This has always been an important part of the Knoll Gardens ethos and is nowhere better illustrated than in the creation of the new Dry Meadow.
Totalling around 300m2 the project is not extensive but different conditions and microclimates call for varied planting, with four distinct areas; a Dry Meadow, a Rain Garden, an area of dry shade and an area for lawn alternatives.
In full sun; and making up the two thirds of the total area, the new Dry Meadow lawn reflects Neil’s latest thinking on English ‘meadow-like’ planting, principally featuring grasses and perennials under a metre tall. Planting has already begun and will continue into the summer and hopefully be completed by autumn, plants that are being used in the scheme include:
Dry Meadow grasses:
Poa labillardierei (image below)
Molinias Overdam, Dauerstrahl and Edith Dudzsus
Muhlenbergia rigens
Sporobolus heterolepis
Sesleria nitida
Sesleria Spring Dream (new from knoll this spring)
Pennisetum Short Stuff
Pennisetum Red Buttons
Perennials:
Libertia grandiflora (image below)
Nepeta
Echinacea pallida
Gaura Whirling Butterflies
Sanguisorba Meadow Red
Achillea Terracotta
Aster Lutetia
Rudbeckia laciniata
Bulbs will include watsonia, ixia and iris
To help handle heavy rainfall a rain garden (below image) has been created alongside the Dry Meadow, rain will collect at the bottom of these lower areas which will also take excess water from the nearby stream garden, so plants in this area will need to cope with both floods and dry conditions, these will include Calamagrostis varia, Deschampsia Mill End, Carex divulsa and Luzula Snowflake. A few of the tall showy perennial, Filipendula rubra Venusta, will also be added amongst the taller grasses.
We will continue to bring you updates as these new gardens develop, but they do clearly illustrate the importance of knowing and understanding the conditions, and finding those plants best suited to them, right plant, right place!
To help gardeners identify the most appropriate plants for their situation, Knoll Gardens have introduced a very useful ‘Plant Finder’ tool to their online shop. Located on the right-hand side of the screen the ‘Plant Finder’ allows users to search for perennials and ornamental grasses based on the setting, helping people to ensure they are purchasing the right plant for the right place.