planting journal

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Planting Journal

LSC303Greg Deeprose

Registration Number: 100230673

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Table of Contents3 - Site One: Weston Park6- Alchemilla mollis7- Berberis darwinii8- Bergenia cordifolia9- Buddleja davidii10- Cistus corbariensis11- Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’12- Echinops bannaticus13- Garrya elliptica14- Geranium himalayense15- Hebe ‘Spenders Seedling’16- Liquidambar styraciflua17- Phormium ‘Maori Queen’18- Primula vulgaris ‘True Blue’19- Senecio cineraria ‘Silver Dust’20- Site Two: Hillsborough Walled Garden23- Centranthus ruber 24- Centranthus ruber ‘Albus’25- Crocosmia ‘Emberglow’26- Ficus carica ‘Brown Turkey’27- Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’28- Hemerocallis fulva29- Heuchera ‘Marmalade’30- Heuchera villosa ‘Palace Purple’31- Lonicera fragrantissima32- Lonicera x brownii ‘Dropmore Scarlet’33- Parthenocissus thomsonii34- Rosa ‘Ena Harkness’35- Sedum spectable ‘Autumn Joy’36- Site Three: Electric Works40- Agapanthus africanus ‘Albus’41- Agapanthus praecox subsp. orientalis42- Anemanthele lessoniana43- Buxus suffruticosa ‘Sempervirens’44- Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’45- Heuchera ‘Lime Rickey’46- Hosta plantaginea47- Molinia caerulea subsp. caerulea ‘Strahlenquelle’48- Monarda fistulosa49- Phormium tenax ‘Purpureum’50- Pleioblastus variegatus51- Rosa ‘Cariad’52- Taxus baccata

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Site One: Weston ParkThe planting for Weston Park, Sheffield, was originally adapted for public use by Robert Marnock in 1873. He incorporated a Gardenesque style, with broad expanses of grass, careful placement of trees and the creation of small-scale landscapes to create beauty and variety. The park was restored from 2007-08, with the emphasis being on retaining its original Victorian layout.

The planting border is sheltered by the 2-2.5m high wall that marks the outside border of the park to the north west of the planting site that I have chosen. It receives plenty of sun and the soil doesn’t appear to be well-drained. Weston Park has its own management team, allowing for plants that can be quite demanding in terms of maintenance.

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Site One: Weston Park

This flowering calendar shows how the designer has ensured that there is colour and visual interest within the scheme for the majority of the year. Through spring and summer, purple and blue tones are contrasted by oranges and yellows. Garrya elliptica provides a silvery-white burst of colour to ensure that the planting border retains aesthetic appeal through the winter months.

Alchemilla mollisBerberis darwiniiBergenia cordifolia Buddleja davidiiCistus corbariensisCotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'Echinops bannaticusGarrya ellipticaGeranium himalayenseHebe 'Spenders Seedling'Liquidambar styracifluaPhormium 'Maori Queen'Primula vulgaris 'True Blue'Senecio cineraria 'Silver Dust'

Centranthus ruberCentranthus ruber 'Albus'Crocosmia 'Emberglow'Ficus carica 'Brown Turkey' InsignificantHakonechloa macra 'Aureola' InsignificantHemerocallis fulvaHeuchera 'Marmalade'Heuchera villosa 'Palace Purple'Lonicera fragrantissimaLonicera x brownii 'Dropmore Scarlet'Parthenocissus thomsoniiRosa 'Ena Harkness'Sedum spectable 'Autumn Joy'

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A Garrya ellipticaB Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'C Primula vulgaris 'True Blue'D Iris sp. (Rhizomatous)E Hebe 'Spenders Seedling'F Liquidambar styracifluaG Berberis darwiniiH Echinops bannaticusI Phormium 'Maori Queen'J Filipendula ulmariaK Bergenia cordifoliaL Alchemilla mollisM Buddleja davidiiN Cistus corbariensisO Geranium himalayenseP Senecio cineraria 'Silver Dust'

A Parthenocissus thomsoniiB Centranthus ruberC Phlomis russelianaD Centranthus ruber 'Albus'E Antirrinhum sp.F Hemerocallis fulvaG Heuchera 'Marmalade' H Magnolia x soulangeanaI Sedum spactable 'Autumn Joy'J Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'K Heuchera villosa 'Palace Purple'L Ficus carica 'Brown Turkey'M Lonicera fragrantissimaN Paeonia sp.O Crocosmia 'Emberglow'P Rosa 'Ena Harkness' (Climber)Q Lonicera x brownii 'Dropmore Scarlet'

A Garrya ellipticaB Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'C Primula vulgaris 'True Blue'D Iris sp. (Rhizomatous)E Hebe 'Spenders Seedling'F Acer campbellii subsp. SinenseG Berberis darwiniiH Echinops bannaticusI Phormium 'Maori Queen'J Filipendula ulmariaK Bergenia cordifoliaL Alchemilla mollisM Buddleja davidiiN Cistus corbariensisO Geranium himalayenseP Senecio cineraria 'Silver Dust'


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Site One: Weston Park

This site was photographed on the 14th August in the afternoon

Positives:• Effective colour scheme. Tones of blue and purple are complemented by some yellow and white. • Winter interest has been provided through the use of Garrya elliptica. Other evergreen plants also provide winter structure.• The use of Liquidambar styraciflua adds height to the scheme and prevents it from becoming too one dimensional.• A contrast of textures is utilised to keep the scheme aesthetically interesting. • Plants such as Buddleja davidii and Echinops bannaticus attract bees, butterflies and other insects to the scheme.• There is colour in the scheme throughout the year, whether through foliage or floral displays.

Negatives:• The stunning winter display of Garrya elliptica is only partially visible as it is at the back of the scheme and has other evergreen plants such as Hebe ‘Spenders Seedling’ in front of it.

