my french country garden – your opinion please

by Sharon Santoni

 

In the middle of a big re-working of the garden here, and the late arrival of spring seems to be on my side as I dither and hesitate in choosing new plants.

I have always gone, quite naturally, for a sort of cottage garden style with big mixed borders, rambling climbers and a romantic rambling style, but times are a changing ….

this is not my house! but oh! what a beautiful façade!

I find myself more easily drawn to bold statements, to blocks of flowers rather than tapestry borders.  Of course this bolder planting also makes for easier maintenance (I hope!).

I have  a little help to hand in the shape of a knowledgeable and charming gardener who stops by now and again, and it is always helpful to hear his ideas.

Right now he is trying to persuade me that two wisteria trees planted in front of the house would be a good idea. ……. I’m having a little trouble with that – it’s amazing how difficult it is to visualise a new style!

You may remember that I mentioned Les Jardins Agapanthes, here in Normandy.  I’ll be returning there next month, and I readily admit to being influenced by their style of planting.

 

So … I wondered if you could help me with your good ideas? ….
We have enlarged the symmetrical beds in front of the house, and are about to move the pair of central boxwood bushes.   The beds will each measure about 6 meters or 18′ wide, and approx 4 meters or 9′ deep – that ‘s quite big spaces to fill and keep tidy!
I’m thinking that I’ll plant some big hydrangeas, allium, agapanthus, maybe groups of white foxgloves, I could put in some lavender …. I’d be happy to stick to whites, blues and greys, but I know I need some height and bulk.
I know that many of you enjoy your gardens as much as I do, and I wondered whether you have experience of changing your style?  Is it really as difficult as it feels, or will I get used to it pretty fast?
Thank you for your input, I always listen carefully when you give me your advice.

62 comments

Myplace4tea April 8, 2013 - 10:11 am

Hello, Sharon
I can't imagine life without flowers… all the flowers you mention above sound just lovely. I love the idea of whites, blues and greys. You have such amazing taste and a good eye for things, so no matter what you decide to plant I am sure it's going to look magnificent!

Wishing you a lovely week ahead.
Angela

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zanetastyle April 8, 2013 - 10:35 am

I have to agree with Angela and the colours are very good together… My garden has white pink and yellows and when the pink is done blossoming it is just yellow and blue in the garden with some white(:

Have fun! Hugs z

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Anonymous April 8, 2013 - 11:21 am

Hi Sharon I love my garden but hubby is getting tired too much work we have standard Roses, mini Roses, Frangipani and Clematis + many more. Wisteria is beautiful but if you disturb the root system it travels everywhere. How about regular and mini size Agapanthus and same with Gerberas I have the mini ones they bulk up and they are beautiful they flower non stop. I think different height Camellias very elegant. Till next time Esther from Sydney. Happy Gardening.

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Julia April 8, 2013 - 1:00 pm

I think that a formal style at the front of your house would look lovely, and wisteria is so gorgeous when it's in bloom…

I've never been brave enough to plant reds and oranges, but my garden in Brittany surprises me with its bold and brazen blooms!

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Karen (Back Road Journal) April 8, 2013 - 2:37 pm

I love hydrangeas and they make such a statement when they are in bloom. I like the cool colors you are planning for your garden.

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Katherine April 8, 2013 - 3:03 pm

We had wisteria at the front of our home and it was too much, and it can look gangly {we removed it}. Our hedging is yew hedging rather than boxwood, because it's easier to keep clipped and does well even with snow.
My own garden favourites are – Jackmania clematis {loves a warm spot, but cover the base with plants to keep the base protected}, hydrangea, toad lillies in the shade, and peonies.

If you are thinking of changing things it means you are ready. Have fun playing.

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Sophia Home April 8, 2013 - 3:13 pm

Very exciting Sharon, to have a new look for your garden……I visited Les Jardin Agapanthe last year and fell in love with it! Loved the mix of formality and more relaxed planting. I think the Wisteria trees will look absolutely gorgeous!

Sophia x

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MissingHenryMitchell April 8, 2013 - 3:45 pm

I like wisteria, although here in the southeastern US the sinensis and japonica species are terribly invasive and are not encouraged. I am wondering where your friend envisions planting them? I hope they would not obscure the view of the house, which is charming.

