Country Courtyard with Flowering Borders and Planting that Inhibits Weeds

Category: Driveways, Patio, Paving & Walls

Garden Design Project: DWSJDC001

I was asked by the client to design and plant a newly converted farm Courtyard area which had already had the hard Landscaping put down. On the east side a long Portuguese laurel hedge was put in as well as some large yew which divided the Courtyard from the main house.

New herbaceous Borders were designed with a soft palette of colours and a country cottage feel sympathetic to the building. At one end a low lavender hedge edged a small path onto Lawn. Extra large buxus were moved from other areas of the property and used within the design to define entrances.

The Flower Beds were unusual shapes and sizes so it was important to repeat Planting to take away from the disjointed feel. Climbers were used to soften the building, a weeping birch added height and interest and the whole area was given a good organic compost mulch to encourage growth and discourage Weeds.

Within a week the Planting was established and the garden had a feeling of always being there.

Planting in drifts and repeating certain colours helps to soften and lead the eye along the Borders.

Flowering is extended throughout the seasons by grasses such as Stipa Gigantea and Echinecea. Using some herbaceous plants that are in other parts of the garden helps to unify the Courtyard and not make it feel too disjointed from the rest of the property which has extensive country views.

Submitted By: Claudia De Yong - 6 Times RHS Medal Winner
Website: www.claudiadeyong.com