farmhouse garden
county kilkenny, 03-06

Started in summer 2003, these photographs from 2006 show how quickly large herbaceous plants and grasses can settle in.

The front garden plan is based on 2 large circles outlined by herbaceous planting. The area in front of the house, which is south-facing and very hot and sheltered, consists of silver-leafed Mediterranean plants, including some architectural thistles and exotics.

The sweeping circles to the left centre on an existing mature Pear tree and small lawn, and the planting here focuses on prairie grasses and delicate florals, moving into late flowering Rudbeckias and autumn willows. A small bog garden is sited in a damp corner, and to the left of the gate red dogwoods provide screening all year. Most planting is in repetitious drifts.

Installation: by client