Softening an Arts and Crafts Exterior

The Arts and Crafts movement is known for taking inspiration from all things floral. The designs by William Morris are experiencing something of a renaissance currently and the delicate leaves and floral arrangements of The Strawberry Thief are highly regarded by many. Arts and Crafts houses are, by contrast, rather large and imposing red brick buildings that require softening externally with leaf and flower to break up their facades. Planted in November these borders show what can be achieved in just a single season using a mix of bulbs, perennials and semi-mature shrubs.

Viburnum Plicatum Mariesii under planted with Geranium Johnson’s Blue are supported by Ilex and Taxus Fastigiata topiary. Hydrangea Panniculata Limelight will continue the theme.

A key part of this project was to isolate colours and textures that would compliment the brick and stonework, both by softening and contrasting. The use of colour was kept to a minimum in order to harmonise the upper and lower borders. Gentle whites are supported by tones of blue from salvias, geraniums and lavender that work well against orange of the brick. Later in the season the buff grass seed heads of Calamagrostis Karl Foerster will add height and texture to the border, creating another layer of softness. Fragrant shrub roses from David Austin fill the areas beneath the bay windows and around the seating area. Finally wisteria, trachelomspermum jasminoides and white climbing roses have been chosen to cover the walls with texture, fragrance and light.

Young Lavendula Hidcote plants in this sunny South-facing border will eventually combine to create a small hedge and provide summer colour and fragrance as well as evergreen winter interest and structure.

Lower borders were designed to compliment those against the house, repeating species as well as colour tones in a rhythm that was allowed to expand into a larger space and using mature shrubs to support groups of perennials and bulbs.

Nepeta Junior Walker and Taxus Fastigiata frames the steps. Climbing White Iceberg roses are in their first season and will be trained up the wall to add texture.

Thank you Jo, for creating a beautiful garden. We are delighted with what she has done and would thoroughly recommend her services, without any reservation, to anyone who wants a gorgeous garden. Richard - Harrogate

Contact Jo at thegorgeousgarden.co.uk to get your borders off to a flying start.