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The Herbaceous Borders
Middle Walk Crossing
"We turn to see the unforgettable view of the house framed in the distance by the long double borders and hedges of yew. The roped pillars around us carry R. 'Apple Blossom'. Note the lovely colour combination of the purple-leaved Cotinus coggygria and Foliis Purpureis' (smoke bush) under the silver weeping pears backed by the graceful Himalayan pine, Pinus wallichiana. If you could take a closer look at some of the herbaceous plants, you would note the 2ft-high black netting stretched over the borders, which removes the need for individual plant-staking. My wife tackled the enormous task of replanting these borders over a ten-year period. Subtle combinations of colour and form are of paramount importance in large borders if they are not to become monotonous. Variations in height are also important and at Newby we have introduced shrubs to add this dimension. Some perennials, like Crambe cordifolia (sea kale), Macleaya cordata (the plume poppy) and several members of the senecio tribe, perform admirably well too; nor must we forget the charm of roses in adding background, beauty and scent to the herbaceous plants. Where possible we label and list the more interesting."
Robin Compton
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