Elements

As usual at this time of year I have been neglecting my blogging duties and so here I am with a new post on ‘Shadows Gardens’ Silver medal winning ‘Elements’ garden.

Sandringham flower show 2011 was the busiest show so far attracting over 22000 people.
The show gardens also outdid themselves this year with some stunning designs to fill both courtyard and larger gardens. It always amazes me how many different designs can be imagined to fill the spaces each year.

This year Shadows designed a courtyard garden with a calm relaxing atmosphere complete with a wine bottle and glass’s.
The elements theme of Earth, Air, Fire and water were all in the subtle details.

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The Judging begins

A log wall planted with Ivy’s formed the backdrop with a central fireplace drawing the visitor through the garden. The fireplace was constructed using aged oak sleepers and bricked with granite sets giving a tumbledown cabin feel to the main feature.
Shadows used a galvanised planter filled with red margaritas suggesting a fire to complete the picture.

In front of the fire stands a small water fountain feature that gives a relaxing background splashing noise that can be enjoyed from the garden bench.

The paving is a beautiful rusty slate with a subtle blue colouring that has a wiggly path suggesting a stream of water entering the garden.

The two planting beds to the side of the path contain waving grasses and bamboo that move with the breeze. Air is the theme in this planting, the gentle movement of the plants are emphasised by the solidity of the variegated box balls that run along the edge of the paving.

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Variegated Box balls edge the path

Planting list
Miscantus Zebrinus or ‘Zebra grass’
Grows up to 1.40 tall and 90cm wide with burnished leaves in winter.

Nandina Domestica or ‘Heavenly Bamboo’
A lovely plant that’s leaves turn bright red to match its berries in winter.

Bamboo Fargesia rufa
A small clump forming bamboo with narrow arching canes.

Buxus Sempervirens Elegantissima or variegated Box
A rarly seen box that shines out even on overcast days.

Calamagrostis Overdam
A variegated form of grass that has arching foliage and feathery flowers which turn a wheat colour in winter adding interest.

All available from the Knot Garden nursery in Norfolk.

Earth is represented through the open gate containing garden forks and an edging tool as well as the decorative panel that faces the garden bench.

Shadows Gardens was pleased to receive a silver medal for the ‘Elements’ garden and we were very pleased with the wonderful feedback from the Judges, Chris Beardshaw and Alan Mason.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]