Garden borders and structure - don't miss out on this easy win! Lessons from Cloudehill gardens

[@wendychandler8304]

This is one to watch more than once, with so many practical ideas that can be replicated.

[@lesliekendall5668]

It's 1am where I live and I just turned off Monty Don to watch your video. 👍

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! I hope you enjoy it! And that you get a good night's sleep afterwards.

[@HannaARTzink]

Yeah, the more good gardening shows the better.

[@j.m.7056]

Alexandra, this was a fascinating video! It gave me some great ideas as well as inspiration. Thank you very much!

[@lesliekendall5668]

@@j.m.7056 Her videos are always top notch.

[@helenbizzotto8844]

I’ve found the videos on this channel far more informative and in-depth than any gardening programmes on TV

[@penelopehammerton2907]

Thank you both for a lovely video. Oh! so well thought out. The different textures of green on green, the arches as punctuation points. The colour of the bricks. But the looseness of the planting, soft and not rigid. The best borders l have ever seen. I can't praise this garden enough 🤗👏

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

[@Sharon_Mc]

​@@TheMiddlesizedGarden Hi, Dan K , should be removed from the website. He asked me to meet him . Many thanks. Sharon

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

@@Sharon_Mc Done! Thank you for letting me know

[@JoannaLouise200]

Fab video Alexandra! What stunningly beautiful gardens at Cloudshill ~ the result of incredibly hard work and very clever planning. I can imagine sitting there, taking stock, and soaking it all in (I hope Jeremy Francis gets a chance to!). I love your highlighting of the role of hard-landscaping in order to showcase the wonderful border planting, trees & hedge forms. Built garden structures seemed to have slipped out of fashion for a while, and I'm so glad they're now making a comeback :)

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much!

[@sonjabutler250]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden and absolutely beautifully framed shots! Nice work.

[@rachelhoward334]

Love the path, the terracotta pots either side, the ups and downs ,arches evergreens. All of which I can incorporate into my smaller garden for year long interest. Excellent video to watch on a cold Sunday afternoon . Thank you. 😊

[@TheImpatientGardener]

Lovely video, Alexandra. Those layered hedges are really something.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! I think I loved them even more than the borders.

[@mariedeyo7399]

I like the wildness of these borders. They dont look so orderly and organiced. Thank you for a nother great video. 🌻🙂

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@lornaprice3748]

I love the paths throughout this garden.

[@philipbrooker8388]

Another wonderful video and what a perfect garden. I have made 6 pergola’s and certain archways in my garden and the structure really saves the garden in the winter. Pots and containers in and about the garden also keep interest during those grey days.

[@sydneykasmar]

Beautiful garden. Wonderful information. I was often mesmerized by the absolutely humongous ferns that were behind you in many portions of this video.

[@rosemama9995]

Thank you Alexandra for another fantastic video- eye candy and packed with practical design ideas that be adapted to home gardens. I’m a big believer in hedges and built structures in gardens.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@itsmewende]

What a gorgeous garden, thank you both for sharing with us. I have big plans for my yard, I'm on 2 long acres. After hearing Monty Don mention he gardens 2 acres, I thought my goodness, I need to get on the ball and do more here. This was huge inspiration, thanks again.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@onechristianwallace]

You give the most practical advice out here. A solid fan from Kenya 🇰🇪

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@DownButNotOutYet]

Good afternoon Alexandra, what a magnificent garden. Such beautiful plants, trees and the hedges in each section. This is so well planned and much thought put into selecting these plants. I am sure a few changes have been made, nothing is perfect to start off with, yet, look at the outcome. It is so inviting, and peaceful. I think the big trees help by controlling the noise level from any angle. I do not think there is any improvement here, it looks so completed and the goal has been reached. Adding the potted up terracotta pots just adds more interest. It is a lovely video, and yes more than one viewing should be done. Thank you for showing and sharing, I am sure many appreciated and enjoyed this. Do take care, many blessings, kind regards.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

[@amyjones2490]

Had to watch this one several times. So much attention to detail in this lovely garden.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@helenachase5627]

I just love your videos ! I always think how God smiles down on gardeners.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@radieschen1965]

10:29 it is Persicaria orientalis Cerise Pearls.A tiny version from Kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate...Many hugs from Christina/Germany

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@oneoftheninetynine3953]

What a perfect balance of hardscape and plants, it's really delicious to look at. I love the inclusion of all the romantic elements.

[@GardeningatDouentza]

A jaw-dropping garden. Absolutely fantastic and the great thing is that most of the plants could be grown in my garden. thank you, Alexandra

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! It's really interesting how we all do grow most of the same plants, though we sometimes have to treat them differently in winter.

[@jeannereimonn560]

Love your videos. So informative. One of my favorite videos is of the Moskovitz garden (How to get a Wow Border). I have followed much of Frances’ advice - lots of horse manure from a local farm, propagate plants from seed, plant closely, deadhead often (or at least I try), and not pay too much attention to color schemes. The Moskovitz tips work for me in my garden in Massachusetts.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Brilliant, that's great to hear.

