Adding another dimension to a tired garden

This garden is walking distance from my home, so I know exactly what the soil conditions are like...... clay!  That said, there are a huge number of plants which do very well in clay, and  it's a case of breaking it down, working in organic matter, and selecting plants which will be thrive. The garden is southwest facing, so plenty of sun, near the house and side borders, where the soil will dry out in summer, but shade from the garden wall along the  back border, allows for different plants, which will enjoy the shade.

The patio near the house was replaced recently, so it was to stay, but the rest of the garden was basically lawn, with empty borders where conifers had been removed.

Rather than simply replant the empty borders, I suggested that an arch should be built with a pathway leading to a second seating area. This allows instant height within the garden,  the opportunity to walk between planting, and enjoy an alternative view of the garden too.

I look forward to a revisit next year. It's going to look fantastic.

Sedum, Aster Frikartii, Lavender and early Allium bulbs will enjoy
this sunny spot,

The south facing border will next year be full of Roses, Day Lilies, Oregano, Balotta, Stipa Gigantea
Knautia Macedonica, Geranium Rozanne and Verbena Bonariesis. The shed previously very
prominent in the garden, will soon be hidden by Jasmine and Goldren Hop clad trellis

The dainty glaucous foliage of Dianthus will edge the border next to the patio, in contrast to 
the chunky foliage of Euphorbia Myrsinites

The new arch, and brick edged path is one route to the seating area. A climbing Rose
will make it's way up the trellis on the right, and on the leflt , Panicum Heavy Metal grasses, will
subtlety block the view to the left and also catch the westerly evening sun. In the far corner a

Silver Birch tree which was in a pot, has been planted, and in time will screen the houses beyond. 

Schitzostylis  Mrs Haggerty. A lovely late season surprise with grassy foliage
which has looked good all season. Viburnum Davidii will provide a green back drop.

A spring plant, Tiarella Wherryi flowering for a second time due to the mild autumn.
Dark Heuchera Obsidan in the back ground add a touch of dark foliage amongst the greens.

I selected useful ground cover plants for the shady areas, which will knit together amongst the old conifer roots, including Viburnum Davidii, Euonoymous, Geranium Nodosum, Geranium Macrorhyzum, Dryopteris Felix- mas, Epimediums and Geranium Phaem.

Shrubs to add height to the shadier parts of the garden included Viburnum Tinus, Aucuba, Hydrangea, Ilex and Viburnum Dawn.  Perennials in the wetter areas include Ligularia, Trollius and Lythrum.


And in the sunnier parts, Roses, Daphne, Lavender, Stipa Gigantea, Deutzia and Physocarpus, will add height to the many sun loving perennials.


BEFORE.   
The garden before had the typical patio, lawn, shed and planting around all the edges. Now it will offer so much more interest.

BEFORE

BEFORE. Empty border after conifers had been removed.