Our Favorite English Garden in September, Part 2
Time for more distraction from the snow. Here’s another installment about our visit to Great Dixter.
Leaving the Sunken Garden with its pond, we walked through a stone arch toward the Wall Garden.
An unexpected feature of the Wall Garden was the mosaic portrait of Christopher Lloyd’s two dachshunds, Dahlia and Canna.
I like how containers are used to keep taller plants in the beds from having bare knees.
More container plants in front of a border.
Another archway, festooned with Hydrangeas, leads to the Blue Garden.
We don’t seem to have many pictures of the Blue Garden. But then again, in looking through these photos I have to admit I’m a little unsure about where the Wall Garden ended and the Blue Garden began.
From the Blue Garden, we went to the Topiary Lawn. Now, I generally do not like topiary. To me they seem dull, fussy, and silly. In fact, I had a sneaking suspicion that these topiaries were making fun of other topiaries. However, from what I’ve read, that does not seem to be the case. So on this point I’m afraid Mr. Lloyd and I part ways.
However, he and I were in accord once again when we came to his Long Border. Let me quote form Christopher Lloyd regarding this wonderful part of his garden: “It is my belief that no gaps, showing bare earth, should be visible from late May on … The effect should be of a closely woven tapestry.”
Love the splashes here of blue aster, orange Nasturtium, and yellow Helenium. The bronze fennel, with its open habit, blends well into the front of the border despite its height. And I also like how the plants in front spill out over the limestone pavers.
Another Christopher Lloyd quote: “I want the border to look exuberant and uncontrived. Self-sowers, like Verbascums and Verbena bonariensis, help towards this.” He surely succeeded in creating the look he wanted based on that quote. In the photo that’s a Lutyens bench in a nook created at the top of the Long Border.
More on Great Dixter coming soon. Next post: Snow and Sun.
I also like that idea of putting containers in front of the leggier plants. The mix of heights and colours is lovely. I actually quite like that topiary! I have never seen one like that and think it certainly is silly, but fun!
I would consider using containers that way but my beds are mostly bordered by grass.
It is so lush and gorgeous!
That’s what I thought!
The tapestry effect is just what I love too. The late summer borders at Great Dixter are wonderful. Great photos.
I am with you about topiary, especially these poor yews. Never mind silly, they look slightly obscene to me.
Obscene, huh? I’ll have to give them another look. But I wouldn’t repeat that, it could lead to a resurgence in topiary popularity.
Beautiful gardens. I love container gardening – it causes my pulse to quicken. Except I don’t like the amount of water it takes to keep them flourishing. So, I’ve basically given up most of my containers in favor of planters creatively placed somewhat in the ground so they don’t require as much watering. Sad but true.
The last few years I’ve gotten much more into container gardening. I keep them near the hose so watering them is not as much work.
What delicious borders, overflowing with colour and charm. I loved the arches and the steps up them too, and the dogs mosaics.xxx
I thought you would like the dog mosaics. I liked the arches too, wish I could imitate them.
I like the use of brick and stone and wish I could do something similar. I also like grouping containers like that.
I had the same reaction to the brick and stone. Though you at least live in a stonier part of the world.
What I found most unexpected but interesting was to see teasel (Dipsacus) in the middle of the border! Of course I can see why. It has a very architectural shape. I hope it does not selfseed ferociously. It is considered an invasive species in the US.
Yes, the teasel is very striking. I have seen it planted at the Chicago Botanic Garden here, but otherwise I don’t think I have seen it in gardens or in the wild.
I’d love an archway, with or without the Hydrangeas, to add substance and height. Another great post.
Thanks, and I feel the same about the archway.
Wow, you saw a lot of great gardens while you were in France and
England. I agree–those splashes of color along the paver pathway are magical!
Yes, we did. I do like big blobs, or streaks of color.
I like the whimsical paving. What a way to picture a pet!
Not a lover of dogs generally, but I got a big kick out of the mosaic portrait.
Interesting words, Jason :”no gaps, showing bare earth” So I have to work more in my garden! I love your photos, particularly of flower borders!
I think it takes a couple of years to get to that point.
This has always been a favorite of mine even though I’ve never been there in person. Thanks for the great tour!
It goes without saying that the planting is all exciting and full just as Christo would have wanted but what your wonderful photos show is the fantastic structure of the beautiful walls, steps and paths I think all designed by Lutyens.
The steps were definitely done by Lutyens, someone I had never heard of before I got to Great Dixter.
Lovely photos. In general, I like topiary, but I agree the topiary garden at GDix is disappointing. Not enough whimsy, variety, or under planting to make it lively. I don’t think they are really trying, do you? The hedges, however, are fabulous and a great compliment to the herbaceous plants.
There is another part of the garden with topiary “peacocks” I found more appealing. I’ll write about it shortly.
I have two books by C. Lloyd that are in my reading pile. He and I agree on so many things except those topiaries. They just seem so pointless and bizarre. I love his enthusiastic approach to gardening. But his advice to leave no ground uncovered has to be tempered in the humid southeast. Sometimes a little breathing room is the difference between a happy garden bed and a mildewy one.
Ah, good point. We have some of that humidity as well, but the summer is not quite as long and hot here. Also I avoid plants that have a big mildew problem, with some exceptions, notably Monarda. And I just accept that at a certain point in the year they will be covered in downy mildew.
Another great post Jason, you have captured Great Dixter very well, I like the Topiaries, even though a bit bizarre, they look sturdy and stout and quietly confident. I can see that someone spends a great deal of time clipping and shaping them, so a thumbs up from me. Looking forward to the next instalment!
I added brick to my hardscapes as I love the look although the English do it so well. Seeing the native teasel in its habitat is wonderful as I eradicate it from my garden.
I love the photos, especially on a day with awful weather. I can’t wait for my gardens to be lush again. I also love container gardens, would like to start one on the deck this year.
For me the pond garden is my least favourite and I still can’t quite put my finger on why.