We visited two very different gardens recently on a college outing near to the village of Fladbury in Worcestershire.

The first garden was quite contemporary, we were met by the garden designer who chatted about her brief and then let us wander around.  It was in almost 4 sections or rooms, the first was mainly a lawn area we understand is used for entertaining, the second was a contemporary prairie type planted room with areas to sit and relax.  The third section was laid to lawn with a small water feature and the fourth section was a wildflower meadow which sadly, we had missed due to the time of year.  The second area was by far my favourite it had lots of tall grasses.

In the photo below we can see Stipa gigantea planted with Verbena bonariensis giving a wonderful sense of movement and texture.

The designer has used ornamental grasses of varying height, in the following image on the left Stipa tenuissima is visible giving that sense of movement almost like waves.  Sedum was used quite a lot around the garden too!

I liked the use of the aged or stressed seating dotted in the borders and I can imagine taking a cup of tea (or a glass of wine!) and just sitting soaking up the atmosphere and forgetting the daily grind.

The second garden couldn't be more different, a very traditional family garden planted with many jewels for every season.  The owner came out to talk to us and said she had lived there since 1971, she was definitely a plantswoman and a very enthusiastic and talented one at that!  Her planting choices were traditional and in places quite cottagey.  I particularly liked the way the bricks were used throughout the garden to tie in with the house.  In the photo below the bricks have been used to edge the pergola walk giving that cohesive and comfortable feeling, they have also been used on the patio and steps too.

The water rill works especially well, from both ends and there is somewhere to sit and enjoy the view and sounds.  At the very top is a table and chairs just visible in the photograph where the owners can relax and enjoy.  The proportions of the rill are excellent and the planting really gives the feeling of seclusion whilst still being interesting and colourful, when you are sitting looking at the rill you can see out of the area through the pergola at the side which invites you to go and explore!  A very established, well loved and maintained garden with something interesting to see around every corner, a garden that isn't all visible at once, one that you have to explore - that's the key to a well designed garden!

Above: Dahlia 'Julia One'

Above: Using a focal point is a great way to draw your eye to another part of the garden and maybe tempt you to explore!