I like the idea of a palette of blues, greys, and whites, which will look soothing against the creamy yellow color of your house. You might consider that sometimes a pop of a contrasting color, or even a deeply saturated hue of a complementary color, can make the soft hues more noticeable. You might plant some dark blue-violet, a few red-violet, or even black, irises amongst the blues and greys to catch the eye without being too risky. If you don't like the effect, they're much easier to pluck out than a wisteria tree! Or if you like the idea of dark foliage contrasting with the silvers and whites (it really is a dynamic combination, and might give your garden a slightly modernist twist), and want to take things a bit further, a Sambucus 'Black Beauty' or 'Black Lace' might give you some height and bulk without being as permanent as a tree.

Finally, you might also consider going for a bold evergreen to give you something interesting to look at during bleak winter months. In the summer, when all else is in bloom, it will simply provide a backdrop to your dynamic plantings. Is there anything native to Normandy with particularly attractive foliage?

I love changing the garden around; I think it would be no fun at all to leave a garden completely static. I find I am conservative when it comes to planting things that will have a long life, such as a tree, or when putting in hardscape. I do my research and spend time pondering the change. But I love to experiment with perennials and shrubs, which are much easier to rearrange or swap off with a gardening friend if you don't like the effect they produce.

To get an idea of what the garden might look like, take out some paper and colored pencils or your watercolors and spend an afternoon sketching in rough shapes and colors with your home as a backdrop. It is a quick and risk-free way of getting a sense for how things might look.

Happy gardening! I look forward to seeing how things progress.

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French Girl in Seattle April 8, 2013 - 3:46 pm

You are quite the [English] gardener, Sharon, arent' you? 🙂 Good for you. I think whatever you end up planting will look fabulous. Your house looks so beautiful already! My only word of caution would be about the wisteria. These striking plants can end up being a lot of trouble if you let them climb on the house or another structure (speaking from personal experience.) The only way I would consider including one would be to put it by itself, in the middle of a gigantic field! 🙂 Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

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Maywyn Studio April 8, 2013 - 3:49 pm

Wisteria is a life long favorite. Alas, pollen bearing plants close to the house is a consideration or else I'd have them all over the place.

Blue Bachelor's buttons are fairly easy to grow, and will reseed if in a warm place. In a dense group, they can look like puffs of blue clouds. They're also nice for cutting.

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Wild Oak Designs April 8, 2013 - 5:04 pm

So far I think the ideas are wonderful, how about the rest of the ground? What about some lambs ears or white yarrow (which blooms) to fill in "empty spaces"? I find that it gives a full look without having to buy as much….Maybe a white iceberg here and there in addition?
Wisteria is lovely, but a "tree" will take more work to keep it that way, I think…..
and it would block the view of your lovely house……
Don't forget foxgloves are poisonous to dogs who dare to nibble on them…though they are one of my favorites, and they don't last long…
White bearded irises, will spread and be beautiful for longer periods, perhaps a few of those?
And yes, we all go through changes in our gardens….so enjoy the process!!!
Nancy
https://wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com

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Ms Lemon of Make Mine Lemon April 8, 2013 - 5:51 pm

Wisteria is beautiful, but extremely invasive in our area. We hear stories about it pulling down structures as it matures. I love your garden flowers so I can only say I think you are doing it right. I am sure we will love what ever you decide. Google it and you will be better able to make an intelligent decision. We do love agapanthas; they are in every yard. I love both the white and the purple. My fave is the periwinkle color.

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sharon santoni at my french country home April 8, 2013 - 7:50 pm

thank you for your vote of confidence Angela!

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home April 8, 2013 - 7:50 pm

you have obviously thought your garden through, thank you for your comment

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home April 8, 2013 - 7:52 pm

sounds lovely Esther, some of those plants would work here, but I don't think that Gerberas could manage in Normandy!

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home April 8, 2013 - 7:53 pm

Same here Julia, I prefer a softer palette, although I do have some deep red and some apricot roses

In Brittany you have a great climate for gardens

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home April 8, 2013 - 7:55 pm

I agree Karen, and there is such a selection of hydrangeas around. Last year I planted some strawberry/vanilla quercifolia, and this year I'm looking for Annabelle!

