Britain's Top Flower Borders: The Mystique Behind Their Enchanting Allure
Herbaceous Borders: A Timeless Garden Tradition
Herbaceous borders, those vibrant, flower-filled strips of land, have been a cherished part of British gardens for centuries. These plantings, which can take any shape, are a testament to the country's love for flowers and its mild, damp climate.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the development of herbaceous borders was significantly influenced by the writings of William Robinson and Gertrude Jekyll. Jekyll, author of the influential books "Colour in the Flower Garden" (1908) and "Colour Schemes for the Flower Garden" (1919), advocated for a succession of flowers from June until the first frosts, creating a beautiful spectacle of colours.
One of the most impressive double borders can be found at Newby Hall in North Yorkshire. Running due south for 200 yards from the house to the River Ure, it is hard to beat for sheer grandeur. Meanwhile, the mirrored double borders at Bramdean House in Hampshire, when seen from above, are stupendous.
The classic herbaceous border offers a pleasing mix of colour, form, and texture. Most gardeners prioritize colour above all else, but evergreen flowering shrubs, such as Daphne bholua, choisyas, Euphorbia characias, hebes, and lavender, are often used to add structure and interest throughout the year.
The Long Border at Great Dixter in East Sussex has been famous for 50 years, while the peony border at Penshurst Place in Kent is a large bed devoted to a single genus. The newly reorganised Oudolf borders at RHS Wisley are also worth seeing, as are the island beds planted by Alan Bloom at the Bressingham Gardens in Norfolk, which have been a major source of ongoing education for gardeners.
The landscape movement, a development of old deer parks, has also left its mark on herbaceous borders. Philip Miller, who clumped different plants together for ornamental effect at the Chelsea Physic Garden in London in the 18th century, is another influential figure in the history of these borders.
In more recent times, Graham Stuart Thomas articulated Jekyll's principles and applied them to the gardens he designed for the National Trust in the second half of the 20th century. Today, these principles continue to guide gardeners in creating beautiful, colourful herbaceous borders that bring joy to many.
However, it's important to remember that planting a border requires considerable thought and preparation, and its subsequent maintenance is no less demanding. But for those willing to invest the time and effort, the reward is a garden that blooms with colour and life throughout the summer months.
