The Sadolin Nature to Nurture Garden

By Philippa Pearson. Situated on the rural fringes of a town, this contemporary garden has evolved from a natural wild area.

It shows - both physically and figuratively - the meeting point between nature and nurture.

The design reflects elements of the surrounding countryside to create a modern, relaxing space, perfect for entertaining and family time.

The planting style in the square ornamental beds borrows from the wildflowers on the other side of the fence, with a soft, natural approach combining form and texture with highlights of colour and 'transparent' taller plants. Throughout the garden, natural and cultivated plants have been chosen to attract beneficial insects and wildlife.

The garden room is the perfect vantage point from which to enjoy the beds as well as the striking stainless steel sculpture at the furthest boundary. This decked structure celebrates the timeless appeal of wood, but a sedum roof, zinc irrigation pipes and Sadolin woodstain give it a contemporary twist.

This structure will be incorporated later into a garden designed by Philippa Pearson for a mental health hospital at Fulbourn, Cambridge.

Plants list

Click any of the plant name links below to learn more.

Trees
Acer davidii
Betula nigra

Annuals
Geranium

Ornamental grass
Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau'

Perennials
Agapanthus africanus
Allium sphaerocephalon
Cephalria gigantea
Crocosmia Lucifer
Dahlia 'Bishop of Llandaff'
Echinacea purpurea 'Ruby Giant'
Eremurus × isabellinus 'Cleopatra'
Eryngium 'Jos Eijking'
Helenium 'Sahin's Early Flowerer'
Hemerocallis 'Hyperon'
Knautia macedonia
Leucanthemum x superbum 'Aglaia'
Lilium regale
Sanguisorba tenufolia 'Pink Elephant'
Selenium carvifolium
Verbena bonariensis
Veronicastrum virginicum 'Album'

Wildflowers
Selinum wallichianum
Chamaemelum nobile
Agrostemma githago
Chrysanthemum segetum
Papaver rhoeas
Knautia arvensis
Foxglove
Centaurea scabiosa
Leucanthemum vulgare
Lychnis flos-cuculi 'Jenny'
Dipsacus fullonum