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home April 8, 2013 - 7:56 pm

Interesting about the yew resisting snow Katherine … it's also highly poisonous for horses so I've never planted any ….. off to find a picture of toad lilies

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home April 8, 2013 - 7:57 pm

glad you like Agapanthes, his planting is so clever, and of course his plants would work perfectly in your part of the world too

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home April 8, 2013 - 8:13 pm

Wow! Thank you for your generous comment. Love the idea of the black Sambucus providing it can be kept in control. we already have the big wisteria across the facade of the house that I love, and while I like the idea of two white wisterias framing the front entrance, I'm worried about their size.
I'll be at all the garden fairs this spring – such fun!

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home April 8, 2013 - 8:14 pm

thank you Veronique, we already have three huge wisterias in the garden so I know about their wily ways!

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home April 8, 2013 - 8:16 pm

I think that Blue Bachelors are what we call Cornflowers — good idea! I also love clouds of Nigellus

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home April 8, 2013 - 8:18 pm

Hi Nancy,

yup, lambs ears work well here and white yarrow grows like a weed! White iceberg is a really good idea …. definitely thinking about groups of tall irises

thank you for all your great ideas

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home April 8, 2013 - 8:24 pm

Oh how I wish that Agapanthus were easier to grow here! I only have them in pots that can be brought into the greenhouse over the winter

thank you M

xx

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Bonnie April 8, 2013 - 11:28 pm

I love wisteria! Always a favorite The only thing you might want to think about is where your water and sewerage line lay. Wisteria sends out roots looking for water, and can totally destroy the lines. I have had them at other homes, and would plant one here in a heartbeat if I had a sunny spot. Everything sounds perfect.!

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Mazl April 9, 2013 - 12:05 am

I love camellias of any colour. Beautiful in flower and those lovely glossy leaves in the winter. For lovely spring colour don't forget the myriad colours of tulips. The butterfly bush is another favourite but it looks sad in the winter. I love your cottage garden look, this is what I'm trying to build in my small garden in the North of England. The weather has decimated many of my less hardy plants this year.

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Magnolia Verandah April 9, 2013 - 1:23 am

Very difficult to advise on plantings from the other side of the world as weather plays such a vital and sometimes devastating part. We have recently replanted quite a bit of our garden after some major renovation work and have opted this time for very much a green on green with some flowering plantings. Agapanthus grow like weeds here but are such a no fuss plant that they are an easy choice white or blue and now there are some black varieties. Buxus hedges and topiary interplanted with bog sage, blue salvia,miscanthus "Morning Light". I am sure you have your favourites, but I do love hedging magnolias "Little Gem" dark shiny leathery leaves on top – deep rust underneath and glorious large white flowers. I have a soft spot for gardenias, also a beautifully perfumed white flower, don't know how they would survive in the frost though. Happy days – enjoy – what an adventure a new garden!

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Pat April 9, 2013 - 2:38 am

Hydrangeas are good and so many varieties like oak leaf besides the snowball type. I have lambs ear and dusty miller for gray. Cosmos are a nice airy addition and like bachelor buttons tend to reseed. I love lilacs in the spring and I think they have new varieties that re bloom.

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Anonymous April 9, 2013 - 3:47 am

I live in the tropics of Australia and as such, I have always had a very tropical garden with gingers and heliconias etc… We are very fotunate to have moved onto a couple of acres out of town now and I have been going through the same thing as you, wondering whether to change my style or not. I absolutely love cottage gardens and my husband loves flowering plants and is very happy that I am starting to garden this way. Even though people tell me the plants I love can't be grown where we live, I am giving them a go. We have recently planted over a dozen roses, miniatures and bushes in lovely pinks, pale yellows,apicots and whites and they have been flowering non-stop for months. I love Hydrangeas and had some beautiful light pink ones on our deck in pots, until I forgot to water them 🙁 We have also just planted Belladonna lillies, Agapanthus, Ranunculas all mixed in with our Frangipanis, Gardenias and Jasmine. If you love them, they will work together. That's the beauty of gardening, it grows with you through the years, as your tastes change, so does your garden (and if you don't like something, pull it out and give it to a friend or neighbour :). xx Michelle xx

