"Let It Go, Let It Go" according to Elsa

The other day I went on a group garden visit to a fellow club member’s garden. The garden, in my opinion, was stunning although the owner thought it was only at its best in June/July. The garden’s topography is similar to mine ie it lies on a steep slope, the only sizeable flat area being where the house stands.

I was interested to find out from Derek and Pat (the owners) how they managed to keep the plants so green and lush on such a steep slope.  I also wanted to know how they kept all the soil in place instead of sliding down the slope which happens in mine garden.

First, I asked Pat what sort of fertiliser she uses and how often it is applied – Pat said every spring a very thick layer of garden compost, bought from Newcastle CC HWRC site, was spread everywhere.

Then I asked her why the compost and plants didn’t end up at the bottom of the slope as it does in my garden.  The answer to this was simple – Pat said that the plants are allowed to grow densely so that the compost is kept in place by the plants themselves.  

In fact, when walking round the garden I noticed that no soil could be seen and that the plants are left to grow into large clumps so they merge with their neighbours.  Pat went on to say that she does not divide perennials but only digs things up when she wants to sell a plant for charity.  

This was a revelation to me because as gardeners we are constantly being told to divide perennials up every 3 / 4 years which is what I have been doing until now. 

Lastly, Pat gave me a bit of advice, “Let it go, Let it go” she sang happily which is what I am going to do in future.   I am going to let plants spread and grow towards their neighbours thus creating a continuous expanse of colour.  Come spring I shall be out there piling on homemade compost and mulch in even greater amounts than previously.

On my way home I mulled over my visit.  I thought to myself “This is why I love visiting other people’s gardens.   I had learnt a new take on fertilising the soil and the garden had inspired me to start new projects and to try new things. What an enjoyable and inspiring visit to a beautiful garden”.

 

The following day I was still buzzing from the garden visit.  I felt that there were bare patches in some of my borders which needed filling.  I paid a visit to my local garden centre and bought a few plants to put in some gaps.

The heucheras and ajugas went in the rose/winter border, geranium Rozanne - the south facing blue border, the limey leaved golden marjoram  - the herb garden, the ferns ended up in the fernery and the three little anthemis went in the south facing rockery style border.

Derek and Pat have a beautiful garden filled with so much colour. It contains many ideas one can take away and illustrates what is possible on a challenging sloping site.