Description

The border, whether traditional herbaceous, mixed or planned for seasonal succession, is perhaps the most cherished feature of English gardens. Understanding how to plan and put together a border – whether large or small – from its overall size and structure to shape, colour and plant associations, is a major achievement for any gardener. 

Garden designer and plantswoman Libby Russell, who opens her garden at Batcombe House in Somerset, has been designing and planning borders for nearly thirty years. In her talk she will demystify creating borders, explaining how the best results are achieved by having a plan and sticking to it. Libby’s love – and encyclopaedic knowledge of – perennials will be evident as she demonstrates the best use of different plants and plant associations. 

This is a talk that will empower any gardener to make the best of their own garden, demonstrating the simple principles that assist the creation of a border and presenting a feast of planting ideas. 

About Libby Russell

Libby Russell has more than 25 years’ experience as a garden designer and plantswoman. After working with Arabella Lennox-Boyd for many years, she set up her own partnership with her colleague Emma Mazzullo, designing and planting a broad portfolio of gardens in Britain and abroad. Libby’s reputation as a plantswoman is confirmed by the fact that she has been for many years a RHS show judge and member of their plant committees, including serving as Deputy Chairman of the RHS Herbaceous Plant Committee.