The winter colours of the garden cannot rival the riotous splendours of the other seasons, but at Cambo we do encourage the changes throughout the year and rather than rush to tidy and remove stems and leaves we embrace the season and allow it to express itself as nature intended. Traditionally evergreens are used to supply winter interest but in the natural garden, grasses, seed heads, shape and foliage colour are also included.
This year, and early 2009 we are continuing to develop our new winter garden in the paddock adjacent to the garden where we hope to display a wide range of winter interest plants providing an additional focal point for our Snowdrop Festival.
The bronze resin statues in the garden are by the sculptor Alan Biggs (see details on potting shed door, or enquire at the office in the main house if you are interested in purchasing his work). During the winter these are often set off by frost and snow effects and they add an extra layer of interest in the winter season.
In the woodland edge planting opposite the potting shed (1)
interest is supplied by the red berries of Skimmia japonica and the scented flowers of the sweet box, Sarcococca hookeriana. The spindle bush Euonymous alatus has curious spines running the length of its stems. Later in the season flowering interest is supplied by Mahonia x Intermedia ‘Charity’ (upright yellow flowers) and the scented spidery blooms of Hamemellis. Also note, by the walled garden gate, the elegant small tree with coral red stems, Acer palmatum ‘Senkaki’, and the ghostly white stems of Rubus cockburnianus. Nearby is the ruffled peeling reddish bark of Acer griseum, an excellent tree for the small garden.
The Calendar Bed (2)
This border maintains its interest with the impressive sword like leaves of Phormium tenax and the buff seedheads of the grasses Stipa calamagrostis and Deschampsia cespitosa ‘Goldtau’, upright persistent seedheads echo the Phormium, providing rhythm.
Steppe Planting (3)
With its high concentrations of grasses, the Steppe looks good with frost effects. The tall vase-shaped grass repeated throughout the border is Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’, the small tussock grass along the front is Pennisetum orientale and additional interest is supplied by the persistent foliage and ball seed heads of Lavandula Stoechas, the French lavender. Notice at the back of the norder the architectural spiky seed heads of Acanthus Spinosus.
The Annuals (4)
The annual plantings were partially stripped at the beginning of November, removing any annuals and tender perennials. We have retained a backbone of hardy grasses for winter interest including the tall slender heads of Pennisetum orientale ‘Tall Tails’ and the lower fluffy heads of Pennisetum villosum. The pale fine grass is Stipa tenuissima.
Traditional Border (5)
Here the main interest is supplied by Miscanthus sinensis, the two large drifts of grass. Anemone x hybrida ‘Honorine Jorbert’ provides a haze of small ball-like seedheads. The brown plumes are Astilbe ‘Purplanze’. Equally effective are the slender upright spikes of Veronica spicata.
Moist Area (6)
The large imposing block of evergreen is supplied by Prunus lusitanica and provides a sheltered spot to sit.
Cut Flower Area (7)
Adjustments to the planting were made during October. Winter interest is supplied by the low, ever popular, Stipa tenuissima and the large flower plumes of Miscanthus sinensis. This is echoed by the upright plumes of Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’. The shimmering grass, Stipa Gigantea, is repeated throughout this area.
Mixed Border (9)
This area was newly planted in Spring 2008 and we are looking forward to watching it develop.
Early Flowering Border (10)
These borders demonstrate how grasses and perennials can supply interest throughout the year even on the small scale if carefully selected and combined.
Naturalistic Potager (11)
This area was cleared in early November and well rotted manure spread over the surface. This will be rotovated in early spring after the winter weather has broken it down. The linear bands of the grass Stipa Tenuissima will be left in situ until next spring.
Double Prairie Borders (13)
The double prairie borders are designed to persist over winter. The winter skeletons and seedheads fade from yellow to brown and combine with the buff colours of the dormant grasses. This area looks amazing with frost effects or a light covering of snow.
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