Color Snapshots from England
| By Karen Chapman | Uncategorized | annuals, combinations, cut flowers, design, England, foliage, fragrance, spring, Travel | 5 Comments
I'm just home after hosting a wonderful tour of English gardens for Earthbound Expeditions. So many memories and so many ideas – but I wanted to share just a few images that highlight the use of color restraint and how effective that is as a design tool rather than a wild 'jellybean' approach.
Due to a delayed spring, we were fortunate to experience wisteria in full bloom wherever we went. The arbor at RHS Garden Wisley was outstanding, draped with heavily perfumed blooms ranging from white to lavender, all underplanted with purple alliums
The acid-yellow bracts of many varieties of Euphorbia (spurge) set the scene in several gardens we visited. I loved the combination above at Sissinghurst featuring golden-yellow bearded iris, yellow Corydalis and Japanese forest grass backed by splashes of orange wall flowers (Erysimum) and scarlet Ladybird poppies (Papaver communtanum 'Ladybird').
Likewise this combination at Great Dixter screamed citrus colors, this time cooled with splashes of white.
Likewise the clematis sheltered beneath the red-toned foliage of a tree, the colors especially appreciated when backlit by the sun – again at Sissinghurst.
Whether framing a door or gracing a table, these are just some of the moments I know I will recall.
Monochromatic Schemes
The white garden at Sissinghurst is an iconic example of this planting style and color restraint.
A white wisteria covering the arbor in the white garden at Sissinghurst
The wisteria arbor at RHS Wisley was in full bloom
Citrus Shades
This zesty combination at Sissinghurst caught my eye
The gardens at Great Dixter are well known for its use of color
Color Echoes
Repeating colors within a vignette brings cohesion to a scene. I was struck by this bearded iris against the brick wall at Sissinghurst – such a clever detail.
A brick-red and buttermilk yellow bearded iris repeats the colors of the surrounding wall
When backlit by the sun this foliage glowed like a precious jewel – Sissinghurst
Fleeting Garden Moments
Then there are those special moments that just stop you in their tracks. The color may be short-lived in the garden, but lifelong in the heart.
A weather wooden door framed by Ceanothus and Euphorbia
A simple bouquet of cut flower from the garden welcomes friends: King John's Nursery & Gardens
Subscribe to Receive Blog Posts
Gardening inspiration delivered right to your inbox from Le Jardinet
Holiday Favorites
Need some inspiration for gift-giving this year? My selection is based on items that are either firm personal favorites or offer significant value well beyond the Holiday season. Garden Gnome Tree Ornament It has become a tradition that on Christmas Eve our family exchanges a small gift – specifically a tree ornament. My husband Andy…
Read More Inspiration from RHS Wisley
Earlier this year I had the opportunity to visit the historic home of the Royal Horticultural Society: RHS Garden Wisley. Like its northern counterpart RHS Harlow Carr which I have visited several times, it is jam-packed with inspiration for home gardeners and designers alike. Since I was visiting in May, that helped me narrow my…
Read More Outside Style: Book Review & Giveaway
I'm not even waiting until this one is available for sale before I tell you about it – I'm that excited! But let me start at the beginning… I met the author, Ryan McEnaney several years ago over a glass of wine – sauvignon blanc to be specific. We were at a conference for garden…
Read More 5 Design Lessons from The Best of the Best
I've just returned from leading a tour to Gardens of the Delaware and Brandywine Valleys. Such a fabulous group of fun-loving guests! Looking back over my many photographs I realized that in our excitement to visit outstanding gardens we can sometimes find it hard to see the 'take-home ideas', especially if our climate or plant…
Read More Before & After: Evolution Of A Transformation
Do you enjoy those instant makeover TV shows where a crew shows up and magically transforms an uninspiring garden into a magazine -worthy showcase in seven days? Well guess what – that is NOT the reality for most homeowners, and neither is it always the best solution. Not every garden renovation is quick but allowing…
Read More Chelsea Flower Show 2022: Favorite Garden Overall
Every detail spoke to me: the rich yet restrained color palette, the clear geometry bringing order, the use of the diagonal axis to expand perception of space, the layering of plants and of materials and the exquisite metal design used both for the pavilion and rill. I stood trying to absorb it all for at…
Read More Chelsea Flower Show 2022: Favorite Sanctuary Garden #3
The Stitchers' Garden , designed by Frederic Whyte and built by Champain Landscapes and Brampton Willows won a silver medal at the Show. The theme is intriguing. It was sponsored by the charity Fine Cell Work, which teaches prisoners needlework, the idea being that this skill will nurture their self-worth and encourage them to lead…
Read More Chelsea Flower Show 2022: Favorite Sanctuary Garden #2
Sometimes ignorance really is bliss. Had I read the background on The Boodles Travel Garden , designed by Tom Hoblyn ahead of time I'd have struggled to comprehend it on that level, trying to determine which plant represented which country for example. Even now, truthfully, the written concept does nothing for me other than indicate…
Read More Chelsea Flower Show 2022: Favorite Sanctuary Garden #1
I had to stop and pinch myself more than once. I was actually here – at the one and only Chelsea Flower Show, with a coveted Press Pass no less, enabling me to photograph all the gardens with fewer crowds (although dodging the BBC cameras mounted on enormous booms was a challenge at times!) Although…
Read More Woodland Garden Updates – Ideas Needed!
This spring has seen some major changes in our woodland border – the long-overdue removal of three large Bradford pear trees. We inherited them and used them as a starting point for this entire border, underplanting with Japanese maples, adding columnar Swedish aspens and planting the banks of our seasonal stream with moisture loving favorites.…
Read More Welcome to My Garden Adventures
I'm a serious plant-aholic. In other words I'm usually covered in a layer or two of soil, I drive everywhere with a large tarp for impromptu plant purchases and I'm truly passionate about sharing the joys of gardening.
Buy My Books Here!
Container Gardening Course
Enter KCHAPMAN20 to get 20% off
TV Interview
Keep in Touch
