The brief
A complete redesign of the raised brick borders surrounding a characterful brick house. The existing beds first required clearance before being replanted with a stronger, more considered scheme that would complement the architecture and provide year-round structure.
The planting
Cercis ‘Forest Pansy’ forms the main focal point, its deep burgundy foliage creating a strong contrast against the brickwork. Pinusmugo ‘Pumilio’ and Cornussericea ‘Flaviramea’ provide structure around it, combining evergreen form with vivid winter stems.
Repeated groups of Pittosporum ‘Barrow Bay’, lime-green Carex and yellow-leaved Heuchera brighten the planting and provide contrast beneath the darker canopy.
In spring, the borders are filled with Tulip ‘Queen of Night’ and ‘Green Spirit’, echoing the burgundy and green foliage palette below.
Design approach
The design centres on strong foliage contrast rather than relying entirely on flowers. Dark burgundy, lime green and yellow are repeated throughout the borders to create rhythm and connect the planting with the warm brickwork of the house. Evergreen shrubs and grasses provide permanent structure, while the Cercis, Cornus and tulips bring dramatic seasonal changes.
Services: Consultation · Planting design · Plant sourcing · Installation · Irrigation · Aftercare
Helen. Sundridge, Bromley.
“I would highly recommend this talented young landscape gardener. He designed a beautiful planting scheme for two large enclosed beds at the front of my house, creating a garden that is both easy to maintain and full of year-round interest. His thoughtful combination of grasses, shrubs, perennials and bulbs has produced a balanced, attractive design that will continue to develop through the seasons. The front does look lovely and I’ve had lots of admiring comments from neighbours and passers by. He also accompanied me to choose the plants, offering expert advice and ensuring everything was perfectly suited to the scheme. I am delighted with the result.”