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Alchemilla mollisAlchemilla mollis is a deciduous, herbaceous perennial with scalloped, bright green leaves. It produces a frothy haze of small yellow flowers that tend to sit just above the foliage from June to September.

Estimated Current Size: 0.4m x 0.5mEstimated Ultimate Size: 0.6m x 0.75mHabit: Clump formingHealth and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: Within this planting border, Alchemilla has been used as a low level ground cover plant that helps to bridge the gap between the mowed lawn and the taller, feature plants. The intense texture formed by the masses of small flowers stands out in front of the large, scalloped leaves and the long flowering season ensures that the plant provides a colourful edge to the front of the scheme for the majority of the summer months. Maintenance Issues: Alchemilla mollis tends to remain both disease and pest free which is ideal for public schemes were constant maintenance is undesirable. However, the plant does have the tendency to self-seed freely and its large, dense foliage means it is capable of blocking light from other plants. Subsequently, the seed heads should be removed after flowering. Within this particular scheme, it would struggle to dominate any of its neighbours so this may not prove to be too much of an issue.

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Berberis darwiniiBerberis darwinii is a dense, medium-sized evergreen shrub with dark, glossy green, broadly oblong leaves. It produces dropping racemes of rich orange flowers in spring, followed by blue-black berries in summer.

Estimated Current Size: 1.1m x 1mEstimated Ultimate Size: 2.5m x 2.5mHabit: BushyHealth and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: Currently, this Berberis is fairly overshadowed by the larger plants around it but it has the potential to grow much larger andcontribute more to the planting border in terms of aesthetics. The orange flowers produced in spring provide a very colourful display and the blue berries that appear in summer complement the blue and purple tones of the Buddleja and Echinops that flower in this period. Maintenance Issues: Berberis darwinii is a very long lived plant that requires little maintenance, although it can be susceptible to powdery mildew. It has the capability to outgrow some of the plants that surround it but with careful pruning it should be able to sit comfortably at the back of the scheme, performing a similar role to the Garrya elliptica alongside it.

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Bergenia cordifoliaBergenia cordifolia is an evergreen rhizomatous perennial with leathery, rounded leaves and dense, erect clusters of pink, bell-shaped flowers in early spring.

Estimated Current Size: 0.5m x 0.5m Estimated Ultimate Size: 0.6m x 0.75mHabit: BushyHealth and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: In this instance, Bergenia is being used as a ground cover plant for the front of the planting border due to its low form andspreading capability. It is one of the first plants in the scheme to flower and offers colour at a time when the plants that surround it aren’t ready to do so. The glossy, rounded form of the leaves contrasts with that of the Echinops bannaticus that sits behind it, ensuring that the site is more visually stimulating.Maintenance Issues: Bergenia’s are a low maintenance plant that tolerate mostconditions, making them a simple choice for planting schemes. They are at risk from pests such as slugs, snails, vine weevils and caterpillars but in this instance the plants seem to be mostly unaffected. They are vigorous spreaders but have been surrounded by larger plants so they won’t be able to dominate the scheme and begin to invade other species.

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Buddleja davidiiBuddleja davidii is a large deciduous shrub with lanceolate foliage and elongated panicles of purple flowers from July through to September. It can often be seen along-side railway tracks across the country.

Estimated Current Size: 1.8m x 1.5mEstimated Ultimate Size: 3m x 3mHabit: ArchingHealth and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: Buddleja davidii is an attractive plant for butterflies and by planting it behind Echinops bannaticus, the designer has created a combination that will encourage a lot of insect activity to the scheme and park. Here, Buddleja is being used as a screen at the back of the planting border, and due to its long flowering season it provides a colourful point of interest behind the other plants. The colour of the flowers complements that of the Echinops bannaticus and adds a sense of unity and deliberate design to the scheme. Maintenance Issues: Buddleja davidii is a fast growing, vigorous plant that has the potential to dominate its neighbours. It should therefore be pruned annually in spring to keep growth in check and improve the flowering display. This also has the benefit of improving the plants general health. However, despite its aggression, Buddleja can be vulnerable to pests such as aphids and capsid bugs.

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Cistus corbariensis

Estimated Current Size: 0.8m x 1mEstimated Ultimate Size: 1m x 1mHabit: BushyHealth and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: In this scheme, Cistus corbariensis is used almost like a dense, green mat, sitting in front of Geranium himalayense and working its way up to the wall at the back of the planting bed. It offers the scheme both an attractive mass of flowers in summer and colourful foliage through winter. Maintenance Issues: Cistus corbariensis is a fairly hardy plant that can withstand temperatures down to -5 °C and is also exceptionally drought tolerant. It needs protection from strong winds but due to the walls surrounding the planting scheme this is not an issue. It offers little threat to the plants that surround it in this scheme as it is not likely to grow much more.

Cistus corbariensis is an evergreen shrub that produces masses of small white flowers in June and July. The foliage provides added interest in winter as it produces red, purple or bronze tones.

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Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’ is a deciduous shrub with dark red-purple, oval leaves that turn scarlet in autumn. Its common name, smoke bush, comes from the fluffy plumes of purple-pink flowers that resemble a haze of smoke.

Estimated Current Size: 0.8m x 0.5mEstimated Ultimate Size: 5m x 5mHabit: BushyHealth and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: It has been planted in order to provide a stark contrast in colour between the deep purple leaves of the Cotinus and the pale silvery-white of the Senecio Cineraria ‘Silver Dust’ that sits in front of it. It is not currently fully effective due to its size but given time it should grow to become an important feature plant within the scheme. The unique, smokey mass of flowers that appear during July and August will also prove to be an attractive feature when the plant has been given the opportunity to grow to a more substantial height. Maintenance Issues: Cotinus coggygria requires pruning of diseased, damaged, congested and crossing shoots and can be susceptible to verticillium wilt, a disease caused by soil borne funghi. In this instance, it may be undesirable to allow it to reach its potential ultimate height and spread of 5m x 5m as this could cause it to dwarf some of the plants around it and dominate the planting scheme.

