AN AMBLE AROUND ARMANDII'S RETREAT

Thanks, Irmecman, and thanks to everyone for their kind remarks. I can't boast that it's a garden with a really planned and thought out design, but it is one that has the memory of my Wife entwined in it.
The idea of combining colours and heights don't exist in the garden which is why I describe the garden as "chaotic Cottage Style". By that I don't mean the garden is left out of control, although the over planting, can give that illusion, but the fact that I put plants shoulder to shoulder, with several layers of different bulbs underneath, means that colour and flowering isn't controlled in the way it is with more managed and manicured gardens. The paths are narrow, you may have to squeeze past a shrub or two that encroaches in your path, and you will get brushed by foliage of hardy perennials and grasses, but such things, to me, put you in the garden rather than on it, if you get my meaning!! Having areas where I can sit, with a mug of Tea or a glass of the red Glug Glug,



and contemplate the goings on in the garden and Life, are really important in the garden and any garden. The wildlife pond is at the bottom of the garden and a 6' to 8' Jasmine and Clematis Hedge screens and hides you while you sit there and watch the Insects and Frogs and, I confess, it's one of my favourite places. Hurry up Spring and we can start all over again!!

 

I think more people have slated me, BH, than put me on slate.

 

Hi, yes, it's Garrya elliptica "James Roof" which my Wife and I first saw at Stapley Water Gardens, [now turned into a Housing Estate], in an espalier form and she fell in love with it. We bought one and it's been happy sitting in an ex-compost heap area for the last 25 years. It's quite slow growing once it gets to it's optimum height and the display is, as you can see, quite stunning. It's probably one of the most trouble free evergreen shrubs I've ever had, and I must admit I've never seen it anyone else's garden, which is a shame as it's more than worthy of a place in gardens.