Saturday May 19 2012
Gardening Archive
TheVillage Gardening
Invaluable expertise
Posted on April 15 2011 at 12:22:29 0 comments
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Local garden designer Kate Dunkley is hoping for another busy year, and looking forward to facing some challenges following the harshest winter for many years.
“If I had a pound for every enquiry that I have received so far this year with the introduction “everything in my garden has died over the winter”, I would be very rich!” says Kate.
“There is no doubt that the winter was devastating – in fact I have lost quite a few large shrubs myself due to the prolonged sub-zero temperatures, but the plants that have survived are emerging stronger than ever.
“Horticulturally, there is a lot to be said for a very cold spell, as many garden pests and diseases are eradicated by the cold.
“And what of this year – should we be planting phormiums and cordylines, most of which were lost this year? And bay trees, olives, oleanders… perhaps we have to be more vigilant in protecting the less hardy plants that we all love, and which add such structure to our planting schemes.
“One thing is certain: adding to, or re-planting, beds and borders can make a huge difference to a garden that needs a bit of a facelift.”
Kate says that all too often customers will be frustrated with a border; having spotted various plants at the garden centre, bought them, planted them, and then been disappointed with the overall result. This is where the expertise of a fully qualified garden designer can prove invaluable.
Kate has been trained to assess the site prior to planning, looking at the site as a whole, the quality of the soil and the garden’s aspect.
She then plans a planting scheme to suit that site specifically, ensuring that the chosen specimens should thrive, giving a year-round show of colour and textural interest.
Please contact Kate on 01527 574597 or 07973 723537 and she will organise a suitable time to visit and discuss your requirements.
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