Designed whilst at Capel Manor, this planting design focused on rejuvenating one of the “show” gardens at the Enfield College site, with a focus on sustainability.

The design won the annual end of year planting design project competition, sponsored by Provender nurseries.

Spring flowering bulbs and early flowering plants such as Hellebores, Mahonia and Epimedium provide early interest and nectar sources, before the flowering herbaceous plants take over through the summer.

Seed heads can be left on many of the plants (Echinops, Verbena bonariensis, Hylotelephium, Phlomis russeliana) and grasses not only because they look handsome in decay but also because they provide food for birds.

Whilst there is an informal feel, balls of Lonicera nitida ‘Scoop’ along with other evergreens will keep some structure in the garden over winter.