GARDEN OF THE MONTH

The garden of two members in Hampshire

This is a small garden but it’s packed with almost 2000 varieties of plants. The collection of over 800 hosta cultivars is one of the largest in England. An unusual feature is the hanging hostas where plants are displayed at eye level to give a wonderful display from May to September. The garden has themed areas: old English cottage garden, Japanese garden, hosta walks, patios, waterfall and stream garden, Islamic fountain and summer house garden. There is a raised deck from which the garden can be seen from a wonderful birds eye view.

 

The hanging hostas are slug-free throughout the year and create an attractive tapestry of foliage and flowers which is enjoyed by all visitors. They have promoted the beauty of hostas to dozens of visitors who have seen hundreds of perfect looking hosta leaves for the first time.

 

 

 

Some of the larger potted hostas are displayed with a multitude of companion plants in our old English cottage garden. Here the planting is as natural as possible. The garden has many scented and aromatic plants including roses, herbs, lavenders, oriental and species lilies, alpines, daisies, spring bulbs, shade plants and ornamental grasses. There are pines and evergreens so there is a colourful display and contrast of texture and height throughout the year. Tall cottage plants are allowed to seed and many grow to over seven feet in height and partly cover the paths.

 

 

In the Islamic garden, pastel shades of flowers, evergreens and hostas combine to create a peaceful relaxing atmosphere. The garden border is a line of espalier trained fruit trees which provide some support to Clematis spp. and perennial sweet peas. There is also a row of Pacific blue delphiniums with lupins,Verbena bonariensis and white phlox which have self-seeded to form a dense but colourful barrier.

 

 

 

The powerful waterfall in the stream garden flows down natural rocks and boulders among a display of large hostas and against a background of tall Canna spp., Musa spp., Dicksonia antarctica and Chaemerops humilis. This is underplanted with astilbes, persicaria, and smaller varieties of Rheum, and Rodgersia. The height and visual impact provided by the Lythrum, Inula, Lilium, Eupatorium and Cimicifuga in the opposite bank give the visitors an impression of being lost in a jungle.

 

June and John are avid plant collectors and there are a number of unusual plants from Southeast Asia to please any gardener. The garden is constantly evolving and each year new features are added to promote the use of hostas in British gardens.

To make an appointment to visit June and John's garden, ring 01420 489186 or email them at hanginghostas@tesco.net. Entry is free.