Planting
Much of the planting at Bay Tree Farm varies from softer hues like Nepeta “ Walker ’ s Low ” and Hydrangea “ Annabelle ”, through to much richer colours . Examples of the latter include Hylotelephium “ Matrona ”, Veronica spicata “ Rotfuchs ”, Knautia macedonica and Astrantia “ Hadspen Blood ”. Splashes of vibrancy are found in clumps of Rudbeckia fulgida “ Goldsturm ” and Helenium “ Moerheim Beauty ”.
Carpinus betulus hedging around the sunken patio area brings in a touch of formality while Stipa tenuissima helps soften the garden ’ s straight edges .
The borders closest to the house are underplanted with Narcissus “ Thalia ” and Allium “ Purple Sensation ”. In this way , spring interest is increased in that part of the garden most readily seen from indoors at a time of year when biting winds still blow .
Ilex “ J . C . van Toll ” lollipops and Buxus sempervirens balls add essential height and architectural elements . Carpinus betulus hedging around the sunken patio area brings in a touch of formality while Stipa tenuissima helps soften the garden ’ s straight edges .
The movement of wind through the trees continues in the planting of Stipa gigantea in the lower beds . Like the soothing sounds from the water feature , the rustling grasses are an extra sensory element that render the sunken seating area a fantastic spot in which to unwind .
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