Following an enquiry off my website, I was asked to visit a courtyard garden that was still in the construction phase. The clients were using their skills to build raised beds and they wanted me to provide them with planting schemes for the raised beds.
Following discussions with the clients to find out what they wanted, I designed the planting to incorporate a relaxed cottage feel which could also be managed easily by the clients. The beds also needed to be seen from all sides so it was important to provide interest throughout the year.
I selected colours and textures that would knit together and form a cohesive picture throughout the seasons. I chose a palette of purples, silvers, lime greens and pinks to make the beds come alive. I wanted the plants to give value for money by offering the longest flowering period from May to October. One plant that does this without any effort is Salvia microphylla 'Cerro Potosi' - it flowers and flowers all summer long until it finally gives up in November! Grasses are also invaluable and add texture as well as height. My favourite grass is Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light' - it cascades like a fountain and picks up the light. It sits well against Perovskia 'Blue Spire' (Russian Sage) that also provides a skeleton of silver stems in the winter.
It is important to include shrubs, but one needs to be aware of the limited amount of space in a narrow raised bed. For that reason I chose Physocarpus 'Lady in Red' as this can be pruned and kept to shape without any problem. Another gorgeous shrub is Abelia 'Lucky Lots' - not only is it evergreen but its leaves are variegated and it produces scented white flowers.
To give additional interest in early to mid summer, I underplanted with a selection of majestic Alliums that will draw the eye and provide further height to the planting.
I am impatient to see what the completed beds will look like in Spring and look forward to the next phase of planting to bring the whole courtyard together. Let's hope for better weather to come!
