Last year, I put together a new garden using divided clumps of perennials . Ladies mantle, Cat mint, Geranium Rozanne, Sysirinchium striatum and Astrantia major to name but a few. All flowered profusely over several months.
With the onset of Spring all my clients perennials are now under scrutiny, anything slightly congested and woody is being rejuvenated, through division (or complete removal if they are no longer of merit). This will make a huge difference to their health and flowering capacity, ultimately creating space for new or soon to be propagated plants.
With newly created gaps in the border I can start designing. Colour is my first thought, I then start to link in appropriately sized plants. My palette for home this year will include chocolate brown, burnt orange,maroon , black , lime green, raspberry and primrose yellow. Below are a selection of my choice plants.
Chocolate Brown – Chocolate cosmos. I planted these into containers at home last year, brushing past them frequently en- masse the scent is chocolate heaven. They looked particularly fine against Perovskia Blue Spire. A haze of metallic purple and brown, quite sublime.
Burnt Orange – The arrival of the Woolmans catalogue has spurred on my new interest in Chrysanthemums. Evening Glow, described as having an effective golden glow is definitely on my list.
Burgundy/maroon – If you can cope with the yellow flower then Lysimachia purpurea with its intense burgundy foliage is definitely worth a space in the border. It has the capacity of escaping its allocated space, however not being deep rooted it is easy to remove. My absolute favourite perennial is Knautia macedonica, with a burgundy pin cushion shaped flower which billows through many gardens from early Summer till late Autumn.
Black – Centaurea Jordy a deep plum, almost black flowering perennial has been acquired. I have several packets of Black Currant Fizz (see above) a hardy poppy, that will be sown right through Wendy’s border. This image is third year generated seed. Over time they take on different forms from their initial deep burgundy /black to this mix of red and deep maroon.
Lime Green – Euphorbia, their beautiful bracts are often willing to supply this colour. I have planted them in countless gardens, and my Euphorbia of choice – is Characias Wulfenii
What is your favourite colour ? maybe you should include it within your garden or window box this year ?
Sally Wicks 