn. A haze of pink-tinted
flowers appear in summer. For me, this one
really earns its place in the autumn months.
“ What’s lovely
about perennials is
that you can chop
and change them
about until you’ve
”
created combinations
f Valeriana pyrenaica (Capon’s tail grass)
This lovely plant makes a good statement
you’re happy with.
in a border without being too loud or
overpowering. The heart-shaped leaves
are a nice feature earlier in the year, but the
clouds of tiny flowers on stems that grow up
to 1m (3ft) tall are the real stars.
f Molinia caerulea subsp. caerulea f Persicaria affinis ‘Superba’ f Rodgersia pinnata ‘Elegans’
‘Edith Dudszus’ (Purple moor grass) This semi-evergreen plant forms a This handsome, architectural plant
This tuft-forming grass carries its wide mat of slim, mid-green, up to grows up to 1.2m (4ft) tall. The leaves
flowers high above its foliage, which 30cm- (12in-) tall leaves and short carry a rough texture and colour well
grows up to 1m (3ft). The leaves are a spikes of pale pink flowers that darken in autumn. It produces handfuls of
beautiful colour in autumn and the as they age. I love to use it as ground small, star-shaped pink to creamy-
flowers hold well until late in the year. cover and work other plants around it. white flowers in summer.
a Astrantia major ‘Large White’
(Masterwort)
At around 60cm (24in) tall, astrantias
are a great mid-height plant for sun or
part-shade. The white flowers with
green tips seem to last forever.
a Euphorbia amygdaloides
var. robbiae (Wood spurge)
This handsome, hard-working
perennial can be a little
invasive, so I tend to use it in
dry shade only. It bears dark,
glossy evergreen leaves,
grows up to 60cm (24in) tall,
and produces masses of
showy, long-lasting, lime-
green flowers in late spring.
The word “bulb” is often used for any plant with an underground This sun-loving plant can grow up to 80cm (21⁄2ft)
tall. It has small purple and green flower heads
food storage organ, but botanically, bulbs should be categorized as on strong wiry stems that add lovely colour and
true bulbs, tubers, corms, and rhizomes. Whatever you want to call movement to a border. I like to plant them with
grasses and drift them through my borders as
them, they bring lovely seasonal surprises and many are scented too. if they had self-seeded there naturally.
Bulbs come in all sorts of heights and shapes and are useful for
bringing a splash of colour into the garden early in the year before
some of the herbaceous plants have got going. Some types of bulb
will come up year after year and even seed themselves around, while
others will need replacing every season.
f Narcissus ‘Minnow’ (Daffodil) f Cyclamen coum (Cyclamen) f Camassia quamash (Common camassia)
This miniature daffodil can reach 20cm (8in) tall, These tough yet dainty pink flowers can grow With spikes that can grow up to 80cm (32in)
and has clusters of 2–4 pale yellow flowers per up to 10cm (4in) tall, and look beautiful above covered in blue star-shaped flowers, this
stem. It prefers a sunny, sheltered spot and often the rounded green leaves. They make perfect camassia is perfect for planting in long grass.
spreads well, with bigger displays each year. companions for snowdrops and hellebores. They look just as happy in a meadow or border.
a Eranthis hyemalis (Winter
aconite)
Only able to grow up to 10cm (4in) tall,
what this tiny little plant lacks in size it
makes up for in beauty. Best grown in
part shade, it is an effective way of
adding pops of colour to a border. It’s
a cracker and never lets me down.
f Tulipa sylvestris (Wild/species tulip) f Galanthus nivalis (Snowdrop) f Narcissus pseudonarcissus (Wild daffodil)
This native tulip is one of my favourite bulbs. I love snowdrops. It’s always a nice surprise when How can you not fall in love with the dainty
It has a scent that pulls you to your knees. the timeless white flowers appear. I really like them native British wildflower that inspired
At 30cm (12in) tall, I plant it in the grass in my in a woodland setting, and at only 15cm (6in) tall, Wordsworth? Reaching 25cm (10in) tall, it’s an
orchard as it’s less showy than other tulips. they’re great planted in grass and left to naturalize. easy daff to grow and will spread by seed.
f Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star jasmine) f Vitis coignetiae (Crimson glory vine) f Wisteria sinensis (Wisteria)
The neat glossy evergreen foliage of this elegant The dark green leaves of this deciduous climber Every year I look forward to my wisteria
climber is really useful for covering walls. In turn into spectacular shades of red, orange and flowering – seeing the long bunches of
summer it is covered in clusters of highly fragrant, crimson-purple in autumn. It is fast-growing buds fill out then burst open to create a
star-shaped white flowers. It has a twining habit and dense, so is best planted by itself as it can wash of pale purple. This quick-growing
and works well on a wired wall. Apart from a little smother other plants. You will need to tie in deciduous plant is great trained against
early help, it doesn’t need much training or pruning. branches to some sort of trellis or support. a wall or over a strong pergola.
a Lonicera x tellmanniana (Tellman’s honeysuckle)
This unusual honeysuckle has clusters of unscented
burnt-amber flowers flushed with red. A deciduous
climber, it has a dense, twining habit that needs
to be supported.
a Chaenomeles speciosa
‘Geisha Girl’
(Japanese quince)
Flowering later than other
ornamental quince, ‘Geisha
Girl’ is deciduous, has
pretty apricot-pink flowers,
and a compact habit. The
fruits can hold into winter.
a Hydrangea anomala
subsp. petiolaris
(Climbing hydrangea)
A long-time favourite, this
self-climbing deciduous
plant has a sea of green
leaves and beautiful white
flowers in the summer. Even
the winter skeleton is great.
It’s happy in a shady spot.
f Garrya elliptica (Silk tassel bush) f Rosa filipes ‘Kiftsgate’ f Parthenocissus henryana
A tall evergreen shrub with glossy dark This deciduous rambling rose can grow (Chinese Virginia creeper)
green leaves and a profusion of long, to more than 10m (33ft) in height. The With velvety, silver-veined, deeply divided
silky, grey-green catkins, which grow up fragrant white flowers appear in late leaves that turn crimson in autumn, this
to 30cm (12in) long and are particularly summer, followed by tiny orange-red hips. deciduous climber can grow to more than
impressive on male plants. It prefers a If you have an old shed to cover or a 10m (33ft) in height. The autumn colour is
sheltered spot out of cold winds. large tree it can climb up, it works wonders. most dramatic if you grow it in a sunny spot.
Many annuals, biennials, and other limited-lifespan varieties can With tall stems, lush leaves, and clusters of
dramatic tubular white flowers, this plant is
be grown from seed, making them a cheap and cheerful method of a real eye-catcher. Its heavy night scent that
planting. I often use them to fill spaces in my planting – for instance, will really stop you in your tracks, too.
if I’m developing a border over a long period of time, or if I’m waiting for
a shrub to fill out. I also like to over-seed areas with biennials, then leave
them do their own thing, as it makes a plant scheme look more relaxed.
f Ammi majus f Digitalis purpurea (Foxglove) f Hordeum jubatum f Nigella damascena ‘Miss Jekyll’
(Queen Anne’s lace) A common sight in the wild, (Foxtail barley) (Love-in-a-mist)
A sort of refined cow parsley, foxgloves equally make great With long, silvery seed heads that This pretty sky-blue annual with
Queen Anne’s lace forms a prolific garden plants and are beautiful fade to pink, this short-lived grass wispy foliage is great for a cottage
froth of delicate white umbels drifted through a woodland. They deserves to be planted more! I love garden. Like sweet peas (right), it
above fine fern-like foliage. are biennial, so plant two years in a using it in gravel plantings. Sow in makes a really fantastic cut flower.
row to get a succession of flowers. either spring or autumn.
a Verbena bonariensis
Verbena’s wiry stems, topped with small
purple flowers, can reach up to 1.8m (6ft).
Because of its delicate structure, this
sometimes short-lived perennial can be
fitted in pretty much anywhere in a
border and will self-seed freely if happy.
f Lathyrus odoratus f Papaver commutatum f Orlaya grandiflora f Briza maxima (Quaking grass)
(Sweet pea) ‘Ladybird’ (Ladybird poppy) (White lace flower) A great low-growing grass that I
Sweet peas are easy to grow from A large brilliant red poppy with a A hardy annual with delicate like to plant near the front of a
seed, although you can cheat and buy black splodge at the base of the lacy white flowers, it can be border. It has fine long leaves and
seedlings in spring. They come in many petals, this is a stunner and just sown in spring but produces locket-shaped flowers, which react
colours and most are highly scented. makes me smile. It’s easy to grow bigger flowers if sown in beautifully with the light and add
too – just scatter seeds in spring. autumn and overwintered. movement in the slightest breeze.
If you decide to plant a hedge, there a quite a few options to choose from The dog rose is deciduous, fast-growing,
and tolerant of loads of different conditions.
– including the ones I’ve mentioned here – so think carefully about what It forms an inpenetrable thorny thicket and
you want out of it. Will it hide a fence, be a foil for your planting schemes, works well as part of a mixed hedge. The
pretty pink flowers are followed by striking
or attract wildlife? Think also about the aesthetics. Do you want the red oval-shaped hips.
constant backdrop of an evergreen, or something deciduous that
changes with the season? Whatever you choose, make sure it suits your
growing conditions. It’s always worth looking what hedging plants grow
well in your local area. Finally, think about height and make sure it isn’t
going to cast too much of a shadow on your or your neighbour’s garden.
f Buxus sempervirens (Box) f Acer campestre (Field maple) f Taxus baccata (Yew)
With its small leaf and dense habit, box makes Field maple is a great option for a deciduous A classic evergreen hedge, yew looks
a great evergreen hedging plant. To help avoid stand-alone or mixed native hedge. The comfortable in a traditional or contemporary
blight problems, make sure it has good air leaves turn bright buttery yellow in autum, garden. It’s not as slow-growing as you might
circulation and is well fed. and it grows well in most conditions. think. The fruit is poisonous to humans.
a Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam)
Although it looks very similar to beech,
hornbeam is a hard-working plant and far
better at tolerating poor soil and exposed
conditions. Although it loses slightly more
leaves than beech in winter, they do turn
lovely shades of yellow to orange in
autumn. It is a very flexible plant.
d Prunus spinosa
(Blackthorn)
d Fagus sylvatica (Beech) Blackthorn forms a dense,
Common beech stands out for its beautiful prickly deciduous hedge with
soft-green leaves with wavy edges. Strictly vicious thorns and masses of
speaking, it is classed as deciduous, but it small white flowers early in the
holds on to its old leaves until the new ones year, as well as sloes in autumn.
push them off. It turns a fantastic copper It works well as part of a mixed
colour in autumn. hedge too.
f Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) f Corylus avellana (Hazel) f Prunus lusitanica (Portuguese laurel)
Hawthorn will grow almost anywhere. It has Hazel is a lovely bushy deciduous hedge that With a smaller, darker leaf than the usual
small, glossy deciduous leaves, scented creates an informal but dense screen. It grows laurel, this evergreen makes a smart, dense,
white flowers, and lovely red berries. It’s a well in most situations and is tolerant of exposed fast-growing hedge. It works well as a backdrop
great plant for nesting birds. sites. You might also get a good crop of nuts! for planting.
The ideal situation for many plants is one that is not too
sunny or shady and not too dry or damp. With average
conditions, you can have fun with a huge range of plants.
“ This design offers
a rich palette of
interest that will last
”
Here, I’ve chosen some of my favourites that I think through the summer
work together beautifully throughout the layers, and and into autumn.
overleaf I talk you through how I put them together.
DESIGN • B U I L D • E N J O Y
MY DESIGN
This particular combination of plants provides
colour, texture, good interest, and rhythm that plays
throughout the border. For the bulb layer, not shown 1 Amelanchier lamarckii
(Snowy mespilus)
on the plan, I’ve chosen an early Narcissus and a
dramatic drumstick Allium.
4 Eupatorium
6 Amsonia purpureum
tabernaemontana
(Joe Pye weed)
(Eastern bluestar)
2 Rosa macrophylla
‘Doncasterii’ (Rose)
3 Calamagrostis
brachytricha
(Korean feather
reed grass)
5 Valeriana pyrenaica
2 Rosa macrophylla
‘Doncasterii’ (Rose)
3 Calamagrostis 4 Eupatorium
brachytricha purpureum
(Korean feather (Joe Pye weed)
reed grass)
6 Amsonia
tabernaemontana
(Eastern bluestar)
PLANTING PLAN
go on to pp112–13
3 ADD CONTRAST
Behind the rose I need good interest
and contrast, so I’m drawn to the
strong vertical of grasses.
Calamagrostis works well: first,
because it’s a robust plant with a
reliable clump-forming habit with
strong verticals; second, because it
has fluffy purple-tinged flowers that
look great in the winter months. It Eupatorium purpureum Valeriana pyrenaica
also works well as a filter to the rose. (Joe Pye weed)
I also want to add good seasonal Lastly, I’ve put in a great drumstick
flower and I need a hard-working Allium that I love to work through
plant that contrasts with the others. grasses. Here, I’m planting major
The Centaurea will flower throughout clumps, then letting the bulbs drift
summer above green-grey furry from there. The egg-shaped claret
foliage. The spider-like flowers are flowers appear in July and August
a deep burgundy, like a good bottle and sit above slender stems. Even
of red wine. When the flowers are when the flowers fade and dry, the
finished, the seed heads provide plant’s seed heads can still provide
interest for a good few months. Narcissus ‘Thalia’ (Daffodil) interest well into autumn.
