Exhibitors
Back-to-back Gardens
Askham Bryan College
Tea For Two
Designer: Mary Hirst
Sponsor: York City Council
Click on the image to view a hi-res version
Tea for Two offers a tranquil seating area designed to be set within a much larger garden. It is situated at the bottom of a slope beside a stream, and looks across into the adjacent woodland.
A hazy mist rises from the water in the shady depths, giving the area an enchanted atmosphere. A pergola and arch add to the intimacy, privacy and sense of seclusion from the surrounding garden.
The owner grows a few colourful plants that she uses to enliven the section around the seating area - including Carex buchananii and Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ - but for the most part the garden needs little maintenance through the clever use of ground cover plants. The owner’s love of grasses brings movement and sound when breezes blow.
The woodland edge is underplanted with a selection of ferns and hostas, which blend into the naturalistic woodland setting. The garden is completely sustainable.