A Room with a Magical View

Arriving late afternoon at our AirBnb we were jet-lagged and weary having just flown from Seattle to Heathrow before then driving west for several hours. Yet, before I had even put the kettle on I grabbed my camera and dashed outside. The facade of this traditional Welsh farmhouse on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park gave little clue that behind it was a magical garden that simply begged to be explored as the light breeze and golden light brought it to life.

Soil Preparation

The new prairie garden, seen here in late June blends effortlessly into the rolling hills and surrounding Welsh countryside. The clumps of bright green grass are autumn moor grass (Sesleria autumnalis) which will have seed heads later in the year then get cut back in fall. The tall magenta flowers are carthusian pink or German pink (Dianthus carthusianorum)

This relatively new prairie garden, designed by the homeowner Mary had it all: borrowed views, movement, rhythm, repetition, focal points, mystery and so much more. Yet like all good garden stories it all began with the soil.

The soil in the garden beds was not amended in any way but 5" of sand was placed over the native soil and all the perennials and grasses were planted into that. Now three years old, Mary notes that ants and worms have disturbed the soil so she will top dress with more sand in fall.

Pathways

Wide pathways meander through the garden allowing garden lovers to constantly be surprised by the fresh perspective as they turn a corner or look behind them.

I asked Mary how she prepared the ground for the gravel paths as they seemed remarkably free of weeds. If I recall correctly, she didn't use any sort of landscape fabric (UK = membrane), but had a base of hard core (coarse rock) and then 5 inches of rock dust. Rock dust, sometimes known as 1/4" minus, is ultra-fine gravel which packs down well and is much better at suppressing weeds than standard gravel, especially if tamped down firmly. I think the sheer depth of her path material, (as opposed to my meager 2-3" over landscape fabric) is also key to her success. Some plants will still self-seed into the uppermost layer but if this is kept firm, such seeding will be less problematic than in traditional gravel paths using larger grades of rock.

Using Punctuation Points

Yellow and orange foxtail lilies together with tall verbena pierce the lower more typical plantings of grasses and coneflowers

With borrowed views of the surrounding hills, it was important not to detract from the larger vista while also avoiding the monotony of a 3-foot-tall prairie. Mary achieved this using colorful spires of foxtail lilies (Eremerus) to punctuate the lower grasses and perennials. In the early morning and evening light these glowed like beacons, helping to move the eye through the textured tapestry.

Juxtaposition

A rock sculpture that can be interpreted in many ways but to me, from this view, this is a hiker carrying a back pack, off for a walk through the hills.

A balance is needed between movement and stillness, soft and hard, repetition and unique. For many designers this is where we have the most fun as we plan combinations, considering color, texture and form. It's also where we employ 'juxtaposition' of contrasts in order to enhance a statement. For example, in the image above the semi-translucent, finely textured grasses and billowing perennials are surrounding a solid, hard-to-the-touch rock sculpture. Their juxtaposition is key to helping the eye understand what the heart feels.

The sculpture is also a significant focal point within the bed which will remain even when the perennials are cut back and the spring-blooming camassia are emerging.

Adding Mystery

The seedheads of tall grasses create a theatrical filter through which to view the garden

Another key design tenet that transforms a predictable design into something far more exciting is the use of scrim. In the theater, scrim is the gauze-like curtain, which depending on how it is lit is either transparent or opaque. In landscape design we mimic this using see-through plants. They allow us to see through them but filter that view – rather like the beaded curtains of the 60s.

Mary used the seedheads of tall grasses as scrim as well as tall verbena (Verbena bonariensis) to create this magical effect

Using Light

Japanese blood grass is illuminated by low angled sun – but be sure it is safe to plant in your location as its growth can be aggressive.

Since we were staying here for several days I had the opportunity to observe the way light interacted with the plantings. The translucence of grasses makes them star players in the garden when back lit and Japanese blood grass truly glows. (Note that this grass may be considered invasive in your area – ask a local horticulturist before planting).

A Garden to Experience

This is a garden that mimics a perfected ideal of the natural prairie. It's not a question of throwing a handful of wild flower seeds onto the grass and walking away. It's also not trying to be anything other than what it is – a beautiful garden space that humans and wildlife enjoy equally. It's not even trying to re-write the definition of the word prairie. There is no apology for the inclusion of non-natives and nor should there be. What is is – is a wonderful example of a well thought out design that reflects the homeowners passion while having a mindful eye on being a good steward to the land. Designers work to achieve this throughout their career – and I can only say that for myself, this is one of the most exciting home gardens I have visited in many years.

The garden was open for the National Garden Scheme this year but no plans have yet been made for 2025.