[@bluesky7226]

I love when you go to my home town! The Dandenongs are beautiful, and that garden is glorious. 💝 Thanks for another great video!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

The Dandenongs are lovely, I agree.

[@vickimaiorano5763]

I’ve visited Cloudhill several times. Stunning garden.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

It really is!

[@fifitrixibelle9279]

I love visiting here.. one of my favourite gardens.. im lucky its close by.. i only grow Diggers seeds and plants

[@dianepuskas6362]

Thank you for another wonderful video. I will be rewatching several times!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@jetliner75]

Thank you! I always get excited when I see the email notifying me that you have a published a new video.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@judyfick2967]

Going to be watching this video more than once....thx

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@desislavasalakirova146]

Brilliant! And just in time for the spring planning!

[@rose2fame1]

Hi Alexandra, how nice you went to Australia. Thanks for sharing. 1:26 am is SoCal 51 degrees Fahrenheit rn. Idk what made me wake up? But I’m glad that you posted a video to watch. I love to learn how to garden via your videos.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@mariefriedmann3203]

How great your content is! Thanks for this one... a subject many of us struggle with..

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jasminebambury5841]

Always wonderful stuff♡

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@luckysmummy5325]

Excellent video, thankyou! It's been hailing here a lot today, it's a good week to sit indoors plotting garden design ideas!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Sounds great!

[@juliabinford6500]

Just lovely! I’m trying to create a similar effect with climbing hydrangea over a stone wall. My young garden has quite a ways to go though:)

[@kurthartle5473]

Fascinating large-structure thinking behind the design process

[@hpham2101]

Great video! Cloudehill Gardens is in Australia, in the state of Victoria. It's located about 1 hrs drive from Melbourne. As a Melbournian I have visited in and it's lovely. So nice to see you back in Australia! We have many amazing gardens in Victoria.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you - you do! And it's so nice to visit in February when the UK gardens are all brown and grey

[@emmalavenham]

What is particularly great about this example, is the layering - so inspiring and so well executed --- leveraging evergreens and tree marcescence. That is something we should be doing more of, even in more informal spaces (like mine). BTW I think it also useful to note, that many of these plants (same genus, different species) could be worked into our spaces to achieve these goals. For example, the Japanese plum yew can even be grown in the Northeast US Zone 6 - and gold-tipped cultivars like Korean Gold, could be used to bring out the yellow of plants in those spaces.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Yes, I agree, it was interesting when I was checking the 'hardy down to...' facts as to how many of them would grow in really quite cool climates. Agree with you about the layering, too, I really loved that.

[@jennyjohnson9012]

I just love borders like this. Thankyou so much Alexandra.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@Ang19692]

Magnificent garden! Thank you for the tour!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@nelidascott6917]

What a lovely post! Will be going back to this for inspiration!!🥰

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you

[@gardenfairygodmother1893]

What a lovely garden. It looks so English country but it's in Australia!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Jeremy Francis was influenced by Hidcote, he told me. And the weather in that part of Southern Australia is surprisingly 'English', too.

[@sonjabutler250]

So beautiful. Great tour and tips. Thank you.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@imeldamayer-taylor2783]

Thank you, a really beautiful garden and great tips on garden structure. Lots of learning . 🌻🌼🌸🌺

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@alteredcatscyprus]

Great lesson, thank you.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@flowerpixel]

Stunning garden. One of my favorites ever 😍

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@miriamy123]

Thanks for this episode. Lovely garden. Great ideas for my very cold garden.

[@miriamy123]

@dan k🇺🇸 no. This isn't a dating forum. Go fish somewhere else

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I've removed the person who seemed to be trying to get to know too many people! Sorry you had to have that, I try to keep the comments clear of that sort of thing. And thank you!

[@mikeadamson6696]

Structure to break up the monotony of a fence line . I lost the African Daisy due the severe heavy frost in December which obscured the fence , so have to wait a few years before it regrows to the same height . Another trick is trellis shapes ( square or V ) . I place these for my climbing roses and the tops of the wooden fence . These need to be preserved on a regular basis ( linseed oil is the best option as it keeps the natural wood colour )

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Good tip, thank you.

[@tanyastephens3187]

I really like these borders! Thanks.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you like them!

[@aym280]

I live in Essex. Knowing that Alexandra lives in Kent, I thought I was going to pay this magical place a visit, only to find it down under! Ooops! So bold and yet sophisticated.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Sorry to disappoint you!

[@aym280]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden LOL! They must have you there at its peak as other videos weren't as flattering.

[@gardenjoy5223]

The structures are nice. Love the paths and the arches. Yet, somehow, this garden is a bit too 'messy' for my personal taste. There's too much competing with each other. I like to allow more very low plants at the edges and also some in between. So plants get to stand out a bit more to glory in and of themselves. Those six cut of hedges look weird in this construct. Or any, for that matter. Then again, the difference in foliage colour makes this interesting. Love the dark red trees!

