Spring has sprung

There is no doubt that Spring has arrived. The signs are everywhere.

Helleborus Orientalis

Back in popularity, the Lenten rose is a must-have plant. I love it's unassuming nature and staggering variety of colours - ranging from immaculate white to virtually black, as well as every shade in between through pinks, purples, clarets, yellows and greens. Hellebores hang their heads demurely, and one can't resist gently turning up their flower heads to appreciate the individual subtleties. I like to plant them under deciduous trees, combining the pinks and clarets colours with Pulmonaria.

Pulmonaria

Grown for their early flowers in late Winter and early Spring, they are among the first perennial blooms. But their all too often overlooked hairy leaves with attractive silver spots, come into their own once the flowers have finished. Grow in woodland among shrubs in a humus-rich, moist soil.

Magnolia x loebneri

I can't help feeling every garden should have a magnolia at this time of year. There are so many to choose from, no matter what your taste. But I prefer the delicacy of Magnolia Loebneri and stellata.  These small, slender branched deciduous trees are perfect fits for modern and traditional schemes. The star shaped flowers, with slender white petals suffused with lilac edges are produced before the leaves emerge. They need an acid to neutral soil, but the smaller varieties do well in pots.

Anemone blanda

These cheerful plants bring a a smile to my face. The daisy shaped flowers appear in early spring over deeply dissected or toothed green leaves. Plant them amongst other ground cover plants in humus-rich soil in partial shade. 

Early promise

The signs are here. Those plants that cheer up, even the most dull and miserable days, have arrived. Their optimism never ceases to amaze me. But they are always such a welcome sight, as you can start to believe that Spring, with all it's colour and vibrancy is just within reach.

Here are just a few stars I have seen in the last few days.

Hamamelis x intermedia

The Witch Hazel is a deciduous shrub, perfect for a woodland area or a shady border. They have good Autumn colour, but it is their fragrant, starburst -shaped flowers that dazzle at this time of year. There are lots of varieties available, but they do vary considerably. So I would always recommend you do some research and buy them in flower. Some have a simplicity about them, while others are much more bright and showy.

Galanthus Sir Herbert Maxwell

I know they're predictable, but I do think no garden should be without Snowdrops. They are the first bulbs to show, their pear-shaped, delicate white flowers. They are sometimes scented. I prefer the more simple, single shapes in pure white and green.  But their are many options, and some much more complex double, frilly types. Best to buy them 'in the green' rather than as dormant bulbs. All parts may cause mild stomach upset if ingested; contact with bulbs may irritate skin.

Helleborus Argutifolius

The Corsican hellebore has leathery, elliptic dark green leaves, with spiny-toothed edges. I like the plant's strong architectural shape, making it suitable for both modern and naturalistic planting schemes. Pendent, shallow, bowl-shaped flowers appear in Winter to early Spring. I find Hellebores most effective when grown in groups in a border, or naturalised in a woodland garden

Sarcococca X confusa

The shiny leaves of this bushy shrub keep it looking good all year round. But it is during Winter and early Spring when it's fragrant white flowers turn it into something special. The delicate flowers are followed by attractive, glossy black fruits. Looks good as an informal hedge, or as ground cover in dry shade.

A blank canvas

The arrival of snow this Winter, reminded me how this is a perfect time to review your garden's design.

As a designer and gardener, the winter is one of the best times to observe and assess your outside space. Many shrubs and trees have lost their leaves and herbaceous plants have died back, leaving the naked skeleton in view. Evergreen shrubs and trees have jostled from their supporting roles all year, taking their opportunity for star position. But the addition of a layer of snow reveals everything in a new perspective. Suddenly, texture and colour has vanished, and all you see is the pure structure of your garden. This is your perfect chance to evaluate what you see, and decide what you would like to see.

Take some pictures if you can or draw a sketch. Note the shapes you see and decide what is working well and where you would like to see changes. For instance, is your boundary totally revealed, or are portions concealed to create interest and the suggestion of hidden treasures? I always like to see something sculptural emerge from the snow. A clipped tree to draw your eye or a hedge to hide a section of the garden. Consider the proportions of your garden and whether divisions or changes in levels would improve your view?

This is your chance to plan new projects, list garden 'must-haves' and maybe devise some new resolutions. Make a wish list that is sensible and achievable.

Don't forget about the birds and insects at this time of year. Providing water, food and shelter, will give refuge to these beneficial creature, attracting them to your garden throughout the year. 

For most gardeners this is one of the most dispiriting times of the year. But by making the most of your time inside - you will maximise your appreciation of your outer space for the rest of the year. Remember, below the ground roots are flexing and bulbs swelling, and before we know it, we will be welcoming the first signs of Spring. 

Designs on your garden

There are two ways of achieving the garden of your dreams.You can create it yourself, or use a designer. Whichever you choose, here are some things to consider before making a start.

1. Think about how you want to use the space 

You might for instance, want a create a space for drinks in the evening if that's when you use it most. Do you need a play area for the children?  Is your dream to grow fruit and vegetables or have cut flowers in the house? Everyone will have a different list, and it's important to give carful consideration to this before you start your project.

2. Look at your environment 

Which way does your garden face?  What direction is the prevailing wind? Where is the shade?  Do you have existing feature, trees, paving that you are keen to keep?  Are there views beyond the garden you want to keep, or would you rather contain your view within the space?  Are there elements you are keen to remove or disguise? Is there a slop or existing levels that you would like to work differently?

If you commission a designer they will test your soil and analyse your site and plant appropriately. You can buy soil testing kits from your garden centre, or you can observe the plants in the surrounding area, to give you a rough start. 

3. Consider your architectural style and interior

Do you want your garden to reflect the exterior of your home, or would something that reflects the interior style be more appropriate?  Interior materials and colours, used outside will create a harmonious effect. Have you seen materials you are keen to use?

4. Looking after the garden

Except that maintenance is an essential part of any garden, so consider how much time you can spend or whether you can afford someone to do it for you? 

5. Features to include

Many people have furniture, statues and sculptures the want to include in their new space. Careful positioning can enhance the garden while lighting will increase their impact. 

5. When should you plan a new garden

Many people think about making changes to their garden when they're a new home owner, or they are extending their house and want it to integrate the two spaces. Others think that Spring is a good time to start planning their outer space so it is all complete for the Summer. 

However,  the design process can take a few weeks, so plan ahead so that the designs are ready for when you'd like the build to start. Good landscaper contractors can often be booked up in advance, and so allow for time between the design completion and build starting. Spring can also be a very busy time for landscapers and garden designers, so if you would like the project done early in the year, start the process in the previous autumn or winter to be sure of getting it completed for the Summer.

Landscape construction and planting can be done all year round with the exception of snow, frost and too much rain.

So in short, it is always the right time to get planning your perfect outdoor space.

Modern family garden

Below is a family garden in Clapham that I designed when the house was remodelled this Summer.

A kitchen/family room was created with large, folding glass doors and the owners wanted an entertaining space and somewhere for the young children to play. Running tiles from the kitchen through to the terrace creates a smooth transition from one area to another. Levels were needed as the kitchen floor was lowered to increase the ceiling height. This allowed for steps between raised beds, dividing the space and leading to an astro turf area, and hidden sand pit under the deck.


A carefully considered space can transform how you use it.