Ruth Thomas Garden Design
Year-Round Delight
Living in the UK has its perks, one of which is experiencing the distinct beauty of the changing seasons. In this country, gardens and outdoor spaces can be stunning year-round, each season bringing its own unique charm. To make the most of this seasonal splendour, it's essential to ensure your garden harnesses the beauty of every time of the year.
Spring: A Burst of Colour
As winter loosens its grip, spring breathes life back into our gardens. It's a time for bulbs to shine. Snowdrops, crocuses, bluebells, and tulips – they all play their part in painting the garden with vibrant hues. While they may appear delicate, these flowers are resilient, designed to withstand the variable British weather. But spring isn't just about bulbs; it's also the season of blossoms. Fruit trees become adorned with a cascade of tiny, delicate flowers, setting the stage for a spring spectacle that can last from early February to May.
Summer: A Symphony of Blooms
Summer, the season of abundance, is when your garden truly comes to life. To create a captivating display, diversify your flower choices. Consider large open daisies, small clustered blooms, umbellifers, and spikes. The key is to mix and match different types of flowers and ensure their colours harmonize. The result is a full-fledged garden symphony that sings of summer's glory.
Autumn: A Tapestry of Colours
Late summer plants, like asters and Japanese anemones, take centre stage in autumn. However, don't forget the role foliage plays in creating the vibrant tapestry of colours associated with this season. When we think of autumn, it's the fiery reds, oranges, and yellows of leaves that come to mind. Trees like acers, ginkgo’s, beeches, and sorbs are exceptional for their autumnal hues. But let's not overlook vegetables. Squashes, vines, kale, cabbages, and other brassicas add splashes of colour during the harvest season, making your garden a visual feast.
Winter: A Season to Celebrate
Winter doesn't have to be dull and lifeless in the garden. In fact, it's a season to celebrate the unique beauty it brings. Instead of attempting to introduce colourful bedding flowers that may appear out of place in the frosty landscape, embrace the season's elegance. Use the structural shapes of bare branches, seed heads, and evergreens for texture and interest. Winter-flowering shrubs like Daphne’s not only offer colour but also enchanting scents in the heart of winter.
Designing a garden that captures the beauty of each season is like creating a living work of art. It's a tribute to the ever-changing natural world and a delightful way to stay in touch with the rhythms of the year. By embracing the distinct features of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, you'll have a garden that never ceases to amaze, offering year-round delight to all who visit.