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Jennifer C. Webb April 9, 2013 - 5:32 am

I do love wisteria….such a statement. Just returned from France yesterday actually….a quick trip to Giverny was inspiring, even if on a very very cold day. The wisteria covered bridge…um, brown and lifeless. But my imagination saw a magnificent garden. Inspired to do a large bed or iris…likely won't turn out like Mr. Monet's colorful beds but will try

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Anonymous April 9, 2013 - 5:33 am

I think the first thing is to decide what style you want to change to. You have included pictures of two lovely gardens but very different in style. The first garden is rather formal and "controlled". The second garden is more blowsy and cottagy to me with the white hydrangea. Certain plants will reflect what style you choose. You could borrow the idea of the garden in the first photo but loosen it up more. Small ornamental pear trees (they grow pears but very small only good for the birds) Pyrus calleryana 'Chanticleer' could be a lovely choice for trees instead of the wisteria trees. They are covered in white blossoms in the spring time and have fabulous fall colour. New beds could be built around the trees. Also Styrax japonica 'Snow Cone' is another very beautiful small tree with white bell like flowers. I think once you decide on the style it will all fall into place. Have fun! It will be beautiful I am sure.
Rose

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Splenderosa April 9, 2013 - 7:05 am

No one ever gets tired of hydrangea, so go for it. I have beautiful agapanthus too and am also very sad when they quit blooming. We have a big crop of amaryllis right now, they light up everything. I'm a flowering tree person, so I definitely think this is a good idea. I love everything looking manicured, which means, not unkempt. And, yes, I use manicure scissors on some pruning projects. And, I do love the pic of the other home's facade…it's really lovely. xx's

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PamLuvsPink April 9, 2013 - 8:42 am

Hi Sharon!!!

I sure wish I could help, but, I'm not a gardener…I'm trying this year, but, I don't have any knowledge concerning plants, etc. If, it was my house and I wanted privacy, then trees may be the answer. I love the front of you house and I think doing the facade would look so pretty and I know two plants that I love the most!! They are: PINK Roses and Hydrangeas.

Have you thought of putting a flea market bought sitting garden? What I mean is a stone path leading to an area where two chairs and a table (flea bought) are, that is surrounded by low crowing flowers? Just an idea:)

Have a great week!!!!

Pam
xox

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MyFrenchLinenarmoire francoise April 9, 2013 - 9:01 am

Hydrangeas always look magnificent in bloom but you need to combine then with some taller non decideous plants to keep some winter foliage like camellia . I could see one very large pot on each side of your front door with an imposing kind of evergreen flowering plants, camellia or does star jasmin grow in normandie ??
All those plants you mention would look lovely blended in together at different hight in a clump but I don't believe lavender actually goes with that mix of leaves and additionally lavender need very dry land so have contradictory water needs from the other plant. Lavender would look nice in another patch with rosemary,
Whatever you do Sharon, we trust will look lovely and tasy

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penelopebianchi April 9, 2013 - 9:11 am

You asked for advice!
Hire someone you trust! And let him or her go!

There is nothing worse than putting ankle weights and other leashes on a creative person!

You will just waste your money!

Hire a great one……go to the movies……and come back and see the magic! this will happen!

Penelope

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sharon santoni at my french country home April 9, 2013 - 9:18 am

good thinking Bonnie! I'll check the water lines, thank you

xx

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penelopebianchi April 9, 2013 - 9:19 am

Oh I forgot! my website……which shows a very different garden! Before you listen to me; go to http://www.mccormickinteriors.com!

Go see if you like it!

The most fun about it is the wildlife! And the beauty is secondary!

And very important!

Penelope

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sharon santoni at my french country home April 9, 2013 - 9:20 am

I thought that camellia needed special soil, would I be able to plant one in the middle of other shrubs other than rhodo or hydrangea?

The weather has been tough here too, which sort of encouraged me to replant all over!