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Echinops bannaticusEchinops bannaticus is a herbaceous perennial with spiky grey-green leaves and large, spherical blue flowers in July and August.

Estimated Current Size: 1.2m x 1mEstimated Ultimate Size: 1.5m x 1mHabit: Columnar/UprightHealth and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: Echinops bannaticus is a very attractive plant for bees, butterflies and other insects. Attracting bees to the area increases the chances of a successful and comprehensive pollination of the planting scheme. Aesthetically, the globe shaped flowers offer an attractive burst of blue through July and August that sits above the lower level plants in front of it and works well with the darker shade of purple from the Buddleja that can be seen behind it. Maintenance Issues: Echinops bannaticus is a hardy plant that grows well in most conditions. It requires very little maintenance but there is the option to deadhead it if self seeding is undesirable. This offers flexibility in terms of managing whether or not it is advantageous for the plant to spread.

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Garrya ellipticaGarrya elliptica is a vigorous, evergreen, dioecious shrub with leathery dark green leaves. It produces long, silver/grey catkins of flowers in winter that can be up to 25cm long.

Estimated Current Size: 2.5m x 2mEstimated Ultimate Size: 5m x 3mHabit: BushyHealth and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: Garrya elliptica has two main functions within this planting scheme. Firstly, it offers a fantastic display of winter flowering that will stand out amongst other plants that have a lot less to offer over the winter months. Secondly, over summer the dark foliage makes an attractive foil for a time when the other flowering plants in the scheme are ready to take a more prominent role in the planting border.Maintenance Issues: Garrya elliptica is a hardy, low maintenance plant that may be affected by leaf spot, but is otherwise relatively disease and pest free. Dead and straggly branches should be cut back in April or May for the plant to achieve the maximum effect. It is a vigorous shrub with the potential to grow much larger, which means it could threaten some of the other plants in the scheme, good management will be required to ensure that this doesn’t happen.

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Geranium himalayenseGeranium himalayense is a rhizomatous perennial with deeply cut palmate foliage and white-eyed, violet-blue flowers.

Estimated Current Size: 0.5m x 0.8mEstimated Ultimate Size: 0.5m x 1mHabit: Sprawling/BushyHealth and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: The striking foliage of this Geranium offers a contrast in texture when compared to the leaves of the neighbouring Alchemilla mollis. The Geranium also flowers generously during summer, making it a visually stimulating plant. In this scheme it is being used as a ground covering shrub that helps to blend the surrounding plants together and create a more attractive planting border. Maintenance Issues: Geranium himalayense is a relatively hardy plant that can grow in most conditions. Whilst it is preferable to remove old stems and dead leaves in order to encourage new growth, it is not necessary, making it suitable for a public planting scheme. The plant doesn’t offer much threat to others and should be able to remain a successful addition to the planting border.

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Hebe ‘Spenders Seedling’Hebe ‘Spenders Seedling’ is an evergreen shrub that produces long spikes of small white flowers from mid-summer through to autumn. It has fine, narrow, lanceolate foliage and is easy to grow.

Estimated Current Size: 1.5m x 2.5mEstimated Ultimate Size: 1.5m x 2.5mHabit: Bushy Health and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: This Hebe provides structure in winter, but the downside to this is that it will partially block the magnificent winter display of the Garrya elliptica behind it. The long flowering season increases the aesthetic appeal of the planting border and also attracts butterflies.Maintenance Issues: This is a very easy plant to grow and requires little to no maintenance.

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Liquidambar styraciflua

Estimated Current Size: 5m x 2mEstimated Ultimate Size: 12m x 8mHabit: Broadly ConicalHealth and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: This Liquidambar offers another dimension to a scheme that otherwise lacks height. The foliage is visible over the wall from outside the park which helps to add to the attraction of the park for people walking past. The tree also provides autumn colour to the scheme as its leaves turn red/yellow before falling.Maintenance Issues: Liquidambar styraciflua is a low maintenance tree that can be allowed to grow naturally. There could potentially be issues in the future if it were to reach its estimated ultimate size as it would risk leaving the plants that surround it in shadow which could impair their development. Currently, this is not much of an issue but it is something that should be monitored.

Liquidambar styraciflua is a deciduous tree with glossy green palmate leaves that turn to shades of orange, crimson and purple in autumn.

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Phormium ‘Maori Queen’Phormium ‘Maori Queen’ is a versatile, evergreen perennial with bold, sword-shaped leaves. It can be grown amongst other architectural plants or as a highlight among softer, flowing forms.

Estimated Current Size: 0.8m x 0.5mEstimated Ultimate Size: 1m x 1mHabit: Arching/UprightHealth and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: This Phormium offers something different to the planting scheme. It’s sharp, lanceolate foliage rises out of softer, leafy surroundings to provide a contrast in form that makes it a focal point within the planting. It is a particularly important plant in winter as it retains its distinctive habit whilst the deciduous plants around it lose theirs. Maintenance Issues: Phormium’s are generally very tolerant plants that can grow in most places. They can suffer from frost damage during the winter but tend to recover from it when temperatures rise again. They aren’t aggressive plants and in this scheme, the Phormium should be able to grow comfortably in the position it is in.

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Primula vulgaris ‘True Blue’Primula vulgaris ‘True Blue’ is a deciduous, herbaceous perennial with deeply veined, oblong leaves that produces blue flowers with a yellow centre in spring and early summer.

