Similar in appearance to beech, hornbeam makes a superb specimen tree or hedging plant. Grown as a tree, it has a pyramidal shape that later becomes more rounded. As a formal hedge it requires clipping once a year in mid- to late summer to keep it looking tidy. Although it is deciduous, it retains its coppery dead leaves throughout the winter so it remains an effective screen. Green catkins appear in spring and winged nuts develop in autumn.
Quercus robur f. fastigiata 'Koster' Cypress Oak
A columnar version of the English Oak. The cultivar 'Koster' is even narrower growing than its parent form. Ideal for growing in an avenue or for tall hedging, or where space is at a premium. The grey-brown bark is roughly fissured.
Astrantia major 'Roma' Masterwort
A surprisingly hardy plant, with a delicate appearance, Astrantia produces branched heads of neat pincushion flowers surrounded by a ruff of greenish wine red bracts. It likes a moisture retentive soil and can make good ground cover planted in a group. It self seeds well. Seedlings often appear around the parent plant which can be transplanted to another part of the garden or given to friends. Cut back the flower stems as soon as they start to turn brown to encourage a second flush of blooms later in the season.
This unusual plant was only discovered in 1954, and is native to Mexico. The flowers have jade green outer petals which appear in spring and reveal clutches of green bells which gradually turn pink and last well through summer months and into autumn.
Angelica gigas Korean angelica
An exotic-looking biennial which has shiny green, much-divided leaves, the upper ones of which are modified to form much-inflated purplish sheaths. The rather large, dark crimson-purple florets form distinctive, tight heads which, whilst being undeniably umbelliferous, are to a greater or lesser extent spherical in shape supported handsomely on their strong stems. These give colour to the border from June to early September and make splendid and unusual cut flowers. As a biennial, plants will naturally fade away after setting seed. For a continuing display, sow seeds in spring for flowers the following year.
To view the panoramic image, click on the garden with your mouse and drag it around the picture. To find out about the planting hotspots in the garden, click on the leaf icon. To watch a video about the architectural features in the garden, click on the arrow icon.
If you're having problems viewing the panoramic images, take a look at our still photography of all of the show gardens.
"I've designed a 'garden of reflection' inspired by the 'journey of life' we all take. It is an element in a larger garden attached to the modernist house of an Italian art collector; the theme refers to his personal biography.
"However, the garden's symbolism suggests the passage of every existence. A number of paths take different routes through the garden at highs and lows to represent a journey through life's shifting and unpredictable moments. These pathways are created from Travertine marble on concrete plinths, cleverly combining elements of antiquity with contemporary methods. The planting is lush, floral and delicate. Strong, sheer hedges, candle-shaped trees and a sculptural progression of circular shapes structure the garden, and also act as 'moon gates' into the garden."
Watch a video tour
"I've designed a 'garden of reflection' inspired by the 'journey of life' we all take. It is an element in a larger garden attached to the modernist house of an Italian art collector; the theme refers to his personal biography.
