About the Border
This border is a celebration of springtime planting, designed for a south-west facing urban or rural garden with acidic soil type. It is designed with two contrasting sides: a dry, rugged section featuring boulders, pine trees (Pinus spp.), gravel, and moss, and a lush, softer side planted with Japanese dogwood (Cornus kousa), cherry trees (Prunus spp.), iris varieties, great forget-me-not (Brunnera macrophylla), ferns, foamflower (Tiarella), providing texture and gentle pastel tones.
The idea is to create a garden with a strong, clear structure and with layers of planting that provides interest throughout the seasons. The pond acts as a focal point, anchoring the design and shaping the surrounding soft planting. Azaleas and carefully placed trees help frame the space, giving the garden depth and balance. The azaleas provide vibrant spring colour, while the trees contribute seasonal foliage, fruit, and valuable habitat for birds.
There won’t be any hard materials used within this border, and designer likes to incorporate water features and stones into his designs to create harmony between the vegetal, mineral, and water elements. This balance not only enriches the aesthetic of the garden but also supports wildlife, providing habitat, shelter, and valuable ecological benefits.
Design Inspiration and Purpose
This border draws inspiration from Japanese gardening principles while incorporating a broader palette of flowering plants. It weaves together both dry and damp garden elements to create a richer, more naturalistic composition. The design also prioritises ecological value, supporting a healthier and more resilient garden environment.
Sustainability
All materials for the garden will be sourced from within the UK, and 80% of the build materials will be reclaimed or recycled. Every plant and material used will be either reused or sold after the project, with the only waste being plastic pots which will be fully recycled. Any remaining materials will be incorporated into a private garden in London or donated to charity.
Planting
- Pine trees (Pinus)
- Japanese dogwood (Cornus kousa) for the flower shapes
- Cherry trees (Prunus)
- Iris varieties
- Great forget-me-not (Brunnera macrophylla)
- Ferns
- Foamflower (Tiarella)
- Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa variegata)
- Acer palmatum ‘Kinshi’ and Acer palmatum ‘Koto‑no‑ito’ for the shape of the leaves and the small size with large canopy to go around the pound near the Azaleas, to add some finesse to the planting
- Stewartia malacodendron for its originality in terms of bloomimg
- Pinus parviflora for its high and slim shape
- Pinus mugo for his shape and canopy spread
- Pinus sylvestris for his adaptability to grow in dry garden and the spread branches and shape
About the Designer
Damiens’ awards and achievements are as follows:
RHS Shows
- RHS Malvern Spring Festival 2017 – Bronze Award
- RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019 – Silver Medal
BBC Gardeners’ World Live
- 2016 Silver Merit Award
- 2021 Gold Award
- 2022 Silver Merit Award
Moscow Flower Jam
- 2018 Designer
- 2019 Bronze Medal
- 2020 Designer
International Garden Festivals
- Gardeners’ World Cup, Nagasaki, Japan (2015) – Designer
- Beşiktaş Flower Show, Turkey (2016) – Designer
- Festival des Jardins, Côte d’Azur, Cannes, France (2023) – Designer