Estimated Current Size: 0.1m x 0.1mEstimated Ultimate Size: 0.1m x 0.1mHabit: Clump formingHealth and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: In this scheme, Primula vulgaris ‘True Blue’ has been planted to provide colour in spring and early summer. Without flowers, its size makes it a fairly inconspicuous plant that offers little to the scheme but the boldness of the blue and yellow that the flowers provide gives an exciting display for part of the year. By planting it in front of the pale silvery-white foliage of Senecio Cineraria ‘Silver Dust’ the richness of colour in the floral display is maximised as it is allowed to stand out.Maintenance Issues: This Primula is vulnerable to many pests, including slugs, vine weevils and aphids but is otherwise a low maintenance plant. Due to its size, it is at risk of being dominated by the larger shrubs that surround it but this can be controlled by good management if it is desirable to do so.

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Senecio cineraria ‘Silver Dust’Senecio Cineraria ‘Silver Dust’ is a sub-shrub that is best treated as a half-hardy annual. It has ovate, pinnately lobed silvery-white leaves that produces yellow, daisy-like flowers in summer.

Estimated Current Size: 0.75m x 0.75mEstimated Ultimate Size: 0.75m x 0.75mHabit: Bushy Health and Vigour: Showing evidence of rust in places.Aesthetic and Functional Contribution: The striking leaves of this Senecio provide an exciting display of both colour and texture. They make it a feature plant that stands out against the others that surround it. However, the dead flower heads are unattractive and detract from the attraction of the flowers that are still alive.Maintenance Issues: This plant is quite tender and is best grown as an annual, but does have the capability of surviving a mild winter. It is generally pest free but can suffer from rust, which is unsightly and reduces the vigour of the plant.

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Site Two: Hillsborough Walled GardenThe site for the Hillsborough Walled Garden, Sheffield, dates back to 1779 when it was used to grow food for Hillsborough Hall. It changed hands many times and fell into decline in the 1980’s when cutbacks were made. In the early 1990’s it was redeveloped by the Hillsborough Community Development Trust as a tribute to those who lost their lives in the Hillsborough Disaster.

This scheme is planted against a south facing wall, allowing it the maximum amount of sun. Due to the nature of a walled garden, it is fairly sheltered from the elements which allows a wider range of plants to grow. The soil seems to drain well and there is no evidence of waterlogging. There is a Hillsborough Walled Garden Volunteer Group that assists with the maintenance of the plants and allow it to flourish and remain aesthetically appealing.

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Site Two: Hillsborough Walled GardenA

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Alchemilla mollisBerberis darwiniiBergenia cordifolia Buddleja davidiiCistus corbariensisCotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'Echinops bannaticusGarrya ellipticaGeranium himalayenseHebe 'Spenders Seedling'Liquidambar styracifluaPhormium 'Maori Queen'Primula vulgaris 'True Blue'Senecio cineraria 'Silver Dust'

Centranthus ruberCentranthus ruber 'Albus'Crocosmia 'Emberglow'Ficus carica 'Brown Turkey' InsignificantHakonechloa macra 'Aureola' InsignificantHemerocallis fulvaHeuchera 'Marmalade'Heuchera villosa 'Palace Purple'Lonicera fragrantissimaLonicera x brownii 'Dropmore Scarlet'Parthenocissus thomsoniiRosa 'Ena Harkness'Sedum spectable 'Autumn Joy'



This flowering calendar shows how the designer has used purples and reds to give the site a warm feel through summer whilst Lonicera fragrantissima provides valuable winter interest from January through until March. The flowering months have quite an imbalanced feel to them, with July and August being the most active time of year, offering a lot more visual intensity than the early spring and late autumn months.

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Site Two: Hillsborough Walled GardenPositives:• Scented plants are used around the seating area, making it a pleasant sensual experience.• The colour scheme focuses on warm tones such as reds and oranges, giving the planting border a clear identity.• Cultivars are used cleverly for effect. For example, the darker tones of Heuchera villosa ‘Palace Purple’ are accentuated by the lighter coloured but similarly formed Heuchera ‘Marmalade’.• Contrast in foliage colour is used to add visual appeal. For example, the difference in tone between the Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ and the Heucheras on either side of it create a bold and attractive effect.• The designer carefully chosen plants that work well alongside each other. For example Crocosmia ‘Emberglow’ and Hemerocallis fulva. Negatives:• The attractive floral displays of the two Centranthus’ are fairly hidden.


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Centranthus RuberCentranthus ruber is a woody based perennial with grey-green leaves that produces dense clusters of crimson or pink flowers from late spring to autumn.

Estimated Current Size: 0.75m x 0.3mEstimated Ultimate Size: 1m x 0.5m Habit: Columnar/UprightHealth and Vigour: Healthy Aesthetic and Functional Contribution: This Centranthus produces an attractive flowering display over a long period of time. However, it doesn’t really have a prominent role in the planting border as it is behind Phlomis russeliana and Magnolia x soulangeana which makes it difficult to see from the pathway. This is a shame as the pink flowers stand out well against the backdrop of deep green foliage provided by the Parthenocissus thomsonii.Maintenance Issues: Stems should be cut down in autumn for the best effects. If self-seeding is an issue then they should be cut back hard in July after the first flowering. The plant is generally free from both pests and disease.

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Centranthus ruber ‘Albus’Centranthus ruber ‘Albus’ is a is a woody based perennial with grey-green leaves that produces dense clusters of white flowers from July to October.

Estimated Current Size: 0.75m x 0.3mEstimated Ultimate Size: 1m x 0.5m Habit: Columnar/UprightHealth and Vigour: Healthy Aesthetic and Functional Contribution: This plant has a long flowering period and produces attractive bursts of white within the scheme. Similarly to Centranthus ruber, it doesn’t play a prominent role in the scheme and is somewhat overshadowed by the mass of Hemerocallis fulva in front of it. Maintenance Issues: Stems should be cut down in autumn for the best effects. If self-seeding is an issue then they should be cut back hard in July after the first flowering. The plant is generally free from both pests and disease.

