Fourseasonsgarden's Profile

About me

We were so pleased that our garden was the winner of the of the Walsall in Bloom Large Rear Garden category in 2006. However, in 2007 we were even more amazed when we won the Daily Mail National Garden Competition and we still feel on a high from this. Until last year we had no idea what national judges would think of our garden. There was a severe frost at the end of May - just two days before the judges' first visit, but worse than that was the torrential rain during May, June and July leading up to the final judging.

In September we were delighted to be invited to join the National Garden Scheme ("The Yellow Book") for 2008.

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.

During 2007 we had five open days.

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

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