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sharon santoni at my french country home April 9, 2013 - 9:23 am

thank you for so many good ideas! I am planning to explore the salvia family this year. Not so sure about the miscanthus, I've neve gone for grasses. Definitely going to check out your Little Gem magnolia, that could do well in our part of the world

xx

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penelopebianchi April 9, 2013 - 9:24 am

Gosh! I want you and everyone to now I was not advertising! Yikes!

I was suggesting a different way of landscaping for wildlife!

Thank you…sweet girl.

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sharon santoni at my french country home April 9, 2013 - 9:24 am

Cosmos are wonderful, and are fantastic here for our autumn and late summer colour. I also adore lilacs, but when they aren't flowering the tree is a little boring 🙂

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home April 9, 2013 - 9:26 am

I think it's great to give things a go Michelle, they either work or they don't …. Your tropical garden description reminds me of when I lived in India – gardening heaven!!

thank you

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home April 9, 2013 - 9:27 am

Oh Dear, Jennifer, yes Giverny is slightly behind its usual schedule with our long cold winter here, hope you still managed to get the feel of it though

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home April 9, 2013 - 9:29 am

Thank you Rose, I think the pear tree idea could be excellent! I hadn't thought of that one, and I'm off to check out the Japonica

so many wonderful ideas, I can't believe how much this is going to help me!

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home April 9, 2013 - 9:30 am

Wow Marsha! Amaryllus in the garden, they are only possible here as indoor plants at Christmas time!

manicure scissors ?! hmmmm….

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home April 9, 2013 - 9:31 am

Yes Pam I have been thinking about a sitting area in the garden … just have to find the time to sit!

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home April 9, 2013 - 9:32 am

thank you for your ideas! I'll definitely be replacing our pots too!

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home April 9, 2013 - 9:35 am

Hi Penelope, no worries, I know you don't need me for your publicity:) I remember the stunning pictures of your home and garden, but if I recall correctly you thought if all through yourself then taught your gardener how to do it!

thank you for stopping by

xx

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back2ack123 April 9, 2013 - 11:58 am

This comment has been removed by the author.

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back2ack123 April 9, 2013 - 12:01 pm

I love to pour over books for ideas! Such fun! Beware the wisterias though- they take over and their roots get into everything!!
Have fun!

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c. Joy April 9, 2013 - 2:11 pm

I have a wisteria at the west side of my house, planted it two and a half years ago and it still has not bloomed. It's a lot of green. I've talked to the folks who sold it to me "Maybe it's not getting enough sunshine?" If it doesn't bloom next year I'm getting rid of it. Also, when we lived in Germany, we had wisteria growing on the southside of our house – I trimmed it at the wrong time and it didn't bloom one year… when it did bloom it was wonderful. When it is just green, it is just green. In the winter all you will have is brown vines.

In my gardens I have a new helper – my retired husband. He insists that we 'neaten up the beds' to make weeding easier – good help is hard to find. I'm not sure I like this sleek new look…

I look forward to seeing your new garden design.

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Suz April 9, 2013 - 3:19 pm

I have wisteria and would love to be rid of it because you can't control it. The former owners of the house had it put in and now it has even gone into the neighbors yard. It sends out underground shoots that pop up all over the yard. When it blooms it does not last long enough to warrant having it all year. In the winter it is ugly brown vines. It would be nice as a very large potted plant where you can control and cut back the vines but just be careful if you decide to plant as a tree because you will get much more that you had not anticipated!

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Anonymous April 9, 2013 - 3:35 pm

I think your garden would look great with an avenue stretching out from your centrally placed front door and steps. Symmetrical houses usually look best with formal planting at the front (see Belgian Pearls garden design). As you get further away from the house more informal looks great.

Gardening (for me !) starts with 'a sense of place', planting to suit the location eg french country, english country house, cottage etc. The garden plan and planting needs to set the house into the landscape, showing off assets like hills, church steeples and pretty views, but hiding any neighbours and eyesores.

I'm not sure about the wisteria trees and personally would prefer topiary or an avenue with planting underneath. However it is impossible to advise without seeing your garden. I do think you are going about it the right way, collect ideas and inspiration, then draw up a plan.