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Crocosmia ‘Emberglow’Crocosmia ‘Emberglow’ is a deciduous cormous perennial with lanceolate leaves and branched spikes of curved, funnel shaped deep red flowers in summer.

Estimated Current Size: 0.6m x 0.1mEstimated Ultimate Size: 1m x 0.1mHabit: Clump forming/ErectHealth and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: The attractive red flowers of this Crocosmia complement those of the Hemerocallis fulva that sits behind it in the planting border and adds to the warm red and orange tones of the scheme. Its arching lanceolate foliage works well with the similarly structured Hakonechloa macra to keep a consistent visual style to the planting border.Maintenance Issues: This plant requires no pruning and is relatively disease free but it is vulnerable to glasshouse red spider mites. It doesn’t pose a threat, nor is it threatened by, any of the plants that surround it.

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Ficus carica ‘Brown Turkey’Ficus carica ‘Brown Turkey’ is a large deciduous shrub with big, glossy palmate leaves. In a hot enough summer, it is capable of producing an abundant crop of figs that can be harvested in August and September. In England, it must be planted against a south facing wall in order to receive maximum sunlight and heat.

Estimated Current Size: 2.5m x 1mEstimated Ultimate Size: 5m x 2mHabit: BushyHealth and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: Within this planting border, Ficus carica is used as a ornamental plant and is by far the largest and most eye catching plant. The large foliage makes it a very attractive feature within the scheme. It is not a particularly common plant for English public plantings due to the temperature and sun requirements that it has, making it quite a unique element.Maintenance Issues: Because fruit production is not the main priority for the Ficus in this situation, it doesn’t require root restriction measures. However, it does need 1/3 to 1/4 of its older branches removing in March and in particularly cold winters, it requires some protection. This makes it a relatively high maintenance plant, particularly for a public planting despite the fact that it is relatively free from diseases and pests.

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Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ is a deciduous perennial grass with a clean, minimalistic style. It forms a compact tuft of arching, green-striped yellow leaves that are often reddish-tinged in autumn and early winter. It produces insignificant brown flowers in summer.

Estimated Current Size: 0.4m x 0.5mEstimated Ultimate Size: 0.5m x 0.5mHabit: Tufted Health and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: This Hakonechloa is a very attractive plant that offers both colour and texture to the scheme. Its bright foliage contrasts well with the darker, redder leaves of the Heucheras that border it, creating an almost chess board like effect. The foliage of the Hakonechloa also droops onto the pathway, softening the edge between the hard surface and the soft planting border.Maintenance Issues: This grass is relatively pest and disease free. Dead foliage should be cut back at the base in late winter. Dead flower heads can be left over winter to provide texture or they can be cut back to keep a neater feel to the planting border depending on preference.

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Hemerocallis fulvaHemerocallis fulva is a herbaceous perennial with fleshy roots, narrow, tapering green leaves and attractive orange flowers that appear across summer and last for only a day each, hence the common name ‘daylily’.

Estimated Current Size: 0.8m x 0.5mEstimated Ultimate Size: 1m x 0.5mHabit: Clump forming Health and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: The flowers of the Hemerocallis fulva are highly attractive and provide a lot of colour to the planting border. They shoot up on tall, dark erect stems that almost seem to fade into the background which makes the floral display seem as if it is floating. The foliage is bright, linear and arching which complements the Hakonechloa macra well. Maintenance Issues: Dead flower heads can be removed to improve the aesthetic appeal but this is not necessary. They are vulnerable to Hemerocallis gall midges, the larvae of which develop in the buds and can distort the flowers or prevent them from opening.

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Heuchera ‘Marmalade’Heuchera ‘Marmalade’ is a semi-evergreen clump forming perennial with attractive, shallowly palmately lobed leaves and panicles of small, tubular flowers.

Estimated Current Size: 0.3m x 0.5mEstimated Ultimate Size: 0.3m x 0.5mHabit: Clump forming Health and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: The colourful foliage of this Heuchera is used very carefully within this scheme. It is bordered on both sides by the lightly coloured Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ which helps to accentuate the attractive shade of purple that the leaves provide. It is also used to help draw attention to the Heuchera villosa ‘Palace Purple’ that has even bolder foliage and sits at the centre of the ‘front row’ of plants. Maintenance Issues: Every few years, the clumps of Heuchera ‘Marmalade’ need to be lifted and divided in order to achieve the best effects. However, generally it is a hardy plant that doesn’t require too much attention.

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Heuchera villosa ‘Palace Purple’Heuchera villosa ‘Palace Purple’ is a semi-evergreen clump forming perennial with sharply lobed, metallic purple foliage and loose panicles of small pale pink flowers in early summer.

Estimated Current Size: 0.3m x 0.5mEstimated Ultimate Size: 0.3m x 0.5mHabit: Clump forming Health and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: The deep coloured and roughly textured foliage of the ‘Palace Purple’ cultivar is a very attractive feature that is deliberately exaggerated by being bordered on either side by Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’, which has much brighter, smoother, more linear texture that contrasts wonderfully against the Heuchera. The other two Heucheras in the scheme are both the ‘Marmalade’ cultivar with less intensely coloured foliage which also helps the ‘Purple Palace’ stand out. Maintenance Issues: Every few years, the clumps need to be lifted and divided and faded flower spikes need to be removed to achieve the best effects. This Heuchera is also vulnerable to vine weevils.

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Lonicera fragrantissimaLonicera fragrantissima is a deciduous bushy shrub. It produces pairs of fragrant cream flowers in winter and spring which are sometimes followed by dull red berries.

