The HPS Rutland Group held their March virtual meeting last Tuesday and were entertained by garden designer Sue Fisher from the Tamar valley in Devon. Her topic was ‘Making the Most of a Small Garden’. The lecture was well structured and Sue gave many tips on how to utilise a small space and how to make the garden look larger.

This included using curves and plants to soften any straight edges. Terraces help cover changing levels but the colour and style will be added by the gardener’s particular preferences. Mystery would be created by breaking up sections and screening some areas from view. Walls and fences needed to be camouflaged so that the boundaries are not so defined. Any views should be utilised and added to the garden. Mirrors and water features give light and reflection but must be in scale with the garden. Edibles can also be included either grown in pots or against vertical features.

The best plants to choose are ones that give all round interest. Hardy plants come into their own many times by providing both interesting foliage and flower colour for every season. Planting in tiers gives maximum return. Splashes of colour can show off seasonal highlights. The view from the main windows needs to be a worthwhile picture. Sue warned against plants that are just three week wonders, too big or from bargain stalls! Try and buy plants that match your garden conditions, such as soil type, aspects, wind exposure and take advantage of areas of microclimate.

If choosing trees, select with possibly decorative bark, interesting flowers or autumn fruits. Evergreens and architectural plants add structure and all year round interest, which include Phormiums, Buxus and Phillyreas, Daphnes, Lavateras and Choisyas. Deciduous plants provide half year round interest such as Cornus, Macleya, Euphorbia and Sarcococca. Ornamental grasses can also play their part.

Sue stressed always giving plants space in which to grow and any spaces infill with annuals. Bulbs also provide colour both in the border and in containers but need to be watered regularly. Fences, pillars and poles provide height for climbers near to the house and in the garden..

Sue provided a plant list prior to the lecture which allowed members to earmark possible new additions for their garden this year! Just a few have been mentioned but better days are ahead when ideas can be developed and our gardens enjoyed.