Garden Questionnaire: The English Garden

Are the plants in this garden grouped in any special way?

The plants are grouped to give the impression of an English Garden . There is a central spine to give height on both sides of a meandering path with a focal point plinth and statue. The spine is planted with Magnolias, Crepe Myrtles, Japanese Maple, Buddleia, Ornamental Grasses, Mediland Roses and Russian Sage. Backing the spines are areas of Penstemon, Potentilla, Lavender, Yarrow, Rudbeckia, Daisies, Day Lilies, Cone Flowers, Beebalm, Bearded Iris and Michaelmas Asters. Lining the path and lawn are Catnip, Bloodgrass, Salvia, Impatiens, Veronica, Dianthus, Lambs Ear, Coreopsis, Pansies and Spring Bulbs. A Cotswoldian Wall with a seat inset fronts the garden. The wall features, Creeping Phlox, Pansies, Veronica, Dianthus, English Ivy, Sweet Potato Vines, Lantana and Coreopsis, backed by Yarrow, Rudbeckia, Salvia, Lilies, Blue Summer Asters and Chrysanthemums. The whole concept is designed to create that juxtaposition of spikes, mounds and foliage that creates so much of the character of the English Herbaceous Border and to give, in that format, a succession of flowering blooms from Spring to Fall.

When is the garden in peak bloom?

May, July, August, September and Early October.

What’s especially interesting about this garden that visitors would like to know?

It is modeled on the Cotswoldian design of English Gardens . Although few of the plants are botanically English for climatic reasons, their character creates an English ambiance. This is created by that juxtaposition of spikes, mounds and foliage, and the greatest compliment the garden has received was when a passer by, not knowing the garden’s purpose, said: “This looks just like an English Garden.”

Are there any special concepts or strategies shaping this garden?

This is a severely full sun garden, which determines the choice of plants. It is primarily decorative rather than botanical, commanding a premier position facing Lake Drummond and alongside the Springfield Greene-County Greenway Trail.

Are there future plans for this garden?

The spine and character of the garden will not change, but new plants are inserted every year through experiment.

Is there anything else you’d like people to know about this garden?

It is not usually mulched as by June very little soil is exposed. It is easier to weed and work the soil in the spring without mulch, but at times humus and organic matter is added. The garden is watered by a sprinkler irrigation system. The depth of soil is extremely shallow in much of this garden, but the Cotswoldian wall does create a raised bed effect in the front.