Fourseasonsgarden's Profile

About me

During 2008 we are being filmed throughout the seasons by BBC Gardeners' World. In addition to the main filming sessions, which include "time lapse" photographs of various vantage points, the film crew are also capturing work sessions and tasks.

2008 was our first year in the National Garden Scheme. We also had open days for other charities. During 2008 we had over 1400 visitors and raised more than £4,500 for charity. In the two years we have been open to the public we have had more than 3,180 visitors and have raised £9,180 for various good causes.

We will be having 10 garden open days for charity in 2009 - in February, March, May, July and August.

In 2007 we won the National Garden of the Year competition organised by the Daily Mail. In 2006 we won the Walsall in Bloom Large Rear Garden category in 2006.

In 1982 we moved to Buchanan Road and over the last 15 years, without outside help, we have dramatically re-landscaped and re-planted. We have won the battle with weeds, built a chalet store, summer house, large wooden oriental pagoda, smaller pagoda and created four water features, including a cascading 17 metre stream.

In planting, we especially contrast bold shapes and forms and the colours red, blue and yellow. Some of our tropical themes were inspired by our travels abroad and a visit to the Lost Gardens of Heligan.

From early February huge numbers of hellebores, camelias and spring bulbs are flowering. The garden is breathtaking in May with a stunning array of azaleas and the new growth of acers and conifers. These plants then provide the backdrop to display the summer riot of colour in the upper garden from pelargonium, begonias and mass summer bedding.

In August the perennials are dramatic in the lower garden. By summer, children and adults love the exciting jungle with its mist and tropical bird sounds. Youngsters also enjoy the stone animals, windchimes and bridges.

In autumn, the rich hues of the virginia creeper are followed by vibrant colour change in the acers, azaleas, cotinus and other deciduous plants.

In winter, the red acer Senkaki stems are magnificent, offset against the blue and yellow conifers and bright holly. Lighting in the trees creates a magical atmosphere, especially when plants are draped in snow.

We now believe we have created a garden for all seasons and all ages.

We have also created a website: www.fourseasonsgarden.co.uk

And we've also loaded some photos onto Flickr:
www.flickr.com/photos/fourseasonsgarden/

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