Planting with structure, form and texture

Oxford

Summary

The owners of this contemporary garden asked for planting that would reflect the mix of traditional and contemporary embodied by their house, both in the rear and front gardens, with interest all year through structure, form and texture.

In the rear garden tall grasses provide a veil between the kitchen and the garden, present from June to February. Semi-shade planting forms an informal rhythm of repeated plants, and provides interest through the year. A pale colour palette has been used in the shade, with later interest added in soft red by Persicaria. Stronger colours are used in the sunnier beds with herbs placed conveniently close to the house.

In the front garden herbaceous planting forms a changing carpet of interest around 2 mature Acers and large box balls.