A planting scheme with a sense of history
Caversham Court Gardens, Berkshire
The clients view
"Anne's planting scheme is lovely - very colourful, very accomplished and carefully considered to give it real longevity. it's been greatly appreciated by visitors to the garden."
The Brief
To design a planting scheme for a much loved historic riverside public garden that was being restored and enhanced with Heritage Lottery funding. A historic recreation was not required, but it was requested that the main borders drew some inspiration from the 17th and 19th centuries, which were key periods in the garden’s history.
My design
I developed a concept to provide planting that would draw people to different areas of the gardens at various times of the year. Two mixed borders provide interest from spring through to autumn, while a Snowdrop Carpet under an ancient yew draws people deep into the garden early in the year. In Spring, a Crocus Walk creates a ‘river’ of blue/mauve flowers adjacent to the River Thames; while later on, the grass banks burst into life with yellow daffodils . The highlight of the summer months is the steep Lavender Bank, where Mediterranean shrubs deliver a blast of intense colour. And a Winter Walk provides scent and interest alongside a much used pathway.