There’s more to gardens than plants

There’s more to gardens than plants

Naturally, plants are the linchpin of a garden. They are the lifeblood of a space, lending movement, atmosphere, colour and soul. It is the plants that provide calm energy and an essence of spirit. They make a garden pulse with life, including the society of tiny creatures that coexist with the vegetation and flora. But there is more to a garden than these essential, addictive growing forces of nature. It hinges around design and layout. This applies as much to a balcony or courtyard as it does to a garden, and it’s all about interest. If you can see everything at a glance, then your space could be improved. The eye likes to be led from one thing to another and a sense of intrigue is always a positive thing. Every garden can provide a desire to explore. A change in levels always helps, so a flat space might benefit from a step up to a patio or a step down to a seating area. It provides somewhere to ‘go’ and a reason to move throughout the space. If the garden has potential for a circulation route, provide one. A different entry and exit point will enable you to travel around the garden rather than stepping in and out via the same route. Then there is the illusion of blurring the boundaries. Nobody needs to feel confined by fences or walls. Those fences can be partially, if not wholly, hidden. Use climbing plants that are suitable for the aspect and the height that you need. There are clematis for north-facing sites as well as sunnier situations. Climbing roses can be secured to steel planting wires or trellises, or choose something that is self-clinging such as Hydrangea petiolaris or a beautiful ivy with variegated leaves. Did you know that our native ivy, Hedera helix, is hugely beneficial to wildlife, supporting at least 50 different species? The nectar, pollen and berries provide an essential food source for insects and birds. The plant also offers shelter for many invertebrates, birds, bats and small mammals.

The value of adornments

Sculpture, mirrors, ornamental pieces and trinkets can look wonderful… or not. Placement is key. Smaller items need to be partially hidden so that they seem to be part of the garden landscape, rather than appearing to have dropped out of the sky. Any

number of statues can be placed amongst planting so that you barely know it is there. You might glimpse a beady eye when you’re admiring the geums or catch a flash of light from a mirror concealed within ivy. These all add to the intrigue of a garden that contains more than initially meets the eye. A huge statement piece is different because it needs to take centre stage. Planting always helps to bed the item into the landscape and to give it a sense of purpose and belonging, which should be in tune with the genius loci – the spirit of the place.

Introduce some water

Water adds a further dimension and even a tiny bowl can enhance the quality of any garden. The National Garden Scheme (NGS) reports that over half of the 3,500 gardens opening to the public have some sort of water feature. They include bog gardens, natural or artificial streams, fountains, lakes, ponds and bowls. Ponds tend to change the ambience of a garden. They are like a magnet – watch anyone exploring a place and they will be drawn to a pond. Water has the ability to soothe the soul, help to improve mood and reduce blood pressure. It reflects the light and, naturally, attracts wildlife of many different types. The life within water, even if it is a simple, shallow bowl, is fascinating when you take the time to look.

Seating and shade

The essentials of a good garden should include somewhere to feel safe and relaxed. You’ll need some sort of seat, even on a balcony, and some shade that can also provide privacy. Give yourself a protective screen and something to lean against. In an overlooked space where prying eyes seem to be able to watch you, consider a canopy, sunshade, pergola or tall shrub. A canopy or shade sail can be supported by posts or sturdy nearby trees, then taken down in the winter. Think of a garden boundary as the room, the hard landscaping as furniture and plants as the beautiful, soft interior furnishings that give the wow factor. Enjoy yours this summer!