”
can plant to create a lush little oasis. I’ve designed a
planting scheme that combines texture, green tones, and corner to life.
light-coloured flowers to really enhance a shady area.
DESIGN • B U I L D • E N J O Y
MY DESIGN
All the plants I select have to work hard, and that is
particularly so for shady areas. See overleaf for how I put
this combination together. The choice of bulbs was simple
– winter aconites and snowdrops, planted in a large drift
with a few more loosely spaced on the outer edges.
1 Cercidiphyllum japonicum
(Katsura tree)
3 Mahonia x media
‘Winter Sun’
(Oregon grape) 2 Cornus mas
(Cornelian cherry)
5 Matteuccia
struthiopteris
(Ostrich fern)
q Digitalis 7 Astrantia
purpurea
major ‘Large
‘Pam’s Choice’
White'
(Foxgloves)
(Masterwort)
0Geranium
nodosum
6 Dryopteris (Knotted
filix-mas cranesbill)
(Male fern)
8 Euphorbia
amygdaloides
var. robbiae
(Wood spurge)
9 Hakonechloa
macra
4 Buxus (Box)
OVERHEAD PLANTING PLAN
1 Cercidiphyllum japonicum
(Katsura tree)
2 Cornus mas
(Cornelian cherry)
3 Mahonia x media
‘Winter Sun’
(Oregon grape)
5 Matteuccia
struthiopteris
(Ostrich fern)
q Digitalis
purpurea ‘Pam’s
Choice’ (Foxgloves)
6 Dryopteris
filix-mas
(Male fern)
go on to pp116–17
PLANTING PLAN
the frosts arrive, and the tree fills Cercidiphyllum thanks to the contrast
the air with the scent of burnt sugar. of its green elliptical leaves. I use a
multi-stem to get more bark, which,
as it ages, has scaly plates of orange
brown that give great winter interest.
Small clusters of yellow flowers
appear very early in the year, which
Cercidiphyllum japonicum are followed by dark red fruit the
(Katsura tree) following autumn.
4 VISUAL LINKS
In the shrub layer, I’ve used clipped
Buxus close to the front of the
border. With its evergreen foliage,
it provides a visual link with the
Mahonia, as well as strong form and
a focal pull to start to build the other
planting around. In a bigger border,
Mahonia x media ‘Winter Sun’ you could use these to create Matteuccia struthiopteris
(Oregon grape) rhythm and movement. (Ostrich fern)
”
survive on surprisingly little water. I've designed this
border using drought-tolerant plants that work well natural effect.
together across all the different layers.
DESIGN • B U I L D • E N J O Y
MY DESIGN
This design shows the different plant layers in action,
with repetition and grouping used to bring rhythm
and balance. The bulbs chosen (not shown on the plan)
are an Allium that works particularly well in dry soil,
1 Lagerstroemia indica ‘Rosea’
and a beautiful Turkish tulip. (Crape myrtle)
3 Foeniculum vulgare
‘Purpureum’ (Bronze fennel)
4 Stipa gigantea
‘Gold Fontaene’
(Golden oats)
2 Phlomis
russeliana
(Turkish sage)
7 Eryngium
agavifolium
(Agave-leaved
sea holly) 5 Panicum
virgatum ‘Rehbraun’
(Switch grass)
6 Centranthus
lecoqii 9 Achillea ‘Inca Gold’
(Yarrow)
(Red valerian)
3 Foeniculum vulgare
‘Purpureum’ (Bronze fennel)
7 Eryngium agavifolium
(Agave-leaved sea holly)
5 Panicum virgatum
‘Rehbraun’
(Switch grass)
6 Centranthus lecoqii
(Red valerian) 8 Limonium platyphyllum 2 Phlomis russeliana 9 Achillea ‘Inca Gold’
‘Violetta’ (Broad-leaved statice) (Turkish sage) (Yarrow)
go on to pp120–21
PLANTING PLAN
Then I wanted to add a softer Lastly, the bulbs I’ve chosen reflect
texture, so I was drawn to the the fact that I want to add a little
Achillea, which for me is a great little detail that is familiar – but isn’t. The
worker. ‘Inca Gold’ is a short, sturdy Allium is not your normal Allium.
plant with silvery-green soft- It flowers a little later than many
textured leaves. These are topped others (June–July) and has narrow
with golden-orange flat flower mid-green leaves, which die back
heads that last well throughout before the blue globe-shaped
the summer. flower head appears. This goes well Tulipa turkestanica (Species/wild tulip)
with so many colours and works
Lastly, I want to add a little interest
fantastically well in gravel gardens.
earlier in the year, and I have a
soft spot for the species tulip
turkestanica. As its name suggests,
it comes from Turkey, so I know it
will be comfortable with the rest of
my planting. It is simply stunning.
Above the green-grey leaves sit
star-shaped ivory-cream flowers
with dark yellow centres. They tend
to be 20–30cm (8–12in) tall and even
Achillea ‘Inca Gold’ Allium caeruleum
hold a little scent.
(Yarrow) (Blue-flowered garlic)
If you find that you’ve got moist soil, it’s best not to
bother trying to fight it. I’ve designed this scheme
using a combination of moisture-loving plants that
“ There are lots
of great plants you
can grow that really
”
complement each other and that will provide seasonal don’t mind having
colour and interest throughout the year. their feet damp.
DESIGN • B U I L D • E N J O Y
MY DESIGN
With a contrast of shape, form, and colour, this scheme
will do well in moderately damp conditions in either sun
or part shade. Underneath, but not shown on the plan,
I have included a pretty Leucojum for spring and a Camassia
1 Betula nigra
to add mid-season colour and height. (River birch)
2 Salix elaeagnos
4 Molinia caerulea subsp. subsp. angustifolia
caerulea ‘Edith Dudszus’ (Rosemary leaf willow)
(Purple moor grass)
6 Persicaria
amplexicaulis
(Red bistort)
8 Trollius x cultorum
‘Alabaster’ (Globeflower) 9 Rodgersia pinnata 7 Iris ‘Flight of Butterflies’
‘Elegans’ (Siberian iris)
OVERHEAD PLANTING PLAN
1 Betula nigra
(River birch)
2 Salix elaeagnos
subsp. angustifolia
(Rosemary leaf willow)
5 Aruncus ‘Horatio’
(Goat’s beard)
6 Persicaria
amplexicaulis
(Red bistort)
The last perennial here has to have In the bulb layer, I’m thinking colour, Last but not least, I want a colour
great foliage interest, and I’m drawn detail, and verticals, which I want to to work with the mid-season
to Rodgersia. It offers real drama drift through the border. I plant one flowering plants. One of my
with its clumps of bronze foliage that main group and let the bulbs favourite bulbs, aside from the
later provide rich autumn colour. naturalize from there. The first natives, is Camassia. These are tall
The leaves really are elegant and bulb I’m drawn to is Leucojum, clump-forming perennials that have
handsome with a beautiful texture which has bell-shaped green-tipped a stately feel. The foliage provides a
that will provide a focal pull. Add to white flowers on an arching stem. great upright with the spires of rich
that its soft pink to creamy flowers, It flowers in April and May and star-like flowers. The plant looks its
which appear in late summer. reminds me of a snowdrop’s beauty. best in in April and May.
PLANT CHECKLIST
Review each plant on your
1 SITE SUITABILITY 3 SIZE, SHAPE, AND HABIT
wish list in turn, using the Double-check the plant’s care Find out what the the plant’s size
suggestions here as a starting requirements to see whether they’ll will be when fully grown. Will it suit
point. The notes you make grow in your garden’s conditions. your space, or is there a chance it
Be mindful of your site’s soil, could grow too tall and dominate
will help you work out where climate, water table, aspect, and any its surroundings? Think also about
the plant would best be microclimates (see pp28–29). If you the plant’s growth habit, and what
cannot meet the plant’s needs, shape it will be when it’s mature.
positioned, which other
you may need to consider dropping How does it hold itself? Can it be
plants it could be grouped it from your wish list. pruned to meet your needs? Does
with, or if it needs to be it form a solid block or can you see
through it? These details will help
dropped entirely. you decide where best to position
2 ROOT REQUIREMENTS the plant within your garden.
Find out whether it’s a thirsty plant,
and if you’ll need to water it more
often than other plants in summer.
Will you need to improve your soil
or feed it regularly? How far will the
roots spread? All these details will
come in handy when you work out
where best to position your final
selection of plants.
6 MAINTENANCE 7 SHADE
Think about the practicalities. What Don’t forget about the impact
about pruning and training, cutting the plant might have on its
back, deadheading, and dividing? neighbours – or your own, for
How much attention will it need that matter. Will it cast shade
over a twelve-month period? Will it and, if so, how dense will the
self-seed? Better to find these facts shade be? Will it cast a shadow
out now than later on, after you’ve over the garden next door?
positioned a plant in an awkward If so, you may need to take
spot where you’re unable to reach care where you position your
it with the pruning shears. plant, or keep it separate from
other, more sun-loving plants.
4 FLOWER SHAPES
The shape of any flower will have an
impact on the look of your overall
design. Does the plant form flowers
in the shape of spires, umbels, daisies,
buttons, globes, plumes, goblets, or
trumpets? Make a note so you know
what you can expect when your plant
comes into flower. You should be
looking to have plenty of contrasting
flower shapes on your final list.
Make sure you have lots of contrast
in the leaf shapes you choose.
Q DO I HAVE TO
DESIGN • B U I L D • E N J O Y
REPLANT TULIPS
EVERY YEAR? QUICK FIX
In theory, tulips should reflower
HOW TO ADD SOME
every spring. However, apart from
species tulips, most are best QUICK COLOUR
replaced every year as, for various TO YOUR GARDEN
reasons, you can’t rely on them to If you want a garden
reflower year after year. I always
full of plants as soon as
recommend planting tulips in
containers near the house so you
possible, annuals are a
get a hit of colour every day. Later, good option. They grow,
at the end of the season, they are set seed, and die in the
easy to remove and replace. space of a year, and many
can quickly grow to a
substantial size. You can
Q
give annuals a head start
WHERE DO in a separate list (see pp104-5 and
by sowing them early on
CLIMBERS FIT pp108-9). Most climbers I would class
INTO THE LAYERS? in the shrubs layer. Clothing your in the year under cover,
boundaries can really help affect but if you don’t have the
If you approach planting by looking the atmosphere of your garden in space or time, simply sow
at layers (see pp92–93) then you’re a positive way. If you’re considering
the seeds in the ground in
off to a great start. However, plants planting a climber, it’s also worth
spring where you want
such as climbers and hedging don’t checking whether it is self-clinging
always fall neatly into one of these or if you’ll need to install wires or a them to grow.
categories, so I have included them trellis to support it.
”
If you include plants from
each of the layers you will
”
always create a good sense of
balance in your design.
Q
they will work together.
SHOULD I BUY A
CONTAINER OR > The most important part of
BARE ROOT TREE? planting that you need to get
right is your structual planting
The deciding factors here are: of trees and shrubs.
timing, cost, and availability.
> If you include plants from each
Container-grown and rootballed
Keep wildlife in mind of the layers – upper canopy of
when you choose your
trees and shrubs can be planted
trees, lower canopy of trees,
plants. Try to provide pretty much any time of year,
shrubs, perennials, and bulbs
although it’s harder for them to
a good mixed habitat – you will always create a good
establish in summer. Bare root
and supply of food specimens (which are field grown
sense of balance in your design.
to encourage birds, bees, and but stripped of earth) are a cheaper > When planting, allow enough
butterflies into your
option, but can only be planted in space for plants to reach their
garden.
autumn and winter. You are best full size.
buying UK stock.
BRING IT ALL
TOGETHER
”
This is the exciting part when all your fact-finding
”
and research come together into a final design.
INTRODUCTION
Now the fun starts, when all your research comes into play.
I’d encourage you to experiment with different options before
deciding on your final layout, and not rush to get to the end
too quickly. This will help you create a garden that will really
work for your needs and in which you’ll love spending time.
There isn't one fixed way of designing become overwhelmed. Garden design
gardens. You just have to find an is a big subject, so take your time,
approach that suits you. In this chapter explore different ideas, and think things
I've set out one way that you could through as much as possible before
think about the process, and for each putting anything in place.
stage of it I've included a garden I Also, don’t get hung up on specifics
designed, so you can see how my mind or think that a great garden has to be all
was working as I developed my ideas. about money. If the garden is designed
Whether you are working on your well, you can build it in stages and be
whole garden or just revamping it one really clever with your use of materials,
border at a time, it’s important to go or plan on upgrading things in the
”
about things step by step so you don’t future as and when finances allow.
”
than to change what has been built.
132/133
STEP 1
HOW TO
START THE PROCESS
Don’t think that you need to be great at drawing for
this. You don’t. At first, it’s all about playing with ideas
to explore how to achieve a design that is both
beautiful and works with your day-to-day life. Only in
Step 4 will you start to think about details and costs.
DESIGN • B U I L D • E N J O Y
Sight line
from house
needs to
be kept
Shed must
stay so needs
screening
Using an angle
through a space can How will the area work
create great movement with the house? How will
people move from one
space to the other?
As I’m moving
through the space,
I’m developing how
the areas will feel.
go on to step 2
”
together, give a sense of style and space.
