Plants and planting schemes
It is essential you take time to draw up a simple plan of your garden. Firstly, note down the plants you want to include with details of their eventual height and spread.
I usually assume perennial plants have a spread of 40-60cm. You should be able to establish the estimated height and spread of trees and shrubs by using a good reference book. I usually draw a plan by using its eventual size in around five to 10 years’ time.
Tip: Remember, less is definitely more so your initial list may need to be paired down, several times. Try to keep the number of species to a minimum and repeat them for more impact.
How to create your grid
Plot the plants you’re going to use on a grid. I use a grid made up of 50cm squares on a scale of 1:50.
Start with your key plants - i.e. those that will add structure, usually trees and shrubs. Place them on your plan where they will create the most impact and are of greatest use - i.e. to screen an unsightly view or building, to be a focal point or to add bulk to your border.
Sometimes, if room allows, both trees and shrubs can be grouped closely together so that they form a mass when they reach maturity. Planting three young birch trees together, for instance, will give you a coppice effect and is most pleasing on the eye.
Plot the accent plants next - i.e. those that will create the most impact and contrast to the key plants in shape, form and texture.
Now you can add the ground cover plants and perennials. By placing them last you can create drifts among your key and accent plants, filling in the gaps until the permanent plants reach maturity.
An example grid
The actual size of the L-shaped border is 5m across x 2m deep at the widest part with the tail of the ‘L’ being approximately 1 x 1.5m.
Each plant has been drawn to scale, so for example, I have drawn plant No. 1 (Stipa arundinacea) with a spread of 1m. By drawing its final size from the outset I know I have given it enough space to grow - it will attain its final size within 12 months.
Next to the Stipa I have placed Persicaria, using a circle template of 40cm, so I estimate I will need three plants. With the crocosmias (No. 8) I have included two swathes, one on either side of the border.
Here I have estimated six plants but, of course, the total does depend on how large each clump is at planting stage. It may mean when I come to purchase the plants that I buy more than six and slot them in to give a good show.
My specimen shrub Euphorbia mellifera (No. 4) I have shown with a spread of 1.5m. It can grow much bigger, but the good thing about this plant is that it can be cut down to ground and will rejuvenate. I have given it the amount of space I am prepared to let it grow to after which it can be reduced without harming the plant.
Remember, while the plan helps ascertain the plant selection and quantities, it is fine to change the order slightly when planting.