MY OWN GARDENS

These days I am leaning toward a more natural and loose garden style, definitely influenced by the New Perennialist Movement from the Northern Hemisphere, and my undulating site.  The style suits the site we have been on for 2 years, compared to the more conventional formal gardens and hedges at our old house. Add to that the fact I cannot access the vast majority of the garden with any form of water other than that provided by Mother Nature! So tough, beautiful, drought and wind proof are the main prerequisites! Plus STRUCTURE STRUCTURE STRUCTURE!! Doesn't matter if it is hedges or evergreen shrubs, the garden has to look great 12 months of the year - and preferably with seasonal variation. 

Here are a few snippets from my nearly 2 year old garden nearest our wee house (hut). Main structure is Muehlenbeckia astonii balls, Astelia, Miscanthus, Calamagrostis, Stachys, Phlomis, and Libertia grandiflora. Then seasonal variation from Scabiosa, Strawflowers, Achillea, Bearded Iris, Artemisia, Dahlia, burgundy Cornflower, Poppies, Sanguisorba, Anemone, Knipofia and of course - Alchemilla mollis (Ladies mantle). We have a 'no mow' lawn of Leptinella and Pratia alba, which is gradually winding its way into the main garden. Not sure if I will leave it or not. This will eventually be an accommodation hut, so not looking for too much maintenance. 

WILDFLOWER UPDATE - MID SUMMER

 The predominant colour out here changes as the season progresses. The earlies were all blue - Echium, Borage, Cornflower and Phacelia. Then the purples and red of various poppies. Now the yellows are having their moment. Actually, it will be more than a moment - as these guys will see me through until the first frosts. Yay! That is Coreopsis and  Rudbeckia, with a background softness of Queen Anne's Lace and pops of Verbena bonariense. Then there are a few randoms in there, including self seeded Achillea (yarrow), chives, Nigella, Salvia patens etc. This is one area of the garden I am not terribly fussy about colour coordination!! 

Where the poppies grew en masse, it left a big hole when I removed the dead plants (in about December), so I have planted a patch with various things I had on hand - Amaranthus, sunflowers, and this great blue lupin. 

I save seed off everything! Then use it to resow patches each autumn and spring. I never want it to be bare, but patches are ok. 

I am happy to answer any questions. It has been a huge experiment, and I am still learning. 

Oh - and by the way - ALWAYS have a path (mown or mulch, or pebble) through the flowers. Such a neat feeling walking in amongst the flowers. I have seats in mine!