This month I wanted to focus on different textures. The design is made up of two main blocks within a 5 x 2m area. The first block has Calamagrostis as its main structural component in the centre and is surrounded by Sanguisorba, Leucanthemum, Sedum, and Coreopsis. Each plant has a different flower and leaf texture from the next.

The second block is made up of Helenium and Stachys. Both plants are in the same sized area as Calamagrostis in the first block and act as a palate cleanse.

Ingredients:

Seasons:

Overview

Spring

Calamagrostis will be growing strong in spring as it is a cool season grass (grows in spring and fall; goes dormant in fall) but otherwise there isn’t much going on flower-wise. If you want more floral interest at this time of year, feel free to add different bulbs in and around the perennials. Otherwise enjoy the different leaf textures as each plant wakes up and begins to grow.

Summer

Summer is the main show for this garden recipe with every perennial flowering at some point. The colours will range from a light yellow with Coreopsis all the way to a red/pink with Sanguisorba and a purple/pink with Stachys.

Fall

Fall returns to a somewhat subdued state, relying mainly on leaf texture for interest. Calamagrostis will be growing again, which will add some green as the other perennials begin to go dormant. Helenium and Sedum will also add a splash of colour here and there.