HOW I WORK
As I start experimenting with ideas, I’m just trying
to keep things simple and think about the bigger
ideas than the specific shapes.
Using the
Screens of
same paving
hedging divide This area
Adding throughout
This corner needs to spaces to give provides an
planting on can unify a
be exploited, so I need a “room-like” enclosed
the other side small garden
to create a reason to feel (and breakout
of the garden
go up there encourage space for a
balances the
wildlife) new studio
existing trees
This area
feels too
tight at the
moment
Built-in
seating
maximizes
use of
space
”
details around your choices for the hard landscaping, and unique space.
such as pathways and focal points.
DESIGN • B U I L D • E N J O Y
The stone of the walls has been The step from the path to the terrace Even the smallest feature in the
picked up in the paving to bring helps create a sense of arrival, and stops garden can provide a point of interest
a lovely cohesion to the space. the gravel travelling up onto the terrace. and enjoyment.
4 CHECK YOUR BUDGET
Earlier, while you were designing
the space, thoughts of money
shouldn’t have been interfering
with your ideas: if you organise
your space properly, the materials
are of secondary importance. At
this point, however, you do need to
sense-check your choices against
your budget. Need a large terrace
but can’t afford the expensive
stone you’ve had your eye on?
There’s no point building it any
smaller, so use a cheaper option
this time round – you can always
upgrade later!
5 BRING IN PLANTS
Before I finalise my layout plan, I do
start thinking about plants, but only
at the structural level. I won’t know
which plants I want; just whether
I need to frame a view, perhaps, or
screen a neighbour, or maybe add a
little rhythm through the space. Do
I need a tree to create a secluded
seating area? Do I need to add a
tree to balance with existing trees.
This is the point at which these
trees become part of the structure
of your garden.
”
build from.
Directly outside the house is
an integrated seating area, with
planting that frames the view up
the garden and a water feature Integrated seating area
that can be enjoyed not only and water feature
from the house but also
from the seating area
The main seating area A square of setts (bricks) A slim row of pleached trees sits
sits to one side to enjoy provides detail and a along this wall to screen off the
maximum sunshine and lovely pause point neighbouring house without
avoids interrupting the blocking light
sight line from the house go on to step 6
Compact, dense, rounded Low-growing mound Solid and bushy with Tall bush with oblong Light, feathery fronds
mound with small leaves with flowering spires a striking structure leaves and open habit with lots of movement
HOW I WORK
For this stage I work at speed, just focusing on layers,
flow, repetition, and shapes, rather than specific
plants. Try to avoid getting bogged down in detail.
What I’m trying to do is work out how I want the
garden to feel and how I imagine being in the space. Detail is not
important at this
stage: what is key is
Balance existing trees getting rough
by adding structural heights, forms, and
plants on the other side scale in place
of the garden
Repeating shapes
helps move the eye
through the space
and gives a sense of Creating rhythm
flow to the planting by repeating plants
regularly throughout
the garden links areas
Using colour helps together and builds
me visualize the cohesion
planting and
understand how the
layers are working in
different areas. That
does not mean the
plants will be those
colours – it just helps
me understand
go on to step 7
“
by drifting the same plants
through a border or placing single
beats or punctuation marks.
It’s not just about
the beautiful details
of individual plants,
but also about how
they all work together
”
Blue blends with so many season by season.
other colours it can be very
useful fallback if you’re
nervous about colour and
need a get-out-of-jail choice.
HOW I WORK
At this point I start to think about the detail, going through
my plant lists for the project. As I’m pencilling in specific plants
that I think will fit the bill, I keep in mind contrasts of leaf,
texture, and flower. Even at this point I am still asking questions
about seasonal interest and how plants will sit together. I
might review this five or six times before I finalise my plan.
Q CAN I PLANT A
Q WHAT IF MY
DESIGN • B U I L D • E N J O Y
Q WHAT ARE
RIBBONS AND
BLOCKS?
plant running through the border.
It draws the eye along and helps
create a sort of unity.
Block-planting is when you plant
KEY
insights
You may hear designers using groups of plants in clumps next to > I have a rule that if you try
terms such as ribbons, blocks, and each other. a plant three times and it
intermingling. They are just ways Intermingling is inspired by the doesn’t flourish, forget it.
of describing planting techniques. way plants grow in nature, where Everything should really earn
Ribbon-planting means you have different plants are all densely its place in your garden and if
wiggly line or thread of a certain meshed together. one plant can’t survive then find
something that will.
> If you are trying to get privacy
in your garden, don’t be drawn
QUICK FIX straight away into planting a row
of trees at the end of the garden;
it can make the whole space feel
MIMIC NATURE IN YOUR GARDEN shorter. It can be better to put
Some people buy plants in that, as things tend to smaller trees around a terrace
odd numbers – threes, fives, spread around or fail. Now to create a cosy area and screen
your view that way.
sevens, etc. That was the I’m more influenced by how
way I was taught too, but to things work in nature. I look > Don’t fight nature. As much as
be honest I don’t really do at leaf contrast, form, you might like a lawn, for instance,
if your garden is too shady or
that any more. rhythm, and texture. I find
small, use the space differently
Besides, even if you do building little groups and
instead. Maybe you could put in
plant in odd numbers, a year offsets is a lovely way to put gravel with planting and another
or so later it won’t look like your garden together. seating area. Sometimes it’s just
best to work with what you have.
BUILD YOUR
GARDEN
“ Good ground prep is crucial to any successful
”
build – don’t even think about skipping it.
INTRODUCTION
For me, building a garden is one of the most satisfying things
you can do. It’s really not that difficult, and if you give it a
go you’ll have a chance to make a tangible impact in your
space by adding a terrace, fence, or structure that can be
used and enjoyed for years to come.
The step-by-step processes in this happy with your design before you
section cover a selection of hard start work. It’s a lot easier to alter things
landscaping techniques – in other on paper than to change them when
words, permanent features like walls, you’ve already bought the materials –
pathways, and pergolas. Whatever or even started building. Although it
you build, always think about its doesn’t mean you can’t tweak things
function first and style second, and if you need to.
keep your use of different materials Even if you decide to employ a
to a minimum. landscaper, the information in this
Building your own garden can be section will help you understand
hugely rewarding, and can also help what processes are involved in hard
”
keep costs down. Whatever you choose
to build, always double-check you’re
landscape work, and what you’re
actually paying for.
”
ground and as you go along.
154/155
BASIC TOOLS FOR
HARD LANDSCAPING 8. Rubber mallet
1. Bucket
4. Gauging trowel
2. Cordless drill
3. Line blocks
18. Line
and pins
20. Brick
5. Shovel bolster
7. Wire brush
6. Spirit level
10. Handsaw
MISCELLANEOUS TOOLS
1. Bucket for measuring and carrying
materials and water 2. Cordless drill
for drilling holes in wood and masonry (it’s
useful to have a range of drill bits, including
a screwdriver)
BRICKLAYING TOOLS
3. Line blocks used with a string line to
set up straight lines when laying bricks
12. Brick trowel for laying bricks
14. Pointing trowel for pointing mortar
11. Boat level
MEASURING AND LEVELLING TOOLS
4. Gauging trowel for applying mortar to
13. Claw hammer tight areas 6. Spirit level for checking and
setting levels over large areas 9. Carpenter’s
square and builder’s square for marking
timber and checking corners 11. Boat level
for setting levels in smaller areas 16. Tape
measure 18. Line and pins for marking
out areas to build off and for setting levels
SPADES AND SHOVELS
5. Shovel for use with aggregates, sand,
and cement 22. Small round-point
spade for digging in confined spaces
SAFETY FIRST
Always wear safety goggles,
heavy-duty gloves, and steel-
capped boots when using these
21. Stiff hand brush tools to protect yourself from
injury, and make sure a first aid kit
is available.
156/157
PREPARING THE SITE
CORE SKILL
If you’re extending a terrace or updating Or you may just need to top up the layer
materials, remove the current paving and of hardcore and then compact it down.
investigate the foundations below. To For paved areas next to the house, it’s
discover if there is pre-existing hardcore, a good idea to make sure the paving will
dig a small hole to a depth of 50–100mm lie at least 150mm (6in) below the damp-
(2–4in). If you find that the base is even and proof course membrane, so that rain
absolutely solid, you can build from that cannot bridge this line. Remember that all
and skip ahead to the “How to” sections. paving should slope away from the house.
MARKING OUT
A key part of the job is transferring
your scale drawing onto the ground
area. Take your time. Measure and
mark out carefully, put in lines and
pins (to work to later), and check
your corners. I usually make my
working area about 200mm (8in)
bigger all round to give myself a little
flexibility and room to work. And
always check and recheck your
measurements and levels before
you start the digging and as you
Use spray line to help transfer the Put in a series of lines and pins to mark
go along. horizontal dimensions of your project out your site and set your final levels. Set
from the scale plan to the ground itself. the pins outside the working area.
“
THE LAYERS OF GOOD FOUNDATIONS
A well-prepared site consists of a layer of compacted As with many building projects,
ground on top of the subsoil, a layer of hardcore on top of
the work you do in preparing the ground
that, and the sand or mortar bed. For paving and paths, you
itself and creating a good base is the
”
will need to allow about 150–200mm (6–8in) for these
layers. Use pegs to ensure that the layers are level and sit most important work you’ll do.
at the right height for your structure (see below).
SETTING LEVELS
As well as marking out horizontally
across the site, you need to consider
the vertical dimensions – how deep
to dig and how to mark the different
layers to follow: hardcore, mortar,
paving, gravel, or brick. You start by
knocking in pegs at the perimeter of
your site and checking these are at
the final level you want your finished
surface. Remember to factor in the
slope you’ll need for run-off (see p242).
Then you add more pegs within the
Check right angles are truly 90° using a Using wooden pegs helps you to
carpenter’s square or the 3-4-5 triangle site area as you dig it out and make construct and check the level for the
rule (see p245). sure these tally across the site. finished surface all across the site.
Once you’ve marked out the site, it’s time to put a spade
in the ground. Creating a good base is probably the most
important thing you will do when building your garden.
A good foundation is a solid, level, and compacted base
of hardcore. Use plenty of reference pegs across your
working area to help you keep track of the levels.
> shovel
> mini digger (optional)
> turf cutter (optional)
> wheelbarrow
2 Once you’re at
roughly the right
depth, tread the ground
> wooden pegs for marking levels across the marked-out
(have plenty of these) area so it’s firm and
even. Any soft patches
> rake will reveal themselves
> compacting plate or hand rammer as your heel sinks in. If
it does, dig out further
> iron bar (optional) until you reach a firm
surface.
6 Make sure that
all the pegs across
the site are at the
correct level. If this
is your first build, use
lots more pegs than
I’ve done here, to
give yourself plenty
of reference points.
Once they’re done,
check them all again.
3 Reset your pegs or at least check the levels are OK. Set the
first peg at the perimeter of the site, level with the line of
the finished surface. Set a second peg, and use a spirit level to
check the two are level; repeat with more pegs across the site.
YOU WILL NEED Over time the weather (especially the wet winter months)
Use your plan and the instructions on and footfall will compact gravel. It’s tempting initially to lay
pages 245–47 to calculate quantities for more than the recommended 30mm (1in) of gravel, but it’s
> hardcore
better to top it up every couple of years, as needed.
> binding material (optional)
> gravel
PREP YOUR SITE
> green tanalized timber edging and
First, mark out the area with spray line. To outline the area for your
fixing pegs OR bricks suitable for
being used on the ground path clearly, fix pins at either end and strain a line tightly between
> mortar (6:1 sharp sand to cement) them (see pp158–59). Use extra pins to navigate any bends, and
for brick edging make sure the line sits on the path’s inside edge, then compact the
Tools
ground (see pp160–61). I prefer not to use a weed-suppressing
> spray line membrane beneath gravel paths; if you have a problem with
> line and pins
pernicious perennial weeds, however, lay a membrane before
adding the hardcore layer.
> tape measure and boat level
> hand saw
> lump hammer EDGE YOUR PATH
> hand rammer or compacting plate There are many types of edging to contain your gravel, in addition
> *cordless drill and drill bits
to the ones shown here. The height of your edging relative to the
gravel depends on what sort of gravel you use (see p246): if using
> *screwdriver and screws
(40mm/11⁄2in) self-binding gravel, take it to almost the top of your edging; if it’s
> rake pea gravel, I tend to keep it down to sit 20mm (3⁄4in) below the
> spade and shovel edging to stop it spilling over.
> brick trowel
> brick bolster or circular saw
with a brick-cutting blade
> safety goggles
* not needed for brick edging
WITH BRICK EDGING
Here we are using a brick on edge finish, but
you may choose to lay them flat to have a wider
edge to your path or a cutting edge to a lawn.
3
mortar mix. I like the mix Continue laying bricks in the same way – butt-jointing
to be pliable but not too the bricks with mortar beneath each one but not
sloppy. You may have to between them. You could mortar between them, but if
experiment when you you have never laid bricks before you will find this easier.
first start laying bricks.
2
”
Position your first brick on the valley and tamp down architecture of your house.
with the handle of the trowel, so that the top of the
brick sits level with the string. It may take you a few goes
to get the depth of the mortar correct.
Supporting peg
(250–300mm/10–12in long)
knocked firmly
into the ground
Hardcore minimum
100mm (4in) deep
Compacted ground
4 Fix the edging board to the pegs with screws, making sure
you screw from the edging board out towards the pegs.
