The Claudia de Yong Blog

A personal shopping service for your plants, trees or shrubs

Claudia de Yong choosing shrubs for a client. Photo by Mick Toon.

 

An often overlooked benefit of using a garden designer is the 'personal shopping' aspect...

Before we begin physically working on a client's garden, a lot of work needs to be done first. Once the designs for a client have been approved, the task of pricing and planning the build begins. Sourcing plants and trees from different nurseries all over the country can be very time consuming but it is also a very important part of the process as I believe in getting the best for my clients. While visiting the nurseries, Mick or I will often take pictures of the plants and send them to my clients – standing next to trees so they can see their approximate size and scale. We'll then 'tag' the trees to reserve them (most nurseries or garden centres will let you do this for a couple of days).

 

Claudia de Yong stands next to an olive tree. Photographed quickly using an iPhone camera by Mick Toon, this gives the client a good idea of scale and the exact tree we are referring to in our brief.

 

Hand-selecting specific plants is an invaluable service we offer all of our clients – that complements our garden design and build business and, we believe, creates real added-value. It ensures we secure the best possible quality for the available budget and means a client gets to see, for example, the actual tree that will be planted in their garden. This might seem obvious, but the alternative – buying via the internet – is not so reliable. While the internet is an amazing resource, and there are many reputable nurseries who sell online and aim to send you the best available plants, there is nothing quite like physically checking the plant, tree or shrub for yourself. Scale for one thing can be hard to imagine and, purely for logistcal reasons, you will probably not receive the actual plant you see on a nursery's website.

In a way, this part of our service is similar to a personal shopper at your favourite department store. Experience, a keen eye and objectivity means we can offer you unbiased advice and save you money by choosing the right plants for the design, the soil and the environment. We also have an extensive list of suppliers and will know which nurseries are most likely to have the plants you need or want.

This service is not limited to living plants or trees, we also offer a garden styling service to clients and can help you find the perfect outdoor furniture or accessories to suit the overall design and space. For more information please visit our website or email me at claudia@claudiadeyongdesigns.com

 

Advantages of a water garden – it's a great way to use a natural dip

A landscaped pond takes advantage of a natural dip in the ground. Photo courtesy Liz Elcoate on Pinterest.

Continuing our short series: Introducing a water 'feature' into your landscape garden design is an ideal way to take advantage of any natural depression you may have in your garden and could be beneficial for what otherwise might be un-useable land. 

If there is a slight dip in your land that tends to get water-logged (which appears to be increasingly common in some parts of the UK) it may be a good area for a natural pond.
 
Dramatic changes in levels can actually be part of the overall design and can help with creating very natural flowing streams and cascades. (Although, a still pond will look better on a more level site.)

 

Naturally occuring pond in Cheshire, 'Black Lake'. photo © Andrew Walmsley.

 

Ponds tend to occur naturally wherever there are dips and hollows in the landscape, especially near rivers and streams and they can support numerous species of plants & wildlife, including aquatic plants, rushes, dragonflies, birds, invertebrates and amphibians (frogs, newts etc).

 

A natural garden pond in Essex, UK. Photographed by Clivel Nichols.

A drop-down garden drinks bar is perfect for a hot summers night

Country Living Magazine recycles an old dresser draw to make this outdoor drinks cabinet. Photo: Burcu Avsar.

 

A long spell of hot weather means we naturally live more outdoors, and much of the UK is experiencing the best summer we've had since 2006. So if you're entertaining in the garden this summer, how about your own wall-mounted drinks bar? We've found several that follow a slim design with links to either make your own or if you're not that adventurous but want to support recycling, then try the 'Loll Wallbanger' by Loll Designs who make all their products from 100% recycled high density polyethylene (plastic milk jugs). Apparently since 2005, Loll Designs has kept over 18 million milk jugs out of landfills. Fantastic.

Instructions for an alternative 'Upcycled Drink Station' (see photo above) with a simple construction by editor Ryan McPhail can be found on the Country Living Magazine website.

Diagrams on how to construct this using sheets of wood rather than recycling a drawer, have also been created and posted on the Home-Dzine blog.