[@paulinecrispin121]

I have started to use more evergreens and pots for structure, particularly as I live in a house that comes with my job so I will never have a garden long term. Already started to look out for box caterpillars!!!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Good luck! I've been dodging them for years, but my neighbours have them now so only a matter of time!

[@Dan-440]

It appears to be an early spring in Tennessee, but I am determined not to fall for it this year. I always get too anxious and want to plant too early. Thank you for this video. Your advice is always helpful.

[@j.m.7056]

Same here! I did purchase some violas to tide me over until proper East TN planting time!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I can't wait for planting, but it's suddenly very cold here too

[@sonjabutler250]

@@j.m.7056 Ditto in KC. My daffodils are all blooming. Not excited for next week's hard freezes.

[@alanthecat59]

superb thankyou

[@abelkacemi]

Please, could you make a video about adding fragrance to a border? It is easier in the spring/early summer, yet in high and late summer my garden really lacks scent (the best flowers here in Algiers at that time are plumbago, dahlia, canna, zinnia - beautiful yet no fragrance).

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

That's a good idea, I will keep an eye out for a good fragrant garden to feature

[@Bubbles-ym9mu]

Love it

[@gardengatesopen]

BORDERS GALORE!!!

[@Sharon_Mc]

Do the hedges behind a flower border take all the goodness from the soil? In my garden I've got wood ( colour washed trellis, ) nailed onto fencing at the back of my flower boarders

[@Sharon_Mc]

@dan k🇺🇸 yes, of course Dan

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I've removed the person you mentioned, thank you for pointing it out - I try to stay on top of these things, but they do sneak in.

[@Sharon_Mc]

@The Middle-Sized Garden Many thanks for your help. Ps. I live in Leamington Spa now, but up until 7 years ago I owned a flat in Canterbury, and I grew up in Sittingbourne. I used to do the windows in Riceman's in the 1960s. I do love Kent. I miss the beautiful countryside. Sharon

[@claregardner875]

Hello Alexandra - I've just tried to find Pennisetum Tall Tales which looked so lovely with the Verbena Bonariensis, but it doesn't seem to exist. Do you know whether it might have been P Fairy Tales?

[@luckysmummy5325]

Try 'Tall Tails' I think it's a taller version of the 'Bunny Tails'

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

It's a little taller than Fairy Tales, I think. If you're in the UK, the RHS lists suppliers here: www.rhs.org.uk/plants/168482/pennisetum-orientale-tall-tails/details. If in the US, I think the Missouri Botanic Garden details includes a Plant Finder: www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=261207

[@Cassieskins21]

Ab Fab👌👌✨✨

[@bigtomatoplantslover6205]

Wow Lovely Garden 😙 Thank you for good sharing 😊 Include LIKE976 , I leave 3 presents 🎁 My friend, always Stay connected. Have a nice day 😊 & Welcome to my channel ~~

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@sterlgirlceline]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌿🌳💚

[@Flower_hoarder]

🌿🎋🌳W🌻W‼️🌳🎋🌿

[@robturvey9156]

Lovely but it’s hard to relate this to the average garden.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I'm sorry you couldn't relate to it. But sometimes 'lovely' is cheering anyway.

[@kerryjean2223]

When Don Burke came back to Australia from his trip to North America and changing the pronunciation of certain words was quite novel in the beginning. But honestly, I'm over it. I find it quite annoying actually. No disrespect intended x 🌺🌸💮💜🙏😇🇦🇺🕊️

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I'd never consider the way I pronounce words to be correct - having grown up around different English-speaking cultures (US and 'English' English) and also interacting with other different English-speaking cultures (Australian, US, Canadian, English,Scottish, Irish and regional variations etc) on KZbin, I'd just count it as a win if someone actually understands what I'm talking about!

[@kerryjean2223]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden that cracked me up. You truly are a marvellous woman. I just read my comment and didn't even mention any of the words. I have to admit that I was surprised that a British subject such as yourself opted for the USA version. I have mentioned this topic in comment to the KZbin channel 'The Gardening Symplified Show'. I have also noticed different Americans, not just in the gardening world opt to start pronouncing certain words in the original English pronunciation which is refreshing I have to admit. No harm intended ever with any of my comments to anyone but I do have strong opinions on certain subjects. I am so grateful to all the KZbin channels that I regularly follow for their content. So, so much better than anything on TV. I don't watch TV and realised last night during a talk from one of our church pastors that I stopped watching TV very early on around the time I became a teenager. I don't even own a TV. I'm quite happy to just sit here with my little phone although I can't sit still for too long. I often pause something I might be watching to get up and fuss with something either inside or out. I'm a Spirit filled born again Christian as I have obeyed the one true gospel of Jesus the Christ to be born again of water and of the Spirit. Water is baptism by full emersion at an age of understanding and Spirit is to receive Gods gift of the Holy Ghost and Fire with the Holy Bible scriptures evidence of speaking in an unknown tongue as the Spirit gives utterance just like on the day of Pentecost. I could elaborate further but the Sun is up and my garden beckons me. Much love to you dear Alexandra x 💜💚😇🙏🇦🇺🕊️