St Stephens Avenue Gardens

About St Stephens Avenue Gardens

Originally weedy grass surrounded by self seeded sycamores and straggly conifers, the plantswoman’s garden at no 20 has been developed from scratch for 30 years. Wide borders were dug widthways in order to lead the eye and make a long narrow plot look larger. This design tweak also turns the perceived disadvantage of a north-east facing back garden to advantage, in that the flowers face south-west towards the house. The soil is slightly acidic heavy red clay full of flints and stones. Over the years it has been improved and lightened by the addition of large quantities of home made compost, and the stones removed to make paths. Pollinator friendly planting attracts many species of bees, butterflies and birds, the large pond is home to newts and dragonflies and is a peaceful spot to watch wildlife.
Different types of plant habitats have been developed, including moist shade for ferns, hostas and hydrangeas; a dry gravel circular bed for sedums, dianthus and salvias; lush pondside planting; and a ‘hot’ colours bed of dahlias, heleniums and ornamental grasses.

Opening for the NGS for the first time in 2009 realised a pre-retirement hope and dream, and it is a joy to talk to our visitors about plants. Gardening and opening for the NGS gives me great fulfilment and purpose in life. As we have personal experience of the invaluable services which the cancer nursing charities that NGS supports, we are delighted to contribute to such wonderful causes.

Visitors often ask how much time I spend gardening each day – which is, all day, most days, weather permitting. I love going out in the early morning to see what is emerging, and particularly enjoy photographing the intricacies of individual flowers. I constantly evaluate what is or isn’t working in the design of the garden, and rework borders.

The informal south west facing gravel front garden at number 30, (established about 25 years ago) is planted with drought and heat tolerant plants such as scabious, fennel, achilleas and salvias. These plants love the very poor soil, gravel and rubble which has never been fertilised or improved.

The north east facing back garden is framed by a 70 year old beech hedge. The soil is flinty and really does not get a great deal of attention. Clipped hornbeam, beech and hawthorn trees provide a counterpoint to the relaxed planting. The long vibrant herbaceous border contrasts with the simple planting of the sunken garden and the mini meadow. The green house beyond the mini meadow is full of intense colour – pelargoniums, chillies and tomatoes – and very importantly, two chairs.

The hedges, trees and mini meadow attract birds, butterflies and insects. A gate beneath an apple arch frames the park beyond. The design and the feel of the garden guide the planting.
.

Plants for sale at June opening only.