Keep checking the levels as you go to make sure your edging
board is still upright and sitting at the right height. Here I am
using the height on an existing bed, but you may need a line.
”
top up as necessary. You’ll end up
5 To join two boards, put a section of wood across the join and
screw in place. You may need to use a lump hammer for
support to push against. Remember to position your fixing board
with a far better path.
down from the top so you can hide it with soil or planting. With
the boards fixed, spread hardcore to a depth of 100mm (4in)
using the edging as a guide. Then compact the surface with a
compacting plate until firm and level (see p161).
YOU WILL NEED On your prepared base (see pp158–61) do a “dry run” area:
set out some of your paving area temporarily to ensure you’re
Use your plan and the instructions on
pages 245–47 to calculate quantities for getting the best possible layout and the best use of materials.
> hardcore You have your design on paper, but this is your chance to
adjust to the actual slab sizes, which will give a better look
> mortar mix for pavers (6:1 sharp
sand to cement) overall and may reduce or remove the need to cut slabs.
> mortar mix for pointing
Always try to arrange slabs so that any cuts sit in discreet
(6:1 soft sand to cement; rather than in prominent places. If you need to cut slabs, hire
5:1 on lighter paving) a stone saw and wear a mask and goggles for protection.
> pavers When mixing mortar for pointing, it’s a good idea to make
a small batch first and let it dry out to check the final colour.
Tools
I tend to use white cement for lighter paving. Measure in buckets
> tape measure
accurately for a consistent appearance; if not, colours may vary.
> line and pins
> builder’s square or 3-4-5 triangle For a modern look, the For a traditional look, the
smooth paving has a textured random paving has
> spirit level and boat level 5mm (1⁄4in) pointing gap a 10mm (1⁄2in) pointing gap
5 When you do the pointing, make sure it’s a dry day. Here I use
a wet pointing mix for a clean, modern look. Alternatively you
could use a dry mortar mix, which you brush into the spaces. In
both cases, you still need to work it into the spaces with a trowel.
6 If wet pointing,
keep the paving
surface clean of mortar
by scraping it and
wiping it down with
a wet sponge, then
protect the area with
3 Once you’re happy with the size of the mortar bed, check
the slab is sitting correctly with a boat level. As you lay
your paving, keep using your line and boat level as a guide.
a tarpaulin, if needed,
while the mortar sets. If
The more slabs you lay, the less you will find this necessary. dry pointing, this stage
is not necessary.
YOU WILL NEED As with laying slab paving, there is a bit of maths involved
Use your plan and the instructions on in calculating materials and preparation work to be done
pages 245–47 to calculate quantities for to create your base (see pp158–61).
> hardcore
> sharp sand (for bedding in bricks) DO A DRY RUN
> mortar mix (6:1 sharp sand to Once you’ve decided on a pattern, do a practice run by temporarily
cement for fixing brick edging)
laying out some of the bricks in place. This will give you an idea of
> bricks (suitable for use on the how it will all work and whether by making any small adjustments
ground)
to the size of your path you can minimize the need for cuts. When
> kiln-dried sand
you do start laying them, make sure you select bricks from across
Tools all the pallets you have, as this will give you a good variation of brick
> tape measure and spirit level colours and a balanced look.
> line and pins
> wooden pegs
> builder’s square or 3-4-5 triangle
> rubber mallet
> shovel
> wire brush
> brick trowel and pointing trowel
> long wooden plank STETCHER BOND BASKET WEAVE
> handsaw
> metal rule and sharp-edged tool
> brick cutter (hired if needed) or a
brick bolster
> sheet of hardboard
> soft brush or broom
> compacting plate
go on to step 5
2 Lay a bed of mortar mix for your edging bricks (see p163).
Adjust the depth of the mortar to ensure that the top of “ If you have multiple pallets of
bricks, use a mix of all of them in your
paving to give you a balanced look and
”
the bricks are all sitting level with the line you’ve set. Here I’m
using them flat, but you could use them on edge if you like. a good variety of brick colours.
Here I’m butt jointing as it’s easier to start with, but you could
leave a joint and point if you prefer.
paved area.
13 I tend to leave
a little sand
on the top surface,
so it all settles in with
11 Use a soft brush to sweep the sand into place,
filling the joints to the top. The sand will settle
and may need topping up later.
the weather.
”
your landscaping skills.
YOU WILL NEED For a wall under 500mm (20in) high, a footing of at least
300mm (12in) deep is usually fine, but a lot depends on
Use your plan and the instructions on
pages 245–47 to calculate quantities for
the soil you’re working with – you may well need to dig
> hardcore deeper to reach a hard, stable surface before laying the
> concrete (8:1 ballast to cement)
concrete footing. You also need to consider drainage as
well as structural strength. Since this type of wall is only
> facing bricks (suitable for facing
walls) and any backing bricks visible from one side, you can save money by using concrete
(for course behind facing) blocks, or common bricks, for the rear side, and saving the
> mortar mix (4:1 soft sand to cement) smart-looking facing bricks for the visible side.
> weep holes and wall ties
Tools
> tape measure and spirit level Brick capping
1 Use line and pins or spray line to mark out the base might find it easier to
of your wall. Dig out your trench (roughly 300mm/12in) hold the brick to the
below ground level for the footing. Knock in wooden pegs trowel as you lower it
to set the level for the base of your wall, making sure they’ll into place so the mortar
sit just below ground level. stays put.
go on to step 5
9 To help drainage in
the soil behind the
wall, place a weep hole
across both courses at
2 If needed, use
a bit of extra
mortar and a small
pointing trowel to
ensure all joints are
nicely filled and there
are no gaps, if
11 If the joints start to drift slightly, don’t
worry too much unless it begins to look
uncomfortable. If it does, just nip the end off a
required.
12 Keep surfaces
clean of any
excess mortar. If you
don’t finish the job in
one day, cover your
3 Use a bricklayer’s
pointing trowel
to smooth off and
bricks with a tarpaulin neaten the mortar
overnight if rain is joints between the
expected. bricks. Be sure that
everything is left
clean and tidy, then
leave to set. It’s a
good idea to clean
the wall down with
a stiff or wire brush
after 24 hours.
YOU WILL NEED When putting in steps, always consider both their
Use your plan and the instructions on purpose and their aesthetics. Think about footfall –
pages 245–47 to calculate quantities for how often your steps will be used and by how many
> hardcore
people – and the best materials for their location.
> concrete for foundation (8:1 ballast
to cement)
For heavy usage, bricks or stone work well; for more
> mortar mix (4:1 soft sand to cement) occasional use, you could use sleepers.
> bricks (frost-proof)
> kiln-dried sand PLANNING THE SITE
Measure the fall, or drop, of the slope where you want the
Tools
steps to go (see pp20–21). Do a scale drawing to make sure
> line and pins or spray line
the heights, depths, and widths of your materials will work.
> hammer
Remember to take into account mortar joints for bricks,
> builder’s square or 3-4-5 triangle
which are usually around 10mm (½in).
> carpenter’s square and pencil
Think about whether you’d like the brick treads to be wet
> spirit level
or dry pointed (see p167). This will affect the final size of your
> tape measure
treads. Personally, I prefer dry pointed infill as the treads
> wooden post, plank, and pegs
weather nicely and moss can creep in at the edges, which
> spade
gives them a timeless look. Wet pointing is a bit more
> shovel time-consuming and often looks untidy if you haven’t had
> mixing tray or cement mixer a lot of practice doing it.
(optional)
Start building only when you really understand how it will
> brick trowel and
pointing trowel
all work together with your chosen materials.
> stone saw (optional)
> hand rammer
> hand saw
> drill and bits
> screwdriver
> small soft brush
CALCULATING STEPS although you could go up to 220mm (82⁄3in) if necessary.
You’ll need to calculate how many steps will work Whatever size you go for, it’s really important that all your
comfortably for the incline (the vertical plane) and depth risers are equal in size to prevent them being a trip hazard.
(the horizontal plane) available (see p244). Generally, I never The width of the steps also plays an important part: narrow
create steps with treads smaller than 300mm (12in), and will steps slow people down, whereas wider steps can become
always try to be more generous if possible. For the steps occasional seating. On average, I tend to make garden steps
(“risers”), I try and work as close to 150mm (6in) as possible, about 1m (3ft) wide.
Ground level
Standard tread
300mm (12in)
Standard riser
150mm (6in) Incline
Concrete (vertical
footing plane)
Hardcore
go on to step 3
YOU WILL NEED The choice of wood will affect the overall look of your garden
but also its longevity. Soft wood (which for outside use should
Use your plan and the instructions on
pages 245–47 to calculate quantities for always be bought as treated timber) is cheaper than hard wood,
> wooden posts 100 x 100mm but it won’t last as long. Green oak is also relatively cheap but
(4 x 4in) will move, twisting and cracking as the weather changes, whereas
> concrete materials (8:1 ballast to dried oak will not move as much. Be mindful that when you
cement) or ready-to-mix Postcrete. use timber outside, it will react to the environment and change
Tools over time. Usually it will turn silver-grey unless you treat it each
> tape measure year. You can also stain or colour the wood to suit your scheme.
> line and pins Planed timber is smooth and modern-looking; sawn is more rustic.
> carpenter’s square
> pencil
> spade
> post-hole digger (optional, but
really useful)
> crowbar (optional)
> handsaw
> spirit level
> concrete mixer (optional)
> mixing tray
> shovel
> timber batons for tamping concrete
1 Mark the position of
your posts. Make the
holes roughly 300 x
and propping posts 300mm (12 x 12in) wide
> screwdriver and screws (for to allow space for the
temporary fixings) post plus the concrete
around it. Dig holes to
a depth of 600mm
(24in) using a spade.
A post-hole digger and
a crowbar can also come
in handy.
4 As you’re filling the
hole, use a wooden
baton to tamp in the
concrete and dispel
air pockets. Once
the concrete reaches
75–100mm (3–4in)
below ground level,
give it one last tamp.
YOU WILL NEED Fencing can be a really important part of your design,
Use your plan and the instructions on especially in a small garden, so be sure to choose
pages 245–47 to calculate quantities for materials carefully. You can either make your fencing a
> fence posts and panels feature of the garden, or use it as a support for climbing
> finials (optional)
plants so it disappears into the background.
> concrete materials (10:1 ballast to
cement) or ready-to-mix Postcrete
WHERE TO PUT THE FENCE?
Tools
Check exactly where your boundary line falls and if the
> spray line
> line and pins
local planning authority has any height restrictions. If
> builder’s square or 3-4-5 triangle your fence is on a slope, make sure the rise or fall of the
> tape measure panels is evenly spread or is stepped in an attractive
> spade way (see p243).
> shovel
> lump hammer
“
> mixing tray
> concrete mixer (optional)
> drill and drill bits For me, the gardens that have
> screwdriver and screws (for panels real atmosphere have either really cool
and temporary fixings)
> timber batons for propping posts boundaries that are integral to the design
or fences that completely disappear
”
> blocks of timber for wedging
> spirit level
because they’re covered in plants.
> handsaw
> screw eyes, 1.6mm (0.06in)
galvanized wire, wire cutters,
and pliers (optional)
Posts should be as tall as the fence panels
plus about 600mm (24in) to go into the
ground and 80–100mm (3–4in) proud of
the top of the panel
Soil level
KEY DIMENSIONS
1 Clear the fence line of any trees, shrubs, plants, or debris. Use
spray line first, then line and pins to mark the fence line. Be
sure to keep the line tight.
2 Dig out the hole for the first post. It should be about 600mm
(24in) deep and 300 x 300mm (12 x 12in) wide. Follow the
instructions for concreting posts (see pp182–83).
go on to step 3
6 Dig the next hole and put the second post into position.
Check the posts are level (unless you are on a slope and
need to step the posts up or down: see p243). The top of the
posts should sit 80–100mm (3–4in) proud of the fence panel.
YOU WILL NEED You could of course go for a timber archway, which
Use your plan and the instructions on could work wonderfully along a path, but be mindful, as
pages 245–47 to calculate quantities for I find a common mistake people tend to make is placing
> tanalized timber posts 100 x 100mm
their archway too close to paths, and not allowing
(4 x 4in) wide x 2.7m (9ft) high
> concrete (6:1 ballast to cement) or
enough height for the plants to inhabit the archway,
ready-to-mix Postcrete which ultimately can make them uncomfortable to
> 28mm (1in) diameter manila rope move through.
(allow 3.3m (103⁄4ft) rope between
posts 3m (10ft) apart)
Tools
The hole at
> pencil and tape measure the top of the
> drill and flat, wood drill Post post is 32mm
(11⁄4in) in
bit 32mm (1¼in)
diameter,
Galvanized Rope swag needs
> line and or pins spray line head clearance of
100mm (4in)
wires for down from
> spade or post-hole digger plant 2.1m (7ft) at
the top of
supports lowest point
> shovel the post
go on to step 5
6 Using a ladder so you can reach, thread the rope through post, ensuring it stays above the lower rope.
“
the holes. You will need to stand back and adjust the
swags until you’re happy with the look. Secure in place,
working at an angle to put a couple of screws through the
rope and into the post to hold it.
Creating a framework
for supporting climbing plants,
such as roses, clematis, and
honeysuckle, is an effective but
”
straightforward building project.
10 Use garden twine
to secure
climbers to the wires.
You’ll need to add more
ties as the plants grow.
