Bilton, Harrogate
Front garden and back garden on the outskirts
of Harrogate.
This garden started as a relatively blank canvas, with only a few existing shrubs and hedges on site:
In the north-facing back garden, a yellow-flowering Shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa),
two California lilac (Ceanothus) shrubs and a small Magnolia liliflora tree.
And in the south-facing front garden, two Leyland cypress (Cupressus x leylandii) hedges flanking either side of the lawn and drive.
Around the existing Shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa) plant, a border was added including more Potentilla shrubs (in complimentary shades of pink and peach), English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), and sunflowers grown from seed in the remaining spaces.
A small number of pots of blueberry and strawberry plants were also added to this corner.
In the sunny corner at the far end of the garden, around the existing Ceanothus shrubs, a few
complimentary plants were added including Agastache rugosa, Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’
and Forget-me-nots (Myosotis sylvatica) grown from seed in the remaining spaces, which self-seed freely and create nice groundcover.
A small Damson tree (Prunus insititia ‘Merryweather’) was planted in this corner
over Spring - photos to be added soon.
In the centre of the garden, a group of small, fruit trees have been planted as a central feature:
Malus x Moerlandsii ‘Profusion Improved’ - a medium-sized Crabapple tree with beautiful dark-pink blossom.
Very valuable for wildlife, especially for pollinators and birds, who love the small crabapples in Autumn.
Malus domestica ‘Discovery’ - a small Apple tree with beautiful blossom and wonderfully tasting dessert apples in Autumn.
Pyrus communis ‘Beurré Hardy’ - a medium-sized French Pear tree with excellent dessert pears in Autumn and, rarely for a pear tree, wonderful Autumn colour with red leaves at the end of the season.
Around the fruit trees, on the edge of the lawn and the back drive, a sunny border is currently being created, which will feature a rambling rose on an obelisk as the focal point, and sun-loving perennials surrounding it - Mexican Orange Blossom (Choisya ternata) and a range of Salvias and other plants popular with pollinators - photos to be added in summer.
A collection of pots, acting as a small herb garden, sits on the drive just next to this sunny border. The pots will feature different types of Mint, Rosemary, and Sage - photos to be added in summer.