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Liz @ Sit With Me In My Garden April 9, 2013 - 4:14 pm

The Wisteria would be beautiful as long as it's not stealing the view of your lovely home. I wouldn't put them close to the house though. I think the person who spoke anonymously said it well about planting to suit the location etc. All of the flowers you mentioned sound fabulous! I think it sounds beautiful!

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Karen April 9, 2013 - 6:02 pm

Why not have both the symmetrical which would suit the front of your home nicely, and then have areas that are romantic and blousy. Your front speaks to the welcoming in to your home, neatness and tidiness, speaking to properness and order which most want to convey. Then have more personal expressions of yourself in other areas, rooms as they were that speak to your heart, to friendship and relaxing. Much as we meet people, formal at first, wanting to please but not revealing of all of ourself and than as time goes on, more expressions take place. So can your gardens be.

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Denise at Forest Manor April 9, 2013 - 10:06 pm

I'm a real fan of cottage garden style, Sharon, and your borders are just beautiful. But I realize they do require a lot of maintenance, as well. I think one Wisteria tree would be pretty; I wonder if they are as fragrant as the vines? I also love Hydrangeas and think you can almost never have too many. 🙂 I think whatever you choose will be lovely.

Have a wonderful week!

Denise

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Linda April 9, 2013 - 10:18 pm

You have received some excellent suggestions. Perhaps you might like to combine two styles? Large symmetrical foundation plantings to bring in a more formal structure, think of them as a backbone. Positioned midway in the space so from inside the house you can enjoy some flowering plants. Looking toward the house those large plantings act as a backdrop to varying heights of plants. Some flowering some not, it would be a great opportunity to experiment with different color and texture of foliage as those foundation plants mature. Plenty of room for bulbs and under plantings to compliment and add color.

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Mazl April 9, 2013 - 10:45 pm

We have heavy clay soil and an easterly wind and my camellias thrive somehow. I just give them a feed especially for them. They are very late this year but the flower buds are nice and fat. One small bed has camellia, roses and tulips and clematis trying to survive the cold and climb up an ancient piece of trellis. I'm a try it and see if it works gardener!!

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Leslie in Portland, Oregon April 10, 2013 - 3:15 am

Please consider adding to your thriving Lupine plant collection…one of the most stunning of plants when in full bloom. Another glorious flowering addition to your garden would be Columbine plants, in mixed colors. For medium height potential and lovely hanging flowers in a perennial, consider a few Currant bushes. My childhood home had a bed of Rhododendrons (Purple Splendor) running the length of the front of the house (divided by the front walk and front door). After 60 years, they are more beautiful in bloom than ever. Last, my personal favorite, in full bloom for weeks early each Spring: the delectably-fragrant and very pretty Daphne Odora. Best wishes!!

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Nell April 10, 2013 - 9:04 am

Deux choses importantes lorsque l'on jardine, une se faire plaisir, deux bien connaitre la nature du sol, après tout est possible. Les jardins de curé en sont le plus belle exemple. Tous les types de plantes s'y mélangent avec bonheur
Amitié
Nell

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Annie April 12, 2013 - 12:46 am

Wisteria is gorgeous, but doesn't it seem a bit ramble-y if you are aiming for a more formal feel? I would hesitate to commit to two large trees like that if still in the process of re-imagining your garden. Hydrengea in the front would be lovely – not too sunny there, I hope? I love the structure, modernity and movement large grasses can add to a garden. Your plant choices sound fantastic, and seem like the perfect start to a fresh garden. Maybe wait a year to do anything more dramatic than that, and see how you feel as the summer unfolds? I've done an all white garden (with soft pops of purple and pale pink) before, and I absolutely loved how soothing and peaceful it was. When you pair down the color palate, you can experiment more with greens and texture and that can be so interesting. I'm excited to see what you do! Happy gardening!

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Chris April 20, 2013 - 7:38 am

Oh, I am always so touched by your elegant garden photos. They are all so beautiful. Your taste is exquisite. Trust what you've done previously.
I do not have a green thumb but I did have a wisteria once. A re-blooming climbing rose was better. The wisteria was beautiful for such a fleeting time and the dropped greenery and the sticks left behind did not thrill me. Agapanthus here is always full of snails. Maybe a good source of escargot!
We will have to visit Les Jardins Agapanthes.
xoxo, Chris

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