Anne Guy Garden Designs - Garden Design in Worcestershire

In late 2010 I was asked by a group of local gardeners who open their gardens under the NGS Yellow Book scheme, to design a new community flower border for their local Catshill and North Marlbrook Parish Council.

In my previous career I worked in public parks and open spaces and knew well the problems that can affect publicly accessible planting schemes.

I therefore designed the border to provide year round colour and interest and incorporated plants that are easily maintained to keep ongoing costs to a minimum for the Parish Council.

Whether designing borders for a private garden or a public space such as this the application of established design principles are the same!

The border situated on the junction of the busy A38 and Braces Lane near Bromsgrove was planted by Council contractors during 2011.

This commission was for a professional couple and their young family who wanted distinct areas for varying family activities.
The period property had been recently been extended by the addition of a modern extension and as well as accommodating distinct areas for adults and children the brief included providing a new paved terrace giving a seamless transition from the inside to the outside.

Hard landscaping -gravel paths, circular paved seating area and terrace are now complete

Structural evergreen planting – circular Prunus lusitanica hedge, Liquidamber and Betula utilis Jaquemontii trees and evergreen shrubs planted in October

Herbaceous perennials – to be planted Spring 2012

Charleston the famous home with interiors by Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant and meeting place of writers, artists and intellectuals of the Bloomsbury Group was looking absolutely stunning in the recent spring sunshine.
Spring bulbs, early roses and luxuriant hedges mingled with sculptures create a horticultural masterpiece.

Now that the worst of the snow and ice has (hopefully) gone it is a good time to take a long hard critical look at your garden.
Driving around I see many gardens with shrubs that have been damaged or killed off entirely by the extreme prolonged below zero temperatures even milder parts of the country!

It is always sad when much loved trees or shrubs die, leaving a big hole in the garden. But don’t panic!!
Look upon it as an opportunity and before you dash off to the nearest garden centre to replace them and fill the gaps – think about the overall look of your garden and ask yourself does it need a bit of a revamp?
Borders and beds do get overgrown and shrubs can weaken with age. Perhaps its time to spring clean your garden, clear out the clutter and give it a bit of a facelift?
Let me know if you need my help in choosing new plants for particular situations or even an in depth border redesign.
In the meantime – think positive spring is not too far away!