Estimated Current Size: 1.75m x 1.5mEstimated Ultimate Size: 2.5m x 2.5m Habit: BushyHealth and Vigour: Healthy Aesthetic and Functional Contribution: The location of this Lonicera frangrantissima has been carefully considered. It has been planted against a sunny wall as this will allow it to produce more flowers which increases the visual and sensual attraction of the scheme. It has also been planted as close to the sheltered seating area as possible so the aroma produced by the flowers can be enjoyed by people sitting there. This plant is important for winter interest as many of the other plants in the scheme are deciduous or offer little over the winter months.Maintenance Issues: Established plants can be cut back after flowering, removing roughly a third of the flowering shoots, although this is not completely necessary. This plant can be vulnerable to attack from aphids and thrips, and may also be affected by powdery mildew.

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Lonicera x brownii ‘Dropmore Scarlet’Lonicera x brownii ‘Dropmore Scarlet’ is a vigorous semi-evergreen climber with rounded blue-green leaves and clusters of trumpet-shaped bright scarlet flowers from mid-summer to autumn, followed by small red berries.

Estimated Current Size: 4m x 1mEstimated Ultimate Size: 4m x 1mHabit: ClimbingHealth and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: This Lonicera is used as an archway within the walled garden. Its attractive flowering displays are made even more impressive by the fact that it will be surrounding people on three sides. The scarlet coloured flowers complement the warm tones of the rest of the planting border such as the orange Hemerocallis fulva.Maintenance Issues: This plant must be trimmed to ensure that it doesn’t invade the pathway too much and allows room for people to move freely through. It is vulnerable to damage from aphids and fungal leaf spot.

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Parthenocissus thomsoniiParthenocissus thomsonii is a vigorous deciduous climber with deep green foliage that is bronze-purple in spring and deep red in autumn.

Estimated Current Size: 6m x 2mEstimated Ultimate Size: 12m x 4m Habit: ClimbingHealth and Vigour: Healthy Aesthetic and Functional Contribution: The foliage of this Parthenocissus provides rich and changing colour throughout the year. The young leaves are bronze-purple which changes to a rich, dark green as they mature and then finally a deep red in autumn. It is used in this planting border to break up the wall at the back of the scheme so the vegetation is the focal point. Maintenance Issues: This plant can be pruned in autumn or early winter to keep it within bounds. It is vulnerable to vine weevils and glasshouse red spider mites but this particular specimen seems unaffected.

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Rosa ‘Ena Harkness’The climbing version of Rosa ‘Ena Harkness’ is a deciduous climbing hybrid tea rose with an apple fragrance. It has green leaves with velvet red-pink flowers from late spring until summer.

Estimated Current Size: 3m x 1mEstimated Ultimate Size: 3m x 2m Habit: ClimbingHealth and Vigour: Showing evidence of black spot on some leaves.Aesthetic and Functional Contribution: The notoriously weak neck of this Rosa means that many of the flowers droop down. This could be seen as an advantage for such a tall climber as it means that the flowers at the top of the plant will seem as if they are looking down at people. The flowers are very attractive and produce a strong apple scent that adds an extra sensory dimension for people sitting in the sheltered seating area. Maintenance Issues: Due to the location of this plant, it must be trimmed to prevent the thorny branches from catching people as they move in and out of the seating area. This particular specimen has been affected by black spot, leaving dark marks on some of the leaves, but most of the foliage remains unaffected and the plant is still very attractive.

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Sedum spectable ‘Autumn Joy’Sedum spectable ‘Autumn Joy’ is a deciduous, herbaceous perennial with fleshy, oblong green leaves which produces large, flat clusters of pink flowers that darken with age.

Estimated Current Size: 0.5m x 0.5mEstimated Ultimate Size: 0.6m x 0.6mHabit: Clump formingHealth and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: This Sedum is very attractive to butterflies and bees as it is a valuable nectar source late in the year. Sedum also provides good autumn colour within the planting scheme and the foliage is a point of interest due to its thick, fleshy appearance. The dried flower heads remain after flowering and provide valuable colour and structure through the winter period.Maintenance Issues: Every 5 years, this plant needs to be divided to prevent the clumps from splaying open which is one of its main drawbacks as a landscape plant. The old flower heads should be cut back in February or March in order to achieve the best effect. It is also susceptible to damage from slugs, snails and vine weevils but in this scheme it seems unaffected.

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Site Three: Electric WorksThe landscaping for the Electric Works, Sheffield, was designed by DEP Landscape Architects and completed in 2009. The planting was designed to complement the bold architectural style of the buildings which explains why a lot of vertical form is used such as the Pseudosasa japonica at the back of the planting border.

The scheme is planted against an east facing wall, offering it some shelter but reducing the amount of sunlight that the planting border will receive. The soil appears to drain well and there is no evidence of waterlogging. The site hasn’t been maintained very well and the plants are suffering from pests and disease. Some plants are also self-seeding freely and starting to invade the spaces of others whilst some are being invaded themselves.

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Site Three: Electric Works

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A Pseudosasa japonicaB Prunus laurocerasus 'Etna'C Bergenia cordifoliaD Rosa 'Cariad'E Epimedium sp.F Carex oshimensis 'Evergold' G Pleioblastus variegatus H Monarda fistulosaI Alchemilla mollisJ Taxus baccataK Helleborus orientalisL Agapanthus africanus 'Albus'M Amelanchier canadensis N Aster 'Winston Churchill'O Phormium tenax 'Purpureum'P Helleborus orientalis 'Lenten Rose'Q Lonicera henryiR Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa'S Heuchera 'Lime Rickey'T Anemanthele lessonianaU Molinia caerulea subsp. caerulea 'Heidebraut'V Agapanthus praecox subsp. orientalisW Phormium tenaxX Hosta plantaginea Y Chaenomeles lagenariaZ Corylus avellana

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Site Three: Electric Works

This flowering calendar shows how the designer has mostly used shades of pink and purple through summer, with a hint of yellow in spring. Winter colour doesn’t seem to have been considered and the site may appear quite dead and stale during that time of year.

