Retreat in woodland garden, Whetstone
Mature ash, sycamore, oak and holly make a natural setting for this woodland garden. The dappled shade suits many shrubs, bulbs and herbaceous plants. Whether in the heat of summer or darkest winter, the woodland garden provides a lovely family retreat in Whetstone, North London.
Walk in the Woodland Garden – Whetstone
Curved path to woodland garden
The woodland garden is on a fairly steep slope with a bank to one side. An informal curved path meanders around the garden. The path broadens to include areas to sit. We used small Atlantic pebbles for the path surface. The curved shape is retained with powder coated metal edging.
Shady Meadow
Dappled shade and meadow plants
We used wildflower meadow turf to make the woodland glade. The selection of meadow plants suits dappled shade and includes Meadow Cranesbill, Ragged Robin, Primrose and Ox-eye daisy. Flower interest over a long period includes early violets, the soft yellow of Lady’s Bedstraw and and the vibrant pink of red campion. It is very easy to maintain with a mow once or twice per year.
Trees in the Woodland Garden
Sleeper steps in the woodland walk
Magnificent oak, ash and sycamore provide the framework for this woodland garden. We added brightly coloured willows in the wetter and sunnier areas. Silver birches are included in the dry sunny areas and specimen Magnolia and Amelanchier trees add flower interest.
Shade Plants
The areas in deepest shade have ferns: Dryopteris affinis, Blechnum spicant and Polystichum polyblepharum. In between are pink foxgloves and purple Mourning Widow. Pink Snowberry and evergreen viburnums give shrubby structure. The dry bank is planted with violets, Sweet Woodruff, Epimedium and Pachysandra. Other carpeting shrubs weave between tree roots.
Damp Sunny Bank in Woodland Garden
Yellow globe flowers and Persicaria ‘Red Dragon’ on damp sunny bank
This damp bank is the sunniest part of the garden. Bog plants with bright flowers thrive here. These include Ligularia dentata ‘Desdemona’ which has fabulous heart shaped leaves. Yellow globe flowers, white valerian and rose-coloured iris appear in summer. Different grasses provide structure . Late flowering anemones, Purple Loosestrife and Persicaria ‘Red Dragon’ continue a long season of interest.