Remember to check
that they remain secure,
particularly during
windy weather when
plants may come loose.
8 Screw the second rope onto the top of the post to hold
it in place. Make sure you screw through the centre of
the rope to the centre of the post. Also make sure the end
of the rope sits at the far edge of the post.
9 I find it easiest to
train plants up the
posts using vertical
wires. Attach a screw
eye near the top and
bottom of the posts
on each face, cut wire
to length, and attach
between the two,
pulling and winding
it taut.
11 Once your climbers have become established on
the wires, you can train them between the posts
by tying them to the rope. The horizontal growth will
encourage more flower.
YOU WILL NEED Prepare your raised bed site: it needs to be clear of perennial
weeds and have free-draining soil and an even base. Your style
Use your plan and the instructions on
pages 245–47 to calculate quantities for of bed is up to you: here I have used taller corner posts to support
> tanalized timber posts 100 x 100mm netting, but if you don’t want to do this you could fix 50 x 50mm
(4 x 4in) wide cut into 1050mm (2 x 2in) tanalized posts, concreted into the same position but fixed
(41in) lengths below the sleeper sides. If you’d like to paint or stain the wood of
> pressure-treated sleepers, cut to your raised bed, do this before constructing the frame.
1200mm (47 1⁄4in) and 1830mm (72in)
long [they are 200mm (8in) deep x
50mm (2in) wide]
DECIDE ON THE SIZE
Always make sure the width of the bed is narrow enough
> concrete (8:1 ballast to cement)
or ready-to-mix Postcrete for you to reach across to the middle easily from both
sides for planting and weeding. Here the bed is about
Tools
1200mm (47 1⁄4in) wide. The longer side of this raised bed
> tape measure
measures 1500mm (60in), but if you go any bigger than
> line and pins or spray line
2400mm (941⁄2in), you may need to put in extra supports
> builder’s square or 3-4-5 triangle
along its length.
> spirit level
> pencil and carpenter’s square Corner post
Post sits in holes – fixed on
> handsaw the inside
at each corner
> spade
> shovel and mixing tray, or concrete
mixer (optional) Holes for posts are
150mm (6in) deep and VIEW FROM ABOVE
> lump hammer
250mm (10in) square Sleeper
> drill and 20mm flat, wood drill bit
and 8mm drill bits (for boltholes)
Holes for coach bolts
> 150mm (6in) coach bolts and
100mm (4in) screws
> socket head for drill or socket set
Concrete around
(to tighten the coach bolts) the post
> rope, bamboo canes, or wooden Soil
batons for mesh support (optional) SIDE VIEW
4 Drill a 20mm (3⁄4in)
hole into the top of
each corner post (see
p189). Lower the corner
1 Before you start to
build, measure and
mark the sleepers to the
posts into their holes.
Check that the tops of
all four corner posts are
required length, then
at the same height (see
cut them to size. Next,
p243), and then secure
using line and pins, set
in place with 100mm
out the area and levels
(4in) screws.
for your new bed.
3 Use a spirit level to make sure the sleepers are level and their
tops sit flush with your line. At each corner, drill two holes for
coach bolts (one near the top and one near the bottom) through
support nets or fleece
to protect crops.
the sides of the long sleepers to fix them to the ends of the short
sleepers. Next, bolt the corners together with coach bolts.
YOU WILL NEED I’m using a reclaimed galvanized trough, but you can use
> watertight container, such all sorts of containers for this project, as long as they are
as a galvanized water trough watertight. Try your local garden centre, or for a container
> spirit level with a bit more character, you could visit a local reclamation
> air-pot cut to size or
aquatic plant baskets
yard or search eBay for something vintage.
> cable ties (optional)
> bricks (optional) AQUATIC PLANTS
> aquatic soil
When buying plants, make sure they are suitable for the space
> bucket or large trug
you have and choose a variety of shapes and textures that work
well together. Oxygenating plants are a must to keep the water
> water plants, including floating,
oxygenating, and marginal plants fresh and its ecosystem in balance. Ultimately, the balance of
> small pebbles or gravel plants to water will help keep your water clear. It may take a little
> cobbles (optional) time and adjustment to find the right balance. You can use bricks
to raise the plants in pots to the right level for them to thrive.
”
you’ve found the best
site, use a spirit level
a real pain to move. across the top of the
container to check it is
level in both directions.
2 I often buy trees in
air-pots (made from
perforated plastic) and
5 Cover the surface
of the soil with a
5mm (1⁄4in) layer of gravel
then recycle these into or pebbles to hold the
containers for water soil in place.
plants. Simply cut the
perforated plastic to
size and hold the pot
together with cable
ties. As an alternative,
you can buy aquatic
planting baskets.
6 Water the plants and then gradually fill the trough, letting it
overflow slightly to wash away any stray soil floating on the
surface. If you have an existing water feature or a rainwater
butt, add a bucketful of that water to help establish healthy
micro-organisms in your new water feature.
PLANT YOUR
GARDEN
”
Nothing beats the excitement of finally
”
getting your hands on your new plants.
INTRODUCTION
The hard-landscaping features are in place; now, it’s time to
fill your garden with all those beautiful plants you've chosen.
Planting is the most exciting part of the garden-making
process for me – it’s an opportunity to bring the space
to life with form, colour, and texture.
I love every stage of creating a garden, shrubs, as hopefully they will be there
but putting in the plants has got to for the long term. As for the rest, it
be the most fun part. After all the doesn’t matter if you’re shuffling stuff
practicalities and building work, when around for the next 20-odd years.
I finally get my hands on the green stuff Inevitably, you’ll get some things
it always puts a smile on my face. Even right and you’ll get some things wrong,
when I’m doing show gardens, I can’t so don’t worry too much. As long as you
wait for the plants to turn up. make sure to put your plants in the right
Many people get quite anxious when location, with healthy, nutritious soil and
it comes to planting, but in reality, the enough room to grow, everything else
only bit of soft landscaping you need to should come with time. So just try to
”
get close to perfect is your trees and learn from it all and enjoy the process.
”
the roots the best chance to thrive.
198/199
BASIC TOOLS FOR
SOFT LANDSCAPING 6. Knife
8. Hand trowel
1. Loppers
2. Hoe
3. Lawn-edging tool
11. Secateurs
4. Garden shears
5. Pruning saw
CUTTING TOOLS
1. Loppers for pruning 2. Hoe for
lifting weeds and working the surface
7. Small planting spade of the soil 3. Lawn-edging tool for
keeping lawn edges neat 4. Garden
shears for cutting hedging or long grass
around trees 5. Pruning saw for
pruning thick branches 6. Knife for
cutting twine and taking cuttings
9. Japanese scissors for cutting flowers,
dead heading, and light pruning
13. Spade 11. Secateurs for pruning and
cutting back
DIGGING TOOLS
7. Small planting spade for 2-3l
pot-sized plants 8. Hand trowel
for small planting 10. Hand fork
9. Japanese scissors
for loosening soil when weeding
12. Old Dutch-style planting trowel
a heavy-weight trowel for planting
and loosening soil 13. Spade for
digging, with treads at the top
to protect boots 14. Border fork
for lightly digging, lifting, turning,
and aerating soil
12. Old
Dutch-style
planting
trowel
14. Border fork
200/201
PREPARING THE
CORE SKILL
GROUND FOR GRASS
Grass is relatively cheap to install and maintain and it’s
a great way of “carpeting” larger areas of your garden.
Whether you want to sow grass seed or lay turf (see
pp204–05), the preparation is pretty much the same
– you need an even base and a fine tilth of soil.
D E S I G N • BUILD • E N J O Y
YOU WILL NEED If you want a lawn in your garden, the first thing to ask
> line and pins or spray line yourself is what you want to use it for and how much
> tape measure time do you want to spend on maintaining it. There are
> builder’s square or 3-4-5 triangle various mixes of grass seed and different sorts of turf,
> spade each one designed with a particular purpose. If you do a
> rotavator (hired, if necessary) little research you’ll soon find one to suit your needs, be
> fork
it a low-maintenance or a fine-textured turf.
> large rake
For me, the key thing with any lawn is to have at least
> roller (optional)
100mm (4in) of decent topsoil. The ground beneath
> spirit level
needs to be free-draining. The surface should be firm
and even and ideally have a very slight gradient for rain
to drain easily.
“
WHICH TO CHOOSE – TURF OR SEED?
The big differences between laying turf or sowing grass seed
If you’ve got poor
are time and money. If you lay turf you get an instant lawn,
soil, you’re probably whereas if you sow from seed you have to wait for it to grow
best off buying some and deal with weeds; however, seed is considerably cheaper.
”
You can lay turf year round in good weather conditions, but
for me the best time is spring or late summer. The best time
a headstart.
to seed a lawn is in early autumn or late spring.
GETTING THE GROUND READY
Choose a fine day to do the heavy work of prepping
3 Use the widest rake
you can get hold of
to level the surface of
the soil ready to receive the grass seed or turf. the soil, taking out any
dips and bumps.
YOU WILL NEED Your turf will come rolled up in sections, but make sure
Use your plan and the instructions on that your soil is ready before you have it delivered. If you’ll
pp245–47 to calculate quantities for be laying them quickly, they’ll be fine left stacked; if not,
> turf
find an area to lay them out and water them if needed.
Tools: Think of the turves as carpet tiles of sorts, and always work
> large rake with as big a piece of turf as possible. When I’m laying turf, I
> sharp knife
always lay it in lines across my view. Though the edges of
> scaffold boards or wooden planks
the individual turves will soon meld together, laying them
> roller (optional)
> lawn-edging tool
across your line of sight improves your view from day one.
> watering can or hosepipe Always wait until the grass is established before cutting
it for the first time. Even then, I never cut lawns lower than
50mm (2in). Cutting lawn too short is a common problem,
as it can put the grass under stress.
”
growth and make the lawn uneven.
3 The key to laying turf well is the way you pull
and butt the pieces into each other. If it’s not
tight enough, when the grass dries and contracts
– which it can do – you’ll end up with gaps. So,
push each turf against its neighbour so it sits
really nice and tight.
Whether you buy trees and large shrubs for the garden
as rootballs or as bare-root stock, it’s important to plant
them in a hole with the right shape and at the right depth.
Most shrubs won’t need support, but once they’re in
the ground, trees will need support via the use of cross
or vertical staking, taking care not to damage their roots.
D E S I G N • BUILD • E N J O Y
YOU WILL NEED Trees and shrubs are sold with rootballs (in containers or
> spade wrapped in fabric) or with bare roots. Those in containers
> secateurs can be planted at any time of year, whereas cheaper
> scissors bare-root trees can only be planted from winter to early
> large bucket of water or hosepipe spring, while they’re dormant.
(depending on the size of the plant)
Always give trees and shrubs enough space to grow
> mycorrhizal fungi (optional, to
encourage good root development) to their eventual height and spread. Dig a decent-sized,
> spirit level square-shaped hole, which encourages the roots to grow
> peat-free compost, grit, or outwards, and don’t plant too deep – keep the top of the
well-rotted manure (optional)
rootball just above ground level.
> claw hammer
> nails
> wooden stake (diameter of
75mm/3in), pointed at one end
> lump hammer
> rubber ties
> handsaw
”
and to not plant your and dig a square hole
big enough for the roots
tree too deep. plus an extra 150mm (6in)
on all sides.
2 Check the size of
the rootball against
your spade to ensure
5 Gradually fill in
the soil around
the roots, firming the
that the hole is the right soil as you go. If the soil
depth. For bare-root taken out of the hole
stock, clip off any is thick and cloddy,
straggly or damaged I sometimes mix in
roots and make sure the compost and grit (or
hole is big enough for even some well-rotted
the tree or shrub to sit manure if the soil is
in comfortably. really poor), before
putting it back into the
hole. This helps to keep
the soil finer and reduce
air pockets within it.
3 If planting a rootball
tree or shrub, soak
the plant’s roots with
water, then remove the
plant from its container
or fabric wrapping.
6 Your new tree or
shrub will need
support. For rootball
There’s no need to
plants, use a cross stake
pre-soak a bare-rooted
(at a 45° angle). Hammer
tree. Sprinkle some
the stake into the ground,
mycorrhizal fungi onto
then secure it to the tree
the roots over the hole,
with a rubber tie; tight,
especially if your garden
but not too tight. Saw
is on a new site.
off the excess stake with
care. Water the newly
planted tree or shrub
routinely during its first
year or two, especially
during spring and
summer, to give it the
best chance of success.
VERTICAL STAKING
A bare-root tree also
needs support, but the
stake can be parallel with
the stem (not at 45° as
shown above). That said,
be sure not to damage
the roots when you
hammer in the stake.
Once the stake’s in place,
4 Place the tree or shrub into the hole, so that the
base of the stem sits just above the ground; it will
settle a little so resist planting it too deeply. Stand back
you can backfill the hole.
YOU WILL NEED All new plants, including perennials, need to be able to easily
> peat-free compost or well-rotted grow their roots outwards to take up water and nutrients. To
manure give them the best start, make sure the soil is in “good heart”,
> grit by which I mean it’s healthy and fertile. It’s a good idea to
> border fork
dig in some organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted
> spade
manure, about a month or two before you start planting. If
> rake
drainage is an issue you might want to put in some grit, too.
> hand trowel
> mycorrhizal fungi (optional) Container-grown perennials can be put in at any time
> bucket of water of year – apart from icy or very hot, dry conditions – but if
you plant them out in spring or autumn, they are less likely
to get stressed.