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Site Three: Electric WorksPositives:• The Pseudosasa japonica at the back of the scheme and the Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’ at the front of the scheme both have an arching habit and work well together to give the planting border a sense of consistency and deliberate design.• The diversity in plants offers good ecological value and helped the scheme as a whole achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘very good’.• Contrast in texture is used to good effect.

Negatives:• The site is poorly maintained, which has led to a lot of damage to plants by pest and disease. If this continues then it could severely detract from the visual quality of the planting border.• The planting border could offer more visually but doesn’t reach its full potential. Some attractive plants such as Heuchera ‘Lime Rickey’ are blocked from view by the larger plants that surround them. Other plants that could make a visual impact such as Agapanthus africanus ‘Albus’ look as if they have been hidden away.


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Agapanthus africanus ‘Albus’Agapanthus africanus ‘Albus’ is an evergreen perennial with strap shaped leaves and erect stems bearing large rounded heads of trumpet shaped white flowers from July to September.

Estimated Current Size: 0.5m x 0.3mEstimated Ultimate Size: 0.6m x 0.45m Habit: ErectHealth and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: The attractive white flowers of this Agapanthus emerge from the edge of the scheme but are somewhat overshadowed by the Amelanchier canadensis behind them. The foliage is quite hidden and it almost looks as if the flower heads are coming from the Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’. This plant would be better utilised if it was located in a more prominent position where its flowers were more visible. Maintenance Issues: This Agapanthus requires dividing in spring every 3-4 years but pruning isn’t necessary as the seed heads look attractive over winter. Agapanthus is a sun loving plant and this particular specimen is at risk of having its light blocked by the Amelanchier canadensis behind it.

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Agapanthus praecox subsp. orientalisAgapanthus praecox subsp. orientalis is a clump forming evergreen perennial with lanceolate leaves and large rounded heads of trumpet shaped blue flowers in late summer and early autumn.

Estimated Current Size: 0.6m x 0.4mEstimated Ultimate Size: 0.9m x 0.6m Habit: ErectHealth and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: The flowers of this Agapanthus are very eye-catching and attractive and will come into their own more when the plant has had longer to mature. The way they rise up from behind the arching form of Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’ allows the bright blue flowers to contrast with the yellow tones of the Carex foliage.Maintenance Issues: This specimen is currently being intruded upon by a form of thistle which is an issue as it draws focus away from the large, attractive flower heads and could affect the health and prosperity of the Agapanthus. This plant should be propagated by division every 3-4 years in spring but there is no need to prune it as the seed heads look attractive over winter.

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Anemanthele lessonianaAnemanthele lessoniana is a versatile, elegant clump-forming grass with narrow arching foliage that becomes tinged with red and orange in summer and autumn. It produces airy sprays of small red-brown flowers in late summer.

Estimated Current Size: 0.8m x 1.2mEstimated Ultimate Size: 1m x 1.5m Habit: ArchingHealth and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: This plant provides an attractive misty texture to the scheme that helps to soften the effect of the lamp post that emerges from within it. Its coppery tones are also particularly attractive but seem like a one-off as they aren’t complemented by any of the other plants in the scheme at that particular time of year. Maintenance Issues: Dead and winter damaged foliage should be removed in early spring to achieve the optimum aesthetic effect. If self-seeding is undesirable then seedlings can be removed by hand when they appear.

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Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’ is a small, slow-growing compact evergreen shrub with 1-2cm long glossy ovate leaves.

Estimated Current Size: 0.8m x 0.6mEstimated Ultimate Size: 1m x 1.5m Habit: BushyHealth and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: This plant provides a lot of texture in front of the more linear, arching form of the Pseudosasa japonica behind it. It is not particularly visible from the pathway but it provides structure through winter.Maintenance Issues: Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’ can be left to grow naturally or it can be pruned immediately after flowering in spring if shaping is desirable. Deadheading and removal of dead, damaged or diseased growth can also be done at the same time. This plant is particularly vulnerable to box blight and box sucker.

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Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’ Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’ is an evergreen sedge forming a clump up to 30cm in height. The leaves are narrow, arching and have a yellow stripe running down the centre.

Estimated Current Size: 0.4m x 0.4mEstimated Ultimate Size: 0.5m x 0.5m Habit: TuftedHealth and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: This Carex has attractive, striped foliage that droops onto the path, breaking up the edge between the hard and soft surfaces. It has been alternated with the darker foliage of Epimedium sp. at the front of the planting border to create a low levelled front row of plants that compliments the taller ones to the rear of the scheme.Maintenance Issues: Dead foliage should be cut out in summer to improve appearance. Aphids sometimes attack this plant at the stem bases but it is otherwise relatively free from disease and pests.

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Heuchera ‘Lime Rickey’Heuchera ‘Lime Rickey’ is a semi-evergreen perennial with yellow-green leaves with a ruffled appearance. It produces an abundance of small white flowers on slender stems from June to August.

Estimated Current Size: 0.3m x 0.5mEstimated Ultimate Size: 0.3m x 0.5m Habit: Clump formingHealth and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: The bright green foliage is attractive and contrasts well against the darker greens that surround it but isn’t really visible from the pathway due to its size. This would suggest that the main function for this Heuchera is as ground cover for weed prevention; a role that it is performing fairly effectively but not comprehensively.Maintenance Issues: Every few years, the clumps of Heuchera ‘Lime Rickey’ need to be lifted and divided in order to achieve the best effects. However, generally it is a hardy plant that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance.

