This border takes part of its inspiration from native species that have been developed into more ‘garden-worthy’ specimens: this approach accounts for some of the plants, like Verbascum, Geranium and Achillea. I have included other plants because, to my mind, they integrate well into the overall theme and add interest through either their form or their colour: Kniphofia and Allium are examples of this.
I have also been inspired by the so-called New Perennial style – sometimes called ‘prairie’ planting – which, as its name implies, relies heavily on perennial plants rather than on trees and shrubs to give both form and structure. Usually included in ‘prairie’ planting are grasses, but I have not used them in this plan. Grasses do add another dimension to the planting, but because they are wind-pollinated they are worthless to bees, and I would rather use the space for a plant that is of benefit to our buzzy friends.
This plan is for a bed 6 metres by 2 metres and the plants have been arranged in smaller blocks than in other plans, to give a fragmented effect, although each variety could easily be grouped together in larger numbers to give more solid areas of planting – the choice is yours.
Focus and framework
Focus and framework plants don’t feature in this plan at all; instead it relies on the overall arrangement of the flowers to give it form.
Flowers
In this plan, there is something in flower from mid-spring through to autumn and the first frosts, so the bees are fairly well catered for. Many of these flowers also ‘die’ well, in that if you don’t cut them back in autumn they will provide interesting silhouettes and shapes in the winter months, especially during periods of heavy frost. Many of the seed heads will also afford food for birds during the winter.
Fillers
Early flowering infill is offered by Camassia, followed by two kinds of Allium, the self-explanatory ‘Purple Sensation’ and a beautiful white form with scented, lace-like flowers, A. neapolitanum Cowanii Group, later in the season.
Plant families
Primary families don’t feature as much as you might expect in this collection, although they still have a presence. Single representatives from families in the Other section together outnumber Primary and Secondary family members, which doesn’t fit our blueprint; but they are all bee-friendly.
Scabiosa columbaria subsp ochroleuca ‘Moon Dance’ (8 – see key)