A Very Mixed Border

The herbaceous border grew and changed in shape, form and colour as time went on. Each year was different from the previous one, and from the next one.

We kept the borders as deep as we could, with hedges along the back on both sides. The depth provided scope for informal planting so we had space to include decent sized shrubs and grasses as well as the perennials. There was plenty of room for everything, and room to change things. I think each border was roughly 60 feet long and 20 feet deep.

Gradually an increasing number of shrubs were introduced. They added structure, especially in the winter. In this respect it was not a herbaceous border at all; but very definitely a mixed border. The shrubs provided a permanent framework and solid form, with the perennial and annual plants changing, merging, spreading and finally, dwarfing the shrubs, before disappearing altogether at the end of winter. The perennials added variety, and new seedlings were often surprising additions.

The sense of order and balance which commenced in spring soon exploded into vigorous growth and colour through the summer. By late autumn there was a sense of overblown beauty which was gorgeous and rampant, or scruffy and uncontrolled, depending on opinion.

Apart from the odd tweak, deadheading to prolong the flowering season and trimming back anything that invaded the path to the house, the border was left to its own devices until late winter or early spring. Seed was left for the birds, or to germinate.

Then, weather permitting, I got onto it, clearing the spent growth and composting everything, and generally tidying up and mulching . This was very time consuming but a job that I loved.