”
making final tweaks to
my planting plan. 1 With your planting
beds marked out,
you can prepare your
soil. Start by digging over
the beds with a fork or
spade, clearing any
weeds, old roots, and
large stones or clods
as you go. Then work in
some organic matter, so
that it’s even and feels
good to plant into.
4 Remove each plant
from its pot and
tease out the roots to
loosen them.
5
This is the time to make I tend to dunk each
any final adjustments, plant’s roots into a
so make sure everything bucket of water until air
feels right. bubbles stop appearing.
Then, it’s ready to plant.
“ Plant colourful
container displays of
tulips near the house
and you’re more likely
5cm (2in)
to enjoy them every
”
10cm (4in)
Aconite
15cm (6in)
Crocus
day in spring. Snowdrop Camassia
20cm (8in)
25cm (10in)
30cm (12in)
Daffodil Allium
Tulip
”
your garden every day of the year.
INTRODUCTION
I love watching the seasons unfold in the garden, from the
fresh greens of spring to the bareness of winter. A garden
is the best place to unwind and reconnect with nature.
It’s pretty special having a garden. As you learn to care
for it, you start to enjoy what each season has to offer.
A lot of new gardeners are a little bit In this chapter I’ve listed how I go about
fearful of what they need to do, the caring for my garden, but in reality the
timings of everything, and how much month you do a particular task doesn’t
work it involves, but it’s really not that have to be set in stone. Some tasks are
difficult. If you spend a few minutes each mentioned a few times across different
day pottering about, you’ll start to see chapters, but they may only need to be
that there’s a rhythm to the gardening done once. Much can depend on where
year, and there are periods when the you live, too; spring, for example, starts
garden will need more or less of your earlier in the south than in the north.
time. Learn when you need to put a bit So just use these lists as a framework
of extra work into your garden, and you’ll for garden tasks and don’t get hung up
”
make the rest of the year a lot easier. on exact timings.
”
may only need to be done once.
214/215
JANUARY
January can often feel like the worst month in a garden.
The cold weather and wet ground might mean that you’re
better off staying indoors. However, there are still a few
jobs that can be done, such as preparing empty beds and
putting in bare root plants. You can also take advantage
of time indoors by planning the gardening year ahead.
D E S I G N • B U I L D • ENJOY
QUICK CHECKLIST
> Clear leaves and debris.
> Dig over empty beds.
> Plant bare-root trees, shrubs,
and fruit bushes.
> Protect plants, clearing snow
from them if necessary.
> Feed birds and wildlife. 1 2
> Order seeds.
Cyclamen
LAWN CARE
• Frost can make grass brittle and easily damaged, so keep
off the lawn as much as possible during the winter months.
OTHER JOBS
• Make use of time indoors to plan what you want to
grow during the year ahead and order in seeds.
• Wash and disinfect seed trays, pots, and tools.
• Clear dead plants from containers. Replant if temperatures
allow, top up the soil, and finish with a layer of mulch.
• If you have a greenhouse, you can start sowing seeds.
• Remember to feed birds and other wildlife.
ENJOY 216/217
FEBRUARY
Although it’s the shortest month, February can
sometimes feel really long. But remember, spring is
(hopefully) just around the corner. Use this month to
really start to think about the year ahead and – weather
permitting – begin getting the garden in shape for
the growing season.
D E S I G N • B U I L D • ENJOY
Hellebore
1 2 3
LAWN CARE
• Avoid walking on frosted lawns as it can damage the grass.
• In warmer areas you might need to start mowing your
lawn. For the first mow, set the blade high and only trim
off the very top of the grass to avoid weakening it.
OTHER JOBS
• Clear dead plants from containers. Replant if temperatures
allow, top up the soil, and add a layer of mulch.
ENJOY 218/219
MARCH
March is all about happy new beginnings and is
the month many gardeners look forward to the
most. Longer days and the promise of sunshine
means that seeds germinate, bulbs bloom, and
early shrubs begin to flower. It’s the time when
things really get going with a bang!
D E S I G N • B U I L D • ENJOY
QUICK CHECKLIST
> Continue to weed.
> Mulch beds and borders.
> Cut back willow and dogwoods.
> Last chance to plant bare-root
trees, shrubs and roses. 1 2
> Mow lawn as the weather
improves. IN YOUR BORDERS AND VEG GARDEN
> Keep an eye out for slugs and
• There is still time to add a layer of mulch, such as well-rotted
snails.
manure, to keep down weeds and retain moisture in the soil.
• Tidy up perennials and ornamental grasses. Cut off dead
leaves, stems, and seed heads where necessary.
• Dig out any perennials that have outgrown their space, divide
them up, and replant where they’ll have more room to grow.
• Feed the soil in borders with well-rotted manure or compost.
• Remove dead flowers from spring bulbs (but not the leaves)
so they don’t put all their energy into creating seeds.
• Continue sowing vegetables under cover.
• Net early crops to protect them from birds.
• Plant first early potatoes at the end of the month.
• Once weeds start to grow, the weather should be warm
enough for you to sow seeds outside. Keep on top of weeds
by hoeing them as they appear.
Daffodil
LAWN CARE
• The lawn can be mown more often, but only on mild,
dry days. You can now lower the mower blade, but
never cut off more than the top one-third of the grass.
Remember to smarten up the edges with an edging tool.
• This is the time to give the lawn a bit of extra attention.
Towards the end of the month, feed it with fertilizer
to increase vigour. Re-seed any bare patches.
• Consider scarifying and aerating your lawn. This will help
pull out thatch (dead moss and grass), and aid water
filtration. Aeration is a good way to help water, air, and
nutrients penetrate grass roots.
• If the weather is warm enough, you can lay new turf now.
OTHER JOBS
• Dig out any trees that have self-seeded. You’ll often
find them beneath hedges where birds sit.
• Spring-clean garden furniture, all set for summer.
• Keep slugs and snails off plants. To deter them, I tend to
use wool pellets in pots and containers, and nematodes
in the borders.
ENJOY 220/221
APRIL
As new leaves and early flowers start to fill the garden,
even fair-weather gardeners tend to get stuck in this
month. It’s great that there are more daylight hours
because there’s loads to do, particularly if you want to
grow vegetables. However, there’s still a chance of a
late frost, so be ready to protect delicate blossom.
D E S I G N • B U I L D • ENJOY
Spurge
LAWN CARE
• Lower the mower blade and cut grass shorter. Never cut
off more than the top one-third.
• Fertilize the lawn to increase vigour, and treat it for moss
and other weeds.
• Consider scarifying and aerating your lawn. This will pull
out thatch (dead moss and grass), and help water, air, and
nutrients penetrate grass roots.
• Continue to sow or lay new turf, keeping it well-watered.
OTHER JOBS
• Control diseases and pests, especially slugs and snails.
To deter them, I tend to use wool pellets in pots and
containers, and nematodes in the borders.
• Top-dress pots and containers with some fresh compost,
or replace the top 5cm (2in) if they are already full.
• Give paving a clean. Pull up weeds, sweep, then scrub with a
stiff brush and soapy water. If really dirty, use a diluted bleach
1 solution (keeping away from plants). Rinse with clean water.
ENJOY 222/223
MAY
The garden really gets into full swing now. With warmer
temperatures and longer days, hopefully you’re thinking
of having your first barbecue. If you really get on top of
things this month, then the rest of the year will start to
fall into place. Many spring bulbs will be over, but there’s
lots of stuff you can get lined up to follow.
D E S I G N • B U I L D • ENJOY
Wisteria
LAWN CARE
• Mow the lawn weekly. Never cut off more than the top
one-third of the grass.
• Consider scarifying and aerating your lawn. This will pull
out thatch (dead moss and grass), and help water, air, and
nutrients penetrate grass roots.
• Continue to sow or lay new turf, keeping it well-watered.
OTHER JOBS
• Control pests and diseases, especially slugs and snails,
leaf-rolling sawfly, and blackspot on roses.
• Top-dress containers with fresh compost and feed
with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks.
• Open the greenhouse on warm days.
1 2 3
ENJOY 224/225
JUNE
This month sees the longest day of the year,
and all the extra light produces an abundance of
flowers. Keep weeding, filling gaps with tender and
annual plants to ensure that the show continues
throughout summer, and be sure to spend as much
time as you can outdoors simply enjoying it all.
D E S I G N • B U I L D • ENJOY
QUICK CHECKLIST
> Tie in climbing and rambling roses.
> Mow lawns regularly.
> Neaten hedges.
> Control pests and diseases.
> Cut back early-flowering perennials.
1 2
> Be wise with water use.
OTHER JOBS
• Control diseases and pests, particularly slugs
and snails. To deter them, I tend to use wool
pellets in pots and containers, and nematodes in
the borders.
• Watch out for aphids, especially on the back
of leaves. Rub them off or spray them with
soap-based insecticide.
• In hot spells, water containers and hanging
baskets daily and feed with a liquid fertilizer
every 2–4 weeks.
• Be wise with water in drought-affected areas,
using rainwater or grey water if possible.
”
more colour to borders.
ENJOY 226/227
JULY
I love this month! Borders are looking great,
there’s lots of lovely scent, and there are plenty
of vegetables to harvest. Make sure you water
plants in dry weather but, most important of all,
go out in the long evenings after a day’s work
and enjoy how lovely it all is.
D E S I G N • B U I L D • ENJOY
QUICK CHECKLIST
> Water regularly, particularly
during hot, dry spells.
> Keep deadheading regularly.
> Continue to plant out vegetable
seedlings.
> Feed roses.
1 2
> Cut back wisteria shoots.
> Prepare to sow new lawns.
IN YOUR BORDERS AND VEG GARDEN
• Water plants regularly during dry spells, ensuring containers
and anything newly planted doesn’t dry out. Be wise with
your water use. Mulching around plants with compost helps
keep moisture in the soil, and can provide nutrients too.
• Keep deadheading to encourage more flowering, unless
you’re planning to collect seeds.
• Cut back perennials that have finished flowering to
encourage new foliage and flowers.
• There’s still plenty to sow directly outside this month,
including biennials and vegetable seeds.
• Continue to plant vegetable seedlings that were grown in
trays or pots under cover directly into the ground.
• Keep checking if any plants, including climbing vegetables,
need tying in or staking.
Allium
LAWN CARE
• Mow lawns regularly. Never cut off more than the top
one-third of the grass.
• If you plan to sow a new lawn this year, start preparing
the ground now.
OTHER JOBS
• Take measures to control pests and diseases, including
slugs and snails. To deter them, I tend to use wool pellets
in pots and containers, and nematodes in the borders.
• In hot spells, water containers and hanging baskets daily
and feed with a liquid fertilizer every 2–4 weeks. Be wise
with water in drought-affected areas, using greywater or
rainwater if possible.
• Keep ponds and water features topped up and clean.
• If you’re going on holiday, arrange for a friend to keep
an eye on the garden and water plants.
• Take pictures of your garden and make a note of anything
you want to change or move later in the year.
ENJOY 228/229
AUGUST
The summer holiday season is the time to really
make the most of your garden as it’s (supposedly)
the hottest month. It’s a great time to spend time
outdoors cooking and eating with family and
friends. Keep the garden in good shape, water
plants on hot, dry days, and feed containers.
D E S I G N • B U I L D • ENJOY
QUICK CHECKLIST
> Water plants in hot, dry spells.
> Keep deadheading regularly.
> Order spring-flowering bulbs.
> Prune climbing and rambling roses.
> Feed perennials in beds and borders.
> Sow quick-growing salad crops. 1 2
Selinum
LAWN CARE
• If you haven’t done so already, summer prune trained
fruit trees now to maintain a good shape and let light in.
• If you plan to sow a new lawn this year, start preparing
the ground now if you haven’t already done so.
OTHER JOBS
• Control pests and diseases, especially slugs and snails.
To deter them, I tend to use wool pellets in pots and
containers, and nematodes in the borders.
• Water plants in containers and hanging baskets regularly
and feed them with a liquid fertilizer every 2–4 weeks.
Be wise with water in drought-affected areas, using grey
water or rainwater if possible.
• If you’re going on holiday, arrange for a friend to keep
an eye on the garden and water plants.
• Order spring-flowering bulbs to plant in the autumn.
• Take pictures of your garden and make a note of anything
you want to change or move later in the year.
ENJOY 230/231
SEPTEMBER
This is a joyful time of year with wonderful light,
leaves gradually changing colour, and berries
appearing. The abundant harvest always makes
me think of my grandad, a keen vegetable grower.
Now is the perfect chance to begin tidying up the
garden before winter starts to set in.
D E S I G N • B U I L D • ENJOY
QUICK CHECKLIST
> Collect and save seeds.
> Start planting spring bulbs.
> Put new perennial plants, trees,
and shrubs in the ground.
> Prepare the vegetable garden
for winter. 1 2
Coneflower
LAWN CARE
• The grass won’t grow so quickly now, so you can mow less.
Raise mower blades slightly to avoid weakening the grass.
• Consider scarifying and aerating your lawn. This will pull
out thatch (dead moss and grass), and help water, air, and
nutrients penetrate grass roots. Apply an autumn lawn feed
after scarifying and aerating to prepare your lawn for winter.
• This is a good time to sow lawn seed or lay down new turf.
OTHER JOBS
• Control pests and diseases, keeping an eye out for
powdery mildew or rust.
