Mike Palmer explains how to renovate or design a new, more climate-resilient border.
An exciting new growing season is just around the corner, so over the past few days (when it hasn’t been raining or freezing cold) I’ve been wandering around my own garden, looking, thinking and realising that some of the borders are calling out for a muchneeded overhaul, some rejuvenation, or an entire horticultural facelift.
I’ve also been thinking about the future of my garden. I want to design and plant borders that will be more resilient to our ever-changing climate, better able to cope with hot, dry summers and wet, milder or cold winters. Maybe, like me, you’ve identified a tired or neglected area of your garden in need of a shake up, or perhaps somewhere you can create a brand-new border to add a splash of colour and visual excitement, and are looking for some help.
It’s often hard to know where to start. But fear not, here are some helpful considerations to start you on your way to planting a border brimming with beautiful blooms and year-round interest, while also thinking about climate resilience.
First steps
If you’re starting afresh with a brand-new border, you’ll need to consider its shape in context to the overall outlook of your garden. Perhaps smooth, flowing curves, or a more formal, angular, straight-edged border will look best. The same principles apply for a border that you can walk around, (island borders as we used to call them). Its shape needs to be sympathetic with its surroundings and its size proportionate to the rest of your garden.
If you’re rejuvenating an existing border, any overgrown or misshapen shrubs that you want to include in your new layout will need to be pruned or lifted and moved elsewhere. Similarly, jaded perennials can be divided and re-used, or set aside to include in your new border.
Think height and structure
One of the most important considerations is to ensure there is sufficient and appropriate height and structure in your border. A well chosen tree always provides a lovely focal point, even in a smaller garden, and looks great underplanted with shrubs, perennials and bulbs. If you’re going to choose a tree, look for one that provides more than one season of interest and check its ultimate size. Some of my favourites include Cercis ‘Forest Pansy’, Acer palmatum ‘Winter Flame’ or Cercidiphyllum japonicum.
Plan for year round interest
A garden isn’t just for spring and summer. Even on the cold, grey days of winter nothing lifts the spirits more than something beautiful to look at from the snug warmth of your home.
Plan for 365 days of interest by considering how the border will pack a punch even in winter. Colourful stems, berries and scent are top of my list for winter interest. Cornus ‘Midwinter