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Hosta plantagineaHosta plantaginea is a herbaceous perennial with large light green leaves and fra-grant white long-tubed flowers on stems up to 60cm tall in late summer.

Estimated Current Size: 0.6m x 0.8mEstimated Ultimate Size: 1m x 1m Habit: Clump formingHealth and Vigour: Heavily damaged by slugs and/or snailsAesthetic and Functional Contribution: Looking down from the raised pathway behind the planting border, this Hosta should provide attractive foliage that combines effectively with the Helleborus orientalis to create interest from that unique birds-eye view angle. However, the foliage has been decimated by slugs which severely detracts from the visual quality that this plant is capable of providing. Maintenance Issues: This plant is very vulnerable to pests, particularly snails and slugs but also vine weevils, mice and voles.

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Molinia caerulea subsp. caerulea ‘Strahlenquelle’

Molinia caerula subsp. caerula ‘Strahlenquelle’ is a graceful grass with widely arching green blades. Flower spikes rise above the fountain like mounds in late summer to create an airy effect.

Estimated Current Size: 1.2m x 1.2mEstimated Ultimate Size: 1.2m x 1.2m Habit: ArchingHealth and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: Clumps of this Molinia have been planted as structural elements in this planting border. They offer a change in height which helps to break up the mat of perennials that make up most of the scheme but they also block some attractive plants from view. Maintenance Issues: This grass should be cut back in early spring before new foliage appears. It is generally free from disease and pests.

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Monarda fistulosaMonarda fistulosa is a herbaceous perennial that grows from slender creeping rhizomes. It has compact flower clusters that each contain about 20-50 purple flowers.

Estimated Current Size: 0.8m x 0.4mEstimated Ultimate Size: 0.9m x 0.5m Habit: ErectHealth and Vigour: Heavily affected by powdery mildewAesthetic and Functional Contribution: Monarda fistulosa has aromatic foliage which offers a unique sensory experience for people passing by. The purple flowers also provide an important burst of colour to the planting border and the flowers attract butterflies.Maintenance Issues: The Monarda fistulosa in this scheme has been damaged by powdery mildew, a fungal infection that leaves the foliage with white powdery spots. Dead flower heads need to be cut off regularly and stems should be cut down to the ground in autumn.

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Estimated Current Size: 1.2m x 0.8mEstimated Ultimate Size: 4m x 2.5m Habit: Arching/Clump formingHealth and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: This is a very structural plant that offers tall linear form. The coppery-purple foliage offers a contrasts against the green foliage that surrounds it, making the Phormium stand out. It will have more of a visual impact for people walking past when it has had time to grow to its potential ultimate height.Maintenance Issues: Dead or damaged leaves should be removed in spring by hand, using secateurs will leave cut leaves at the base of the plant which is unsightly. Phormium mealybug can be an issue with this plant as they excrete honeydew onto the leaves which allows for the growth of sooty moulds.

Phormium tenax ‘Purpureum’Phormium tenax ‘Purpureum’ is a robust evergreen perennial with dull coppery-purple lanceolate foliage. It produces large panicles of dark red flowers in summer.

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Pleioblastus variegatusPleioblastus variegatus is a small evergreen bamboo with slender pale green canes that bear narrow leaves with creamy-white stripes.

Estimated Current Size: 0.6m x 1mEstimated Ultimate Size: 1m x 1.5m Habit: Clump formingHealth and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: This Pleioblastus has attractive variegated foliage that complements that of the Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’ that sits in front of it. Currently, it is slightly too small to have a significant impact but given a few more years to mature it will work well with the Carex to create an attractive contrast of textures with a consistent colour. Maintenance Issues: Spent canes should be thinned to improve the appearance of this plant. Within this site, it is starting to encroach on the Bergenia cordifolia in front of it. Due to the size of the Pleioblastus, it is unlikely that it will completely dominate the Bergenia but it is beginning to make that particular section of the scheme look confused and maintenance is needed to repair this.

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Rosa ‘Cariad’Rosa ‘Cariad’ is an upright, open, thorny deciduous shrub that produces fragrant pink flowers on slender stems from late spring until autumn. It is particularly resistant to disease.

Estimated Current Size: 0.6m x 1mEstimated Ultimate Size: 1m x 1.25m Habit: BushyHealth and Vigour: Some leaves have been eaten by vine weevils and other pests.Aesthetic and Functional Contribution: Although this plant produces very attractive flowers, it isn’t currently visible from the pathway so it doesn’t make much of an im-pact on this planting border. Given time to mature, it should offer more visual influ-ence on the scheme.Maintenance Issues: This Rosa is notoriously resistant to disease, but it is vulnerable to pests such as aphids, caterpillars and glasshouse red spider mites. Some of the foliage on this specimen has been eaten by vine weevils and other pests. It can be pruned to keep it in check but this isn’t particularly necessary.

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Taxus baccataTaxus baccata is a medium sized bushy evergreen tree with narrow, leathery, very dark green leaves arranged in two rows on the shoots.

Estimated Current Size: 1.2m x 0.5mEstimated Ultimate Size: 12m x 8m Habit: BushyHealth and Vigour: HealthyAesthetic and Functional Contribution: This young tree provides texture and structure through the winter months and contrasts in form against the Pseudosasa japonica behind it. The role that this plant has to play in the scheme depends largely on whether it is allowed to grow into a tree or if it is continually clipped to remain as a hedge. If it is allowed to grow into a tree, which is less likely, then it will dramatically change the style of the planting border.Maintenance Issues: Taxus baccata can be trimmed when desirable to manage its shape and size. It can be vulnerable to pests such as vine weevil, gall mites and scale insects. It is also susceptible to phytophthora root disease.

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