An island grass bed, a conifer bed and a country-garden look
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| Ornamental grass bed at Barnsdale
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'Not everyone has room for island beds, but if you do, they offer a walk-around feature and easy access for maintenance.'
Ornamental grass bed
When asked to suggest particular parts of the garden for winter visitors, Sue and Nick had no hesitation in recommending their ornamental grass bed. Sited near the entrance to the gardens, this is an island bed of various ornamental grass species and grass look-alikes, including some bamboos. This walk-around bed was designed and planted by Nick and Sue to show that there are alternatives to the traditional mixed border if you are in search of year-round interest.
Not everyone has room for island beds, but if you do, they offer a walk-around feature and easy access for maintenance. The location of the bed was chosen with care, so it would catch the early morning sun, thus showing up heavily frosted or dewed foliage.
The feature has proved to be fairly low maintenance. The plants have knitted together and will look after themselves, although cutting back will show off emerging foliage. Other plants, such as the small, blue hummock grass Festuca glauca, will benefit from fairly regular lifting and dividing in spring, while many of the flowering grasses are excellent for cutting.
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| Mature conifers give year-round interest
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Conifer beds
It is particularly in winter that the role of the various mature conifers come to the fore. From dwarf ones at the centre of scree beds to beds with larger, mature backdrops, they provide all-year colour and texture. If you are buying conifers, always check their final height and spread, as well as speed of growth, to make sure the plant will suit the position you have in mind for it. Most of the conifers at Barnsdale are labelled, so if you see one you like, you can find out more about it.
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| White birch bark makes an attractive backdrop
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Country garden
The beauty of the white-stemmed birches last all year, and these are trees that don't mind being planted close together. A wide, walk-through, paved path ensures visitors can enjoy the garden whatever the weather. Planting under the trees mimics nature with an under-storey of shade-loving shrubs and perennials. The path is wide enough to house a few pots of flowers in summer, and there are some structural elements, such as standard topiary and a sundial.
Look further
Barnsdale Gardens in Rutland, Leicestershire, are the creation of the late Geoff Hamilton who was much loved by the public as a gardener and TV presenter during his lifetime. Today, Barnsdale Gardens continues to thrive and win awards in the hands of Geoff's son Nick, together with Nick's wife Sue. The gardens, shop and nursery are open to the public every day except 22 and 25 December; some products are sold online.
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