I’ve been pulling the picture together for this beautiful garden and outdoor living area in Thistleton in Lancashire.
We commissioned a bespoke concrete bench for the perfect contemporary look, set off by the grasses.
Calamagrostis were the grasses chosen for this garden for their upright feathery plumes, and gentle rustling sound. This perennial has a really long growing season from early spring. In the summer, the silvery pinkish flowers look stunning and then turn into golden seed heads from autumn onwards. It’s easy to look after and just needs a winter cut, ready for the next growing season.
We added a row of small Pinus mugo, which is a dwarf mountain pine shrub, which is a great plant to add texture. They won’t grow too big and cause problems in the future.
Autumn planting for spring bulbs
Spring bulbs will be coming into the garden centres soon – so start writing your shopping list!
Some favourite recommendations are Allium ‘Purple Sensation’ – these have beautiful large flower heads and are loved by butterflies. Plant a good number of these for the full effect.
Tulip ‘Queen of the Night’ – these black tulips are really contemporary and dramatic. I like planting tulips in pots that can be hidden and then pulled onto centre stage when they emerge. You can also mix these with some bright orange tulips, such as Orange Princess, for some pops of colour.
What am I reading?
Dan Pearson is a garden designer who I’ve admired for many years and is an expert in naturalistic planting. I’ve been re-reading a couple of his books for inspiration and because he is a really brilliantly evocative writer.
He also writes an online magazine called Dig Delve, where the stunning photography is done by his partner Huw Morgan. The magazine features their garden in Somerset which was created from scratch from farmer’s fields.
