Romantic Rose Border & Dry Border in Dorothy Clive Garden

These two tired borders in a strategically important area of the garden were in urgent need of improvement. Both were dominated by large Berberis shrubs tangled with bindweed, with patchy, uninspiring, and monotonous planting. The paths were untidy and the edges poorly defined.

In 2017 and 2018, we undertook a full restoration project. We cleared both borders completely and designed a new layered planting scheme—pollinator-friendly, modern yet romantic—that would bring texture, colour, structure, and scent to the space.

The larger border has a more traditional, romantic character, while the other takes a contemporary approach, using grasses and drought-tolerant perennials. The second border has required no supplemental watering since planting and continues to thrive even through the most severe droughts.

We improved the soil of both borders, planted a mix of new and existing stock, and mulched thoroughly to reduce weeds and water loss. Over the years, the planting has matured and knitted together beautifully. In the more romantic border, structural elements are now fully cloaked in expertly chosen, pruned, and trained roses and Clematis and the structural herbaceous perennials pop and sparkle from Spring to Autumn. The drought-tolerant border, meanwhile, is full of gentle movement and alive with bees in the summer.

Both borders now receive countless compliments from visitors to the garden. It has been a very rewarding, creative transformation, one of which we are justly proud.