This back garden in Richmond did not fare well in the wet winter of 2014. The fences collapsed and the softwood decking got rotten. It needed an update. New fences were put in place and a hardwood decking replaced the old one. An old pair of wooden builders’ ladders found at an antique market were used as support for scaffolding planks, on which terracotta pots filled with geraniums were placed thus creating an unusual vertical garden!
Hostas and ferns are planted in the shade of the magnolia tree. Geranium psilostemon intermingles with Astrantia major ‘Ruby Cloud’ and Primula vialii while Digitalis purpurea ‘Dalmatian White’ rises tall behind them.
Jasmine, lavender and roses, along with an olive tree give a Mediterranean feel to the west facing border.
Among the climbers selected, Solanum jasminoides has been fast growing, covering the East facing fence with its fresh green foliage and producing Jasmin-like white flowers in abundance.
From a winter wreck, this garden has been transformed into an oasis of scent and colour.
