Small Changes Make an Impact

A small change can reap big rewards. This was the case for our Newbury based client who wanted their garden to have a fresh new look and planting scheme, upgrading a planting bed in time for summer.

Before and After:

Before we started the landscaping, the planting border lacked structure with straggly and overgrown shrubs and bushes.  Our client asked Katie, our designer, for a planting scheme with a modern look with plenty of structure and year round colour.

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Work in Progress:

How the Border Took Shape:

• The team uprooted and removed all the existing shrubs and bushes which had become straggly and overgrown over the years.  As the before photos show (below), the old border no longer had structure or attractive focal points within it.
• High grade topsoil was added to the bed which was then divided in to two levels.  A timber sleeper divides the two levels and the lower bed is finished with a smart Everedge edging along the lawn.
• To finish the new look of the border, a contemporary slatted fence was installed on top of the existing fence.

The New Border:

Planting Style

• Our client asked for a contemporary style with plenty of structure and year round colour, incorporating colour tones primarily of pink and purple with the odd dash of white thrown in.  
• These colours would blend in with the existing copper beech tree at the end of the border, and the striking lollipop Photinia trees also tone in and are planted at intervals.  
• Grasses (Calamagrostis) were a must to provide movement within the border and have been planted in between the photinia trees. Katie’s clever use of repeat planting throughout the border adds to the contemporary feel.

Plant Choices

• Some of the plants used included:  Sedum, Echinacea, Heuchera, Pittosporum, Geranium, Lavandula, Cistus, Achillea, Salvia, and Calamagrostis, Ceanothus.

The plants have plenty of room to spread out and grow without being over-crowded. Over the next couple of weeks, the border will erupt with colour for our client to enjoy over the summer and into autumn. To make sure this happens, the plants must be watered generously once a day while they are establishing.

From planning a new border to a complete garden remodel, we pride ourselves on transforming ideas into beautiful reality, with minimum disruption. If you’re based in or around the Reading and Newbury area, we’d love to meet and discuss your project in detail – book your free no-obligation garden consultation today.