Don't Chop Me Down

Did you know...

• Phlomis - that is entering what the designer describes as its 'most unattractive stage' - and the floating seedheads of Dierama are striking in this garden
• The planting in this garden encourages gardeners to leave plants alone ahead of winter, past their attractive flowering stage, so that any changes that occur over the colder months, from insects or frost patterns can be appreciated
• Rusting metal structures that wave in the wind and bounce to the touch are scattered throughout the garden to echo the Phlomis and give a less serious feel

About the garden 

Most gardeners reach for the secateurs at the end of summer and cut down their borders to leave the garden ‘tidy’ for winter. But lots of perennials look wonderful in winter, with beautiful shapes and structures.

Plants such as Echinacea, Echinops, Phlomis, Rudbeckia, Sedum and grasses including Calamagrostis look superb through winter and are great for birds and hibernating wildlife. This space uses plants that are stunning in both summer and winter. The paved area leads to planted borders at each side of a path so that the frosted flower-heads can be enjoyed close up in winter. At the end, an ornamental gate leads to another part of the garden.