New garden design in Brixton
The brief required this garden was to display all year interest, providing a stimulating view from the inside dining area, framed by floor to ceiling windows. Consideration was given to the needs of clients children, offering a selection of non-toxic and sturdy plants.
The clients requested planting to add vibrancy to the existing tired borders, displaying radiant colours and shrubs to complement exotic palms.
The garden is currently awash with an array of colour provided by spring bulbs, summer blooms, and late-flowering autumnal plants.
Planting preview
Hydrangea quercifolia
The commonly known as Oak-leaved Hydrangea, this bushy, deciduous shrub displays beautiful off-white conical flowers during summer, the autumn coulouration of the leaves is a magnificent array of dark red to purple, they then provide superb winter interest in their dried, spent state.
The shrub is not too dense, which allowed me to underplant it with a sea of spring flowering crocus.
This Hydrangea originates from the woodlands of the USA and tolerates partial shade and neutral to acidic soil.
Hakonechloa macra
After seeing it in a Tom Stuart-Smith garden design, I fell for this graceful green mound shaped grass that displays exquisite movement and beautiful arching flower stems during late summer.
This deciduous, clump-forming grass requires cutting back in late winter.
Also known as Japanese forest grass.
Heuchera ‘Black Taffeta’
The colour of this Heuchera is a lush dark purple with ruffled edged leaves. Radiant pink flowers appear on stalks during summer months.
The dark colouration of the Heuchera was a key element for me to compliment some existing dark leafed plants, offset by a collection of herbaceous perennials baring vibrant orange and yellow flowers.
The common name for this plant is Coral Bells, preferring semi-shade, however, will tolerate full sun.
Campsis radicans
Also known as the Trumpet vine, this plant comes in a colour spectrum of yellow to red. It is a fast-growing, self-clinging, deciduous climber (up to 10m height), with trumpet-shaped flowers arriving during late summer.
Its appearance fits seamlessly into the subtle exotic undertones of the planting plan.
Campsis radicans requires placement in full sun.
