Old gardens have a lot to teach us…especially we young ones whose garden may be only 24 years old. Many lessons in design as well as patience are available to those who “venture forth.” This past spring (and many springs before that) I headed to England; in 2023 it was Surrey and Sussex + London. From Arundel Castle to Hampton Court, I soaked up as much as I could, with Audrey Hepburn’s words ringing in my ears, “to plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”

For me, the layering of different and diverse mature plants as well as the juxtaposition of color, textures, and scale are the first important lesson (as here, and the feature image, both at Hever Castle). Enjoy these takeaways…

Don’t hesitate to dazzle! The selection of a clipped shrub that is chartreuse (at least for part of the year) adds a “punch” to any garden plan… ever more so when juxtaposed with the black tulips.

Under-planting selections can inform a landscape. A skirt of tulips, in a carefully considered color combination, turns this plain yew topiary into a captivating vision.

Don’t judge a landscape vignette by its surroundings. While this sylvan water scene was not located in the most attractive part of Hever Castle, it is idyllic and worth copying… from the steps to the “cave” to the roots of the leaning tree about to slide into the pond…very much a Harry Potter feeling.

Be alert! Keep an eye out for inspiration in new planting combinations. I would never have paired primrose with muscari, but what a scene – especially in their “regimentation.”

Take the time to make plant labels (I am not good about this…) Visitors will be ever grateful. BTW, don’t you love the stripes on the leaves of this tulip ‘Red Riding Hood’?

Always consider backdrops. These topiaries at Hever Castle could be considered “ho-hum”on their own but against the architectural background their wonky design acquires a distinction.

Chic up your front (or back) lawn. Quite the signature in English gardens, the Brits have made an art of mowed stripes (note: it’s not as easy at it looks).

Give consideration to the variety of pots/containers available.They need not all be stone, and the subtle sloped sides of these wooden containers add a style note to an otherwise simple and practical pot.

Cleverly presented signage? It’s yet another way to capture the spirit of a garden and the personality of the owners.

Use color to dress up outdoor lighting. Here at Hampton Court, the old bricks inspired the terra cotta paint selection (matte finish) of the lantern standard.