Project: Garden design (private client)

Location: Ayrshire coast

This coastal garden created an interesting challenge - an unusual shape, with areas in full shade as well as full sun, on very sandy soil and with salty coastal air. The site also included a large existing shed to work around. Clean, sharp lines were complemented with lush planting, with similar plant textures and shapes used to unify the different conditions within the garden. The part of the garden in deep shade was turned into a fernery, with tree palms underplanted with a variety of shade-loving herbaceous plants interspersed amongst the different ground ferns.

A horizontal slat fence acted as simple yet striking backdrop to the lush planting that established very quickly, much to the delight of the clients. Year-round interest was assured through the use of spring bulbs, evergreen plants with unusual foliage, and colourful herbaceous perennials. The multi-stem Birch in the far corner will in time provide a wonderful focal point within the garden, providing dappled shade in the sunnier end of the garden.