There’s More to Gardens than Plants

from Henlow August 2022

Start Swimming this Summer

There’s more to gardens than plants

Plants are the linchpin of a garden, the lifeblood of a space, lending movement, atmosphere, colour and soul. They provide calm energy and an essence of spirit, making a garden pulse with life, including the society of tiny creatures that coexist with vegetation and flora. But there is more to a garden than these essential, addictive growing forces of nature. It hinges around design and layout. 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 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.

Introduce water, seating and shade

Water adds a further dimension and even a tiny bowl can enhance the quality of any garden because it is a world in itself. Ponds can help to improve mental health in addition to lowering blood pressure. Don’t forget to provide somewhere to rest, in which to feel safe and relaxed. Give yourself a protective screen and something to lean against. In an overlooked space where prying eyes seem to be watching you, consider a canopy, sunshade, pergola or tall shrub. 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!