Category Archives: Ponds

Ten Flowers & Shrubs That Will Thrive In Our Soil

GreenArt’s base in South Oxfordshire is an interesting and quite varied place to create and establish Gardens.

The starting point for all gardens is the soil. Along the Thames, the soils are silty, deep and fertile. On the slopes of the Chilterns and the downs, the soils are thinner with clay, flint and chalk and, as a result, are often high in pH. Contrary to popular belief that many garden plants demand lime-free soil, more species actually thrive on alkaline conditions rather than dislike them.

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2016 sees the celebration of 300 years since the birth of possibly the greatest British landscape designer; Capability Brown. It also sees domestic garden design at a fascinating point.

Brown’s style came from two practical principals; comfort and elegance. Today, these principals still feature on many a garden wish list, often translated into “a nice place to sit with colour and interest”. However, these days low maintenance is increasingly cited, alongside supporting wildlife and the environment.

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Personally, I think that May is one of the best months in the garden. As magnolia and cherry blossom begin to fade, wisteria, rhododendrons, poppies and foxgloves all start to take centre stage. As this year’s new foliage starts to appear, we’re treated to a burst of sharp acid green that creates a vibrant backdrop to the emerging flowering plants. Herbaceous plants almost seem to be growing in front of your very eyes and any water in the garden – from streams to ponds to patio pots – begins to team with life.

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