• If you garden on heavy clay, this is a good time to dig
in organic matter to improve soil structure.
• It can still be a hot, dry month so continue to be wise
with your water use in drought-affected areas, using
grey water or rainwater if possible.
• Clean out your greenhouse ready for autumn use.
• Take photos to keep a record of your September garden
and make a note of anything you want to change later.
ENJOY 232/233
OCTOBER
This is an elegant month with lots of beauty in autumn
colour and I love seeing the garden’s structure reveal
itself again. With shorter days we tend to retreat indoors,
but there’s still lots that can be done in the garden.
Now’s the time to prepare the for winter and plant
spring-flowering bulbs if you’ve not already done so.
D E S I G N • B U I L D • ENJOY
Katsura tree
1 2 3
1 Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii (black-eyed
Susan) produces masses of yellow daisy flowers
with a dark brown central cone.
2 Agastache ‘Blackadder’ is great for adding a bit of
height to a border. Butterflies love it too.
3 The autumn colours of the Japanese maple,
Acer palmatum, are exceptionally good.
LAWN CARE
• You can mow less now the grass growth has slowed.
Raise the blades to avoid weakening the grass.
• This is the last month you can scarify and aerate your
lawn to remove dead material and improve root health.
It’s also your last chance to sow grass seed. Turf can be
laid if it’s not too cold or wet.
OTHER JOBS
• Clean outdoor furniture, cover, and store somewhere dry.
• Give paving a clean. Pull up weeds, sweep, then scrub with a
stiff brush and soapy water. If really dirty, use a diluted bleach
solution (keeping away from plants). Rinse with clean water.
• Take photos of plants before they die back as a useful
reminder of where they are when planning for next year.
ENJOY 234/235
NOVEMBER
I love the light in November and, with summer displays
pretty much over, the garden starts to look romantically
wintry. Try not to let early frosts catch you unawares by
being ready to protect tender plants if need be, and
give yourself a head start on next year by making
preparations now.
D E S I G N • B U I L D • ENJOY
Mahonia
1 2 3
1 The long shiny red hips of Rosa ‘Doncasterii’ look
a bit like chilli peppers and make a great winter display.
2 Protect tender plants by covering with layers
of horticultural fleece secured with string.
3 Crimson glory vine, Vitis coignetiae, is fast
growing, with spectacular autumn colours.
LAWN CARE
• Give the lawn its final cut of the year, then clean and put the
mower away. Keep an eye out for any areas where water lies
over the winter; this will help guide improvement next year.
OTHER JOBS
• Protect containers from frost by wrapping them in fleece
or hessian. Alternatively, bring them indoors.
• Check your tools and do any necessary maintenance.
ENJOY 236/237
DECEMBER
Shorter, chilly days make December the ideal
time to stay indoors by the fire with a stack of
seed catalogues. But make sure you still walk
around the garden too. With everything laid bare,
it’s a great time to see if you need to add more
winter interest or structure.
D E S I G N • B U I L D • ENJOY
QUICK CHECKLIST
> Tidy up leaves and debris.
> Brush snow from tree boughs.
> Plant bare-root trees, shrubs,
and roses.
> Dig over and prepare vegetable beds.
> Start planning for next year.
> Order seeds.
1 2
Witch hazel
“ Now is the time to
observe the bones of your
”
garden’s structure.
LAWN CARE
• Frost can make grass brittle and easily damaged so keep
off the lawn as much as possible during the winter months.
OTHER JOBS
• If you haven’t done so already, protect containers from
frost by wrapping them in fleece or hessian. Alternatively,
bring them indoors.
• Begin planning now for next year’s growing season
and start ordering in fresh seeds.
ENJOY 238/239
USEFUL
INFORMATION
MEASURING YOUR SITE Note that in this book I’ve
included both metric and
imperial measurements.
Before you start any building work, you may have Whatever system you use,
to calculate the slope of a terrace, work out how make sure you’re consistent
and use either all metric or all
to step fence panels along a slope, or decide imperial measurements for
how many steps your garden can comfortably individual projects. Here, I’ve
used metric units only for
accommodate. Follow the advice below on ways
some calculations to keep
to help you set out your project. things simple.
U S E F U L I N F O R M AT I O N
Peg
If you’re building a terrace next to a house,
ideally the paving should sit 150mm (6in)
Compacted ground Hardcore
below the damp-proof course. (This rule SETTING A SLOPE SIDE VIEW
doesn’t have to apply all the time, but do
your research before breaking it.) Look out
for a black liner between the bricks near the 1 Starting at the top of your slope and
working away from the house, put in
pegs in straight lines across the site. Put all
4 Then tap in the other pegs across the
site so that, at each point on the slope,
they are flush with the pegs along the string
foot of the brickwork on your house – this
pegs in to the finished paving level. Check line. Check your levels across the site with
is the damp course. your levels across the site with a spirit level. a spirit level and a straight plank of wood.
If the fall of your terrace is a ratio of 1:80, Make sure you knock in a line of pegs at the These pegs are a good reference point for
it means that for every 80 units of distance, bottom of the slope, keeping them level. checking levels as you lay your paving.
the level should fall by 1 unit. So, for example,
if your terrace extends 2m (6½ft), or 2000mm, 2 Next to the pegs at the bottom, knock in
pegs at the lowest level of the slope to 5 Use a pencil and set square to mark the
hardcore level onto your pegs. Remember
to measure from the top and allow for the
from the house, you divide 2000 by 80, your required fall.
depth of your paving material and mortar bed.
which is 25mm (1in). So the terrace should
3 Fix a string line at right angles to the
6
sit 25mm (1in) lower on the side furthest house from a peg at the top of the slope After you’ve put in the hardcore to the
from the house. Once you’ve excavated the to one of the lower pegs at the bottom. level you marked on the pegs, tamp
Make sure it is tight. Working back to the down the site and use a compacting plate to
area to be paved, the next step is to mark top of the slope, tap down the other pegs firm everything down. Now you’re ready to
out the slope using these measurements. along the line so they are flush with the line. lay your paving.
CHECKING THE LEVELS OF POSTS
To check that posts are horizontally Spirit level
STEPPED FENCING ALONG A SLOPE Calculate the length of the fence and Example
If you’re erecting a fence on a slope the fall in height, and then spread the Fencing is to be erected along a sloped
with preassembled panels, you’ll have fall evenly between the posts. boundary of 30m with a fall of 1000mm.
to step the posts to follow the slope. The width of one fence panel and one post
It’s a good idea to create a scale drawing is 1.9m (see p247). You divide the length of
In other words, the line of the fence
before you start erecting any fencing, as the boundary by the panel and post width
follows the slope like a stairway.
you’ll need to decide how to step the panels to calculate how many panels you need:
Usually, posts need to be at least to follow the slope. If the slope is steep, 30/1.9 = 15.8, rounded up to 16.
600mm longer than the height of the you’ll probably have gaps beneath parts of Then you divide the fall by the number
panel, but you may need to have the panels big enough for children or pets of panels to calculate the drop per panel:
longer posts with a stepped fence to to get through. If that’s the case, you may 1000mm/16 = 62.5mm.
accommodate big changes in height. need to infill with gravel boards.
1.9m
Drop 62.5mm
Posts are at
least 600mm
longer than
the height of Measure the
2m
STEPPED FENCING
height to calculate the number of steps. could make the risers slightly lower than the steps into the garden, is 1200mm. Divide
Then you can divide the horizontal standard size to accommodate the steps. this by 3 steps to find the depth of the
measurement by the number of steps to treads:
find the tread depth. Generally, the standard Example 2
1200mm/3 = 400mm.
riser is about 150mm (6in) high, and the The vertical measurement is 495mm:
tread should not be less than 300mm (12in) 495/150 = 3.3 steps, rounded down to 3. Example 4
deep, but you can be more generous if you You need to increase your riser height The vertical measurement is 435mm. If you
have the space. It’s vital to have all your slightly to accommodate the vertical can only extend the steps into the garden by
risers the same height otherwise they measurement. First, multiply the riser 700mm, you will need to recalculate to fit
become a serious trip hazard. height by 3: the steps comfortably: 700mm/3 = 233.3mm.
There can be lots of variables, so take 3 x 150mm = 450mm This is less than the standard tread depth of
your time to work out the best option for Then subtract that figure from your 300mm and so is too shallow. You will need
you. You might have a confined space or vertical measurement: to recalculate the number of steps you
you might be able to build the steps as far 495 – 450 = 45mm to accommodate over have. Repeat the calculations to see how
into the garden as you want. Sometimes 3 steps things would work if you reduced the steps
it’s possible to make adjustments to your 45mm/3 = 15mm per step. Add that to the to 2. You will also need to recalculate the
vertical height by digging out or raising the riser height: new riser height:
retaining wall slightly, in which case you may 150mm + 15mm = 165mm. 435mm/2 = 217.5mm.
be able to adjust your calculations slightly. So the riser measurement for each of the 3 To calculate the new size tread:
The materials you choose can also affect steps is 165mm. To check this figure is 700mm/2 = 350mm
your calculations, and you may need to cut correct, multiply the number of steps by the So the best option with a vertical
materials to fit. riser height: measurement of 435mm and a horizontal
165mm x 3 = 495mm. measurement of 700mm is to have 2 steps
with risers 217.5mm high and a tread depth
of 350mm.
CALCULATING
QUANTITIES
Note that the calculations in
this section are all approximate.
It’s important to have an accurate measure of Speak to your building materials
the quantities of materials you need before you supplier to get advice on
quantities for specific materials,
start building. Follow the advice below on ways to
or check all your measurements
help you measure up for quantities using your on an online calculator if you’re
ordering online.
scale plan.
Example 2
5
For a 4:1 mix of sand to cement,
3
divide the total volume by 5:
0.48/5 = 0.096m3.
90° So, 1 part cement is 0.096m3 and 4 parts
4 sand is 4 x 0.096 = 0.384m3.
To lay gravel to a depth of 30mm (0.03m), on pattern and material. The number of bricks needed for 1m2 is
the volume of gravel needed is: If you’re not confident about doing the 1,000,000/13,975 = 71.5, rounded up to 72.
12 x 0.03 = 0.36m3. The number of bricks for 15m2 is
maths accurately, use one of the many
online paving calculators. Your supplier may 72 x 15 = 1080
be able to help with the calculations, too. Add 10% (108) for wastage:
HOW MANY FENCE PANELS 1080 + 108 = 1188 bricks needed in total.
AND POSTS?
Check your scale plan. Measure the Note When calculating how many bricks
boundary where you require fencing you need to build a 9-inch brick wall (see
and divide that by the width of your p172), remember that you’ll need two
fence panels and posts. You need to courses of bricks. However, if the back is
allow one post per panel, apart from not visible, then you can substitute with
the first panel, which needs an extra cheaper bricks or concrete blocks.
post. For example, if you have 10
panels, you will need a total of 11
HOW MUCH TURF DO I NEED? HOW MUCH GRASS SEED DO I NEED?
posts. Remeber that the posts need
Turves are sold in square metres, Grass seed is sold by the kilogram and
to be at least 600mm longer than the
so work out your areas in that unit. you’ll need to calculate the square
height of the panels.
meterage of the area to be sown.
Example
Example: Check the sowing rate for the sort of
The area of lawn to be turfed is 3 x 3m =
A boundary is 30m long.
9m2. Add 10 to 20% for wastage grass seed you plan to sow, as it can
1 fence panel measures 1.8m wide.
(depending on the shape). vary between 35g and 70g per square
1 fence post measures 100mm (or 0.1m) wide.
9 + 0.9 (10% wastage) = 9.9, rounded up metre, depending on the seed.
1 fence + 1 post = 1.8 + 0.1 = 1.9m.
The number of fence panels needed is to 10m2 Example
30/1.9 = 15.8, rounded up to 16 panels and 9 + 1.8 (20% wastage) = 10.8, rounded up The area to be turfed is 4 x 6m = 24m2.
17 posts. to 11.m2.. If the sowing rate is 70g per m2, the
Note that 16 fence panels + 17 posts = weight of seed needed for 24m2 is
16 x 1.9m + 0.1m = 30.5m. So the last fence 70 x 24 = 1680g (1.68kg).
panel (ideally, the furthest from view) will
need to be cut to fit.
GLOSSARY
AGGREGATE flowers, stem, and leaves, and survive or steps to make sure everything
In the building industry, aggregate the rest of the year by living off the remains stable. Normally, it is formed
refers to a broad category of coarse nutrients and moisture retained in by digging a trench, filling it with
particles used for construction, and the plant’s storage system during the concrete, tamping it down until
includes things such as gravel, growing season. it’s firm and level, then leaving it to
crushed stone, and sand. set hard for at least 24 hours, but
CLIMBERS normally longer.
ANNUALS Plants that grow upwards by attaching
Plants that perform their entire life themselves to other plants or objects. GRANITE SETTS
cycle from seed to flower to seed Some support themselves using Generally, these are small rectangular
within a single year. All roots, stems,
U S E F U L I N F O R M AT I O N
tendrils or suckers, while others will blocks of quarried stone made for
and leaves of the plant die annually. need to be tied onto a supporting paving roads and paths.
