Status | Completed Summer 2023

In this partially sunken front garden in East Sussex the planting only scheme, which runs across several large deep mixed borders, was carried out in close collaboration with the client. Estate fencing to the adjacent square looked fabulous but provided little privacy for the existing sunken terrace. The client had done some planting, and there were a few well-established plants. However, due to the large borders and complicated soil and light conditions there were gaps, the borders were high maintenance, and they wanted some expert input.

A matrix of grasses was introduced to provide ground cover with Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’ and Cynara cardunculus providing seasonal structure, screening and privacy when the garden is used during the summer months. The grasses and fennel also provide the base for a series of bulbs in Spring. By May, as the fresh blades of the grass come through, they create a lush foil for Allium and Iris before becoming the framework through which a variety of perennial plants scramble.

This open sunny location was crying out for the late summer drama of tall grasses combined with the Cardoon, fennel and Tithonia. By the end of the summer the seed heads of the grasses and the Cardoon tower above the garden and are backlit by the late evening sun. Sitting in the sunken terrace you are surrounded on all sides by plants in purple, lime, white and orange that create a calm space from which to enjoy the quiet square that surrounds the front garden.

Size | 200m2

Photography | Nicholas Morton© Copyright

“I used Nicholas to assess and re-design my front garden. It has large deep mixed borders which become very dry in the summer and were quite a challenge as they cover the entire space. …the result is spectacular and it’s exactly what I wanted. 
Nicholas is easy to work with … respectful of your budget, creative and incredibly knowledgeable.”

Client – East Sussex