3 years later - Back Garden in Arborfield

I was asked to design a back garden in a newish development in Arborfield 3 years ago. I went back to see how it was looking.  Most plants had taken well, apart from one very dry shady area. I suggested to the customer perhaps some ferns would be the best option. Dryopteris Felix Mas is a reliable plant where other plants struggle.  (any  new planting in dry shade of course needs plenty of water until established).

May is still  quite early for many of the perennials of course, and over the next 6 weeks or so many more plants will join in with more colour through the summer season.

Geranium Brookside, adding lovely blue splashes amongst Alchemilla Mollis

Iceberg climbing Rose

Physocarpus Diablo. A great plant for dark foliage accents.

And nice chunky groups of  plants still to flower include Teucrium Lucidrys  (a good alternative to Box)

Sedum Autumn Fire . Give then a "Chelsea Chop" now, to keep them shorter and less likely to fall over.

Euphorbia palustrus just going over, but the bright green sword like leaves of Crocosmia Lucifer

will add a vibrant splash of red later in the season.

3 YEARS AGO, JUST AFTER PLANTING....

BEFORE....