Only the dormant seed bridges the frame such as a trellis.
gap between one generation to HALF-HARDY ANNUALS
the next. CONCRETE These are annual plants that don’t like
Concrete is a mixture of water, ballast, being in frozen ground so are best
BIENNIALS and cement. The mixes change planted in late spring when all danger
Plants that require two years to depending on use. It is generally used of frost has passed. Alternatively, start
complete their life cycle. In the first for footings beneath walls, but can also them off indoors early in the year then
season, the plant grows roots, be used in different ornamental ways. plant them out later.
leaves, and stems. During the
second season, the stems grow DECIDUOUS HALF-HARDY/TENDER PERENNIALS
longer, flowers develop and bloom, This term refers to a tree or shrub that Tender perennial plants that won’t
and then seeds are formed, after sheds its leaves, usually each autumn, survive if they are left outdoors in
which the plant dies. then grows new ones the following frosty weather. Alternatively, you can
year, usually in spring. Before the leave them out and replace them with
BINDING SURFACE leaves drop, they often change colour, new plants each year.
This is often used to help bed gravel gradually falling until the tree’s
when hardcore is very hard and branches are bare. HARD LANDSCAPING
does not give. I usually use ballast. Also called “hardscape”, this term
EVERGREEN refers to the construction materials
BULBS Plants that retain their leaves all year used in garden and landscape design,
Plants that grow from fleshy “bulbs” round, shedding old ones and growing such as stone, wood, brick, concrete,
planted underground. The term new ones throughout the year, so they steel, and gravel.
is sometimes used to describe never have bare branches.
not only true bulbs, but also corms HARDY ANNUALS
and rhizomes. Generally, after FOOTING Plants that can be sown directly into
flowering in spring or summer, they A footing is a solid, durable foundation the ground either in autumn or early
lose their upper parts, including used beneath the base of a brick wall spring. Unlike tender annuals, they can
withstand some frost, although they survive below ground, and the plant SUCKERING HABIT
are best protected with fleece if it’s regrows again in spring to perform the Some plants spread by means of
particularly heavy. year-long cycle once more. suckers, which are vigorous growths
of new stems and root systems that
HEDGING SCALE emerge from the existing roots or
A hedge is a line of closely planted When designing a garden, we use scale the lower stem of a plant. Unless you
shrubs or trees, evergreen or to translate measurements taken from want the plant to spread, it’s best to
deciduous, that knit together to the actual landscape and reduce them remove suckers as they can sap
form a barrier and habitat. to a workable size that we can fit on a a plant’s energy.
piece of paper. This means we can then
MORTAR easily design the whole space, as well TAMP
This term is used to describe a mix of as use the measurements to work out To compact, compress, flatten, and
sand, cement, and water. It is generally useful information, such as quantities knock out any air pockets. Tamping
used to bind masonry works (e.g. brick needed. It is usually shown as a ratio, ensures a surface, such as sand or
and stone) and lay paving. for example 1:50 or 1:100. concrete, is even and level.
NATURALIZE TENDER ANNUALS
SHRUBS
If you see a plant labelled “good These are often hot-climate or tropical
A woody plant that is normally smaller
for naturalizing”, it means that it will annual plants that will die back
than a tree and has several main stems
spread naturally and informally completely with even a touch of frost.
arising at or near the ground.
around your garden, coming up year
after year. Certain types of daffodil SHUTTERING TURVES
and tulip look particularly good Planks of timber used to contain The plural of “turf”. Turf is basically
naturalized in rough grass. setting concrete or to support the grass and the layer of earth held
sides of a trench. together by roots beneath it. You can
PERENNIALS buy rolls of turf to lay a lawn.
Essentially, these are plants that persist SPECIES TULIP
for several growing seasons, and These are tulips that occur naturally in UMBEL
generally die back each winter and the wild. Often they are smaller and This flower shape looks a bit like an
regrow the following spring from the have a more understated charm than umbrella with a number of short
same root system. Some are short- bigger and bolder tulips that have been flower stalks coming out from a
lived while others can be long-lived. bred for ornamental purposes. common point (like the ribs of an
Perennials have non-woody stems, umbrella). They can be flat-topped
and bring interest, flowers, and SOFT LANDSCAPING or almost spherical. Classic umbels
structure to borders. Some are classed Soft landscaping, also known as include cow parsley, fennel, and dill.
as evergreen, or non-herbaceous, and “softscape”, describes the plant material
keep their leaves all year round. used in garden and landscape design,
Herbaceous perennials, on the other including trees, shrubs, perennials,
hand, die back over winter. Their roots grass, and bulbs.
This powdery binding agent, When it comes to building A type of coarse aggregate, You use hardcore to create a
when mixed with sand or ballast projects, there is more than ballast is made up of a mixture solid base on which to construct
and water, sets to form a strong, one type of sand. The different of sand and gravel and a big mix paths, driveways, and load-
durable material. Cement mixed sands have quite particular of smaller and larger particles. bearing floors (for instance, a
with sand and water makes uses, so don’t be tempted to When combined with cement terrace). Once it’s laid, you will
mortar (see below); if mixed substitute one for another. – which works as a kind of glue need to compact it to create a
with ballast and water, it makes Soft sand, also known as – all the particles bind together solid, even layer on which to lay
concrete. builder’s sand or bricklaying to form concrete, which is your finished surface.
When mixing mortar for sand, is used in mortar mixes strong and durable. This aggregate – also known
laying paving, use a mortar mix (see below) for walls and steps, As with mortar mixes (see as MOT Type 1, Type 1, road
of 1:6 cement to sharp sand; for as well as for pointing brickwork opposite), the proportion of planings, and sub base – is
walls, you’ll need something in and rendering. cement to ballast that makes made from crushed quarry
the order of 1:3 to 1:5 cement to Sharp sand – a coarser and up concrete can vary anywhere waste, construction waste,
soft sand. grittier sand – is used for mortar from 1:6 to 1:12 cement to ballast, rocks, and gravel.
Cement comes in different mixes for bedding in slabs or depending on what you are The composition of
colours from a really dark grey brick paving or underneath using it for. hardcore varies from region
to a pale grey. Choose a colour brick edging. to region and also comes in
that ties in with your stone or Fine kiln-dried sand can different grades: the cleaner the
brick work and that sits well also be used to fill the gaps in grade is, the more expensive it
with the local architectural style. brick paving. tends to be.
G
lilac 27 Nicotiana sylvestris 106, 106
I
lime-rich soil 25 Nigella damascena ‘Miss Jekyll’ 106, 106
limestone 59, 166–67 nitrogen 27
Galanthus 218–19 Limonium 120 November tasks 236–37
G. nivalis 103, 103 impact, visual 140 nutrient deficient soil 27
L. platyphyllum ‘Violetta’ 98, 98, 120
gardens intermingling 149 loam soil 25
allowing for room to grow 49 Iris 103, 103, 124
local features and materials 33, 34, 35, 63
connecting spaces 140
function of 46–49
getting to know your 14–15
I. ‘Flight of Butterflies’ 124
I. foetidissima 101, 101
I. reticulata 103, 103
location 32–33, 34
Lonicera × tellmanniana 105, 105
O
love-in-a-mist 106, 106 October tasks 234–35
how to fall in love with your garden 53 I. r. ‘George’ 220 offsets, taking 16, 17
improving in the short-term 35 I. sibirica ‘Tamberg’ 100, 100 low-maintenance gardens 53
Lunaria annua 107, 107 Oregon grape 97, 97, 117
mapping out your space 16–21 I. ‘Tropic Night’ 224–25 organic matter 27, 34, 208
understanding your space 12–37 orientation 21, 35, 62, 63
who is your garden for? 40–41
Garrya elliptica 105, 105
Geranium 117 J M Orlaya grandiflora 107, 107
ornaments 78
ostrich fern 101, 101, 117, 117
G. nodosum 101, 101, 117 January tasks 216–17 magnolias 27
German pink 99, 99 Japanese quince 105, 105 Mahonia 117
P
Ginkgo biloba 95, 95 Japanese snowball 97, 97 M. × media ‘Winter Sun’ 97, 97, 117
globeflower 124, 124 Joe Pye weed 98, 98, 113, 113 maidenhair 95, 95
goat’s beard 125, 125 July tasks 228–29 maintenance 127, 216–39
Panicum 121
granite 59, 63, 248 June tasks 226–27 male fern 101, 101, 116, 116 P. virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ 99, 99
edging paths 67 juneberry 95, 95 mallets 157 P. v. ‘Rehbraun’ 121
laying slab paving 166–67 Malus ‘Evereste’ 95, 95 Papaver commutatum ‘Ladybird’ 107, 107
grass see lawns manure, well-rotted 27, 34, 208 Parthenocissus henryana 105, 105
gravel paths 66, 67, 159, 251
how much to use 246 K mapping out your space 16–21
March tasks 220–21
paths 64–67, 140
designing 66–67
laying 162–65 katsura tree 94, 94, 116, 116 marking out 158–59 edging 67, 162–65
loose 59 keaki 95, 95 masterwort 101, 101, 116, 116 foundations for 159, 160–61
self-binding 59, 64 knapweed 99, 99 materials 250–51 gravel 59, 66, 67, 159, 162–65, 251
greenhouses 80 knotted cranesbill 101, 101, 117 finding the right 58–59 laying brick paving 168–71
grouping plants 144 local 33, 34, 35, 63 laying gravel paths 162–65
paths and walkways 64–65 laying slab paving 166–67
252/253
plant supports with rope swags 188–91 sculpture 78, 79 spades 157 June tasks 227
planting sea holly 98, 98 sports areas 43, 47 lower canopy 92, 94–95, 112
bulbs 210–11 sea lavender 98, 98 squirrels 210 March tasks 221
finding your planting style 90–91 seasons staking, vertical 207 May tasks 225
perennials 208–209 how gardens change across 14, 14 star jasmine 104 November tasks 237
planting design 142, 146–47 seasonal interest 127, 127 stepping stones 65 October tasks 235
planting your garden 196–211 seating 72–73, 77, 80, 136, 140 steps 68–69 planting 206–207
trees and shrubs 206–207 security, boundaries and 33 building 176–81 September tasks 233
plants seed, grass 202, 247 calculating 177, 244–45 subsidence and 35
choosing 86–129 seedlings, watering 129 lighting 77 upper canopy 93, 94–95
positioning 14 self-binding gravel 59, 64 measuring 243 vertical staking 207
soil types and 26–27 September tasks 232–33 stinking iris 101, 101 triangulation 16, 17, 18, 20
suitability checklist 126–27 setting, thinking about 32–33, 34 Stipa 121 Trollius 124
using existing 15 shade 14, 127 S. gigantea ‘Gold Fontaene’ 121 T. × cultorum ‘Alabaster’ 124
play areas 47 plants for 116–17 stone 59, 60, 63, 65 troughs 194
polemoniums 27 shady borders 33, 114–17 edging paths 67 tubers 92
poppies 230–31 shapes structures 80–81 Tulipa 103, 103, 121, 121, 249
porcelain, laying slab paving 166–67 plant shapes 112, 146 style, finding your 54–85, 90–91, 140 planting 128
Portuguese laurel 109, 109 playing with 136 subsidence, trees and 35 T. sylvestris 103, 103, 211, 221
positioning plants 14 shelter 29 subsoil 24, 159 T. turkestanica 121
posts short-lived plants 106–107 suckering habit 249 wild tulips 221
concreting 182–83 shovels 157 summer snowflake 125, 125 turf 202, 204–205, 220, 249
how many fence panels to use 247 shrubs 249 sun 29, 35 Turkish sage 97, 97, 120, 120
Potentilla ‘Monarch’s Velvet’ 228 April tasks 223 finding sunny spots 21
V
Primula japonica ‘Miller’s Crimson’ 223 August tasks 231 supports
pruning 35 December tasks 239 plant supports with rope swags 188–91
Prunus lusitanica 109, 109 February tasks 219 vertical staking 207
P. spinosa 109, 109 Valeriana pyrenaica 99, 99, 113, 113
January tasks 217 sweet box 97, 97 vegetables 49, 49
purple moor grass 100, 100, 125, 125 July tasks 229 sweet peas 107, 107 Verbascum phoeniceum hybrids 106, 106
June tasks 227 switch grass 99, 99, 121, 121 Verbena bonariensis 107, 107, 232
Q, R March tasks 221
May tasks 225
Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Mariesii’ 97, 97
DK would like to thank everyone in Adam’s team, including Nicola Oakey, Jane Adams, and Polly Printed and bound in China
Hindmarch, for all their behind-the-scenes help creating the book. Thanks also to Jason Ingram and
Sarah Cuttle for photography, Sarah Hopper for picture research, Steve Crozier for retouching work, A WORLD OF IDEAS:
Simon Maughan for reviewing the text, Oreolu Grillo, Poppy Blakiston Houston, and Lucy Philpott for SEE ALL THERE IS TO KNOW
editorial assistance, Sara Robin and Sophie State for design assistance, and Vanessa Bird for indexing.
www.dk.com
254/255
‘To my old man, this one is for you. I’m on my way!’
In 2017 he set up The Adam Frost Garden School at his home in Lincolnshire
where he hosts informal workshops to gardening enthusiasts.
Adam is also an RHS Ambassador, which has a mission close to his heart:
to encourage our next generation of gardeners and to raise the profile
of careers in horticulture.
Adam and his wife Sulina live in a picturesque Lincolnshire village with their
4 children, 1 horse, 2 ponies, 2 dogs, and an ancient cat! His 5-acre garden
is regularly featured on Gardeners’ World as a work in progress.