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This garden sits on a gravely plateaux higher than the level of the house, on the edge of the chalk downlands of Sussex. It is very free-draining and dry in the summer, as well as being exposed to Northerly winds.
The water feature is a stream running through the gravel and mostly utilises stones found during the excavation of the site. |
The planting in these photos is in its second season. A sculpted duck adds a quirky touch. |
The stream meanders lazily through prostrate pines and lavenders, with Carex elata Aurea and Iris siberica growing at the moist margins. |
To the banks that lead up to the stream area, log edgings run in an informal manner, holding the soil and creating planting ledges. |
On another part of the bank, ribbons of Santolina and French lavender intertwine in informal manner. |
Repeated drifts of purple sage, Perovskia and Stipa tenuifolia run though the driest gravel areas. |
Bold clumps of Sweet Galingale burst from the water in the lowest stream section. Native here, yet related to papyrus. |
This is one of the few times that I have planted yellow and purple foliage together and liked the effect. You have to be careful... |
Evening sun shines through the foliage of Miscanthus and prostrate junipers (already on the bank). Intangible elements at play. |