 

Make your own: A 'Murphy Bar' made of cedar wood by This Old House. Photo by Laura Moss

 

To make your own, drop-down bar out of cedar wood, this link at This Old House has a video that shows you how – they call it a Murphy Bar. Made of naturally rot-resistant cedar, it also happens to be safe for food handling and, we think, very attractive to look at.

 

To buy: the 'Loll Wallbanger' outdoor wall bar

The Loll Wallbanger (made from recycled milk cartons) is named after the famous mixologist Duke Antone, who invented the Harvey Wallbanger in the 1950s. A hinged panel door doubles as a work surface and interior magnets hold it closed when not in use. The interior will store bottles and a built-in shelf will hold tools, glassware, and other bar tending equipment.

So, whether you make your own or buy one, these cabinets all have a slim design that would fit neatly onto most wall spaces, whether as part of an overall outdoor kitchen area or a small patio garden. Perfect for entertaining on a hot summers night.

This links to a post on our Facebook page, visit us there for more gardening news and inspiration.

Landscaping Live demonstrations at final day of the Hampton Court Flower Show prove a great success

Claudia de Yong on the Landscape Live demonstration stand as Phil Tremayne prepares to give a demonstration on tree planting.

It was another baking hot day at the Hampton Court Flower Show on Sunday (in some places much higher than the predicted 30 degrees). It was my turn to help out with the commentary for the set demonstrations during the day (other APL* members, including Paul Baker and Richard Bickler have been doing the same during the week). It was a rather daunting task talking to the packed crowds and I was a little nervous to begin with but it was great fun despite the heat. Hats off to Phil Tremayne who has been here all week physically doing the demonstrations on tree planting and lawn laying, six times a day! Amazing work on our behalf and all APL members owe him, and Donna, a huge round of thanks...  

Hertfordshire Garden Challenge: Week one

Planting native and non-native trees along hand-woven fence

 

After week one in Hertfordshire, we've already removed a massive Leylandii hedge, and cleared and levelled the whole area. The ground was full of flint and stone (it's near the Chilterns) so it was extremely hard to excavate. My tree surgeons began by cutting down the hedge surround vegetation and then the rest of the team used diggers to clear the roots and debris, bag it and take everything to skips at the front of the house.

We've erected a hand-woven, panelled fence and begun planting new trees, using a selection of native and non-native species (some evergreen), to act as a screen from neighbouring houses. Work is still ongoing but in one week it shows what can be achieved. The client is getting a puppy and needs secure fencing to surround the property.

The Peace Lily is a unanimous choice for eFIG's 'Office Plant of the Year' 2013

The Peace Lily, garden nursery. Photo: Courtesy The Plant People

This week is 'National Plants at Work Week' which got off to a great start with the announcement that the Peace Lily was a unanimous choice by the judging panel for eFIG's 'Office Plant of the Year' 2013.

I was unfortunately unable to attend the final judging this year due to illness but liaised with the panel and sent in my 'telephone vote' (with thanks to Colleen Smith for all her help). After a couple of months of voting by eFIG members and website visitors, a final shortlist of three plants was selected. Of these, we all agreed that the winner, the Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum), ticked all the boxes. As two of my fellow panelists, Lisa and Jim Wilkinson of Pro Landscaper Magazine said “The Peace Lily fits all the criteria. Not only is it a beautiful looking plant giving a sense of calm but it also cleans the air." And it requires little maintenance too – so no need to worry if you don't have 'green thumbs'! Just give it a good drink of water once a week. [Read more]

Planting-up the APL's Landscaping Live demonstration garden at the Hampton Court Flower Show

The 'Landscaping Live' demonstration stand at the Hampton Court Flower Show, planting-up by Claudia de Yong and team from the APL

For the last two days I've been planting-up the 'Landscaping Live' demonstration garden at Hampton Court Flower Show. The concept was devised by Mark Gregory of Landform Consultants and the RHS. The idea is to show you how it's possible to transform a shabby front garden into a beautiful one, with demonstrations on 'how to plant a tree or small shrub', lay turf or put-down decking, by APL members (Association of Professional Landscapers). [Read more]

Lovely Lavender – it's very nearly that time of year again!

     

It's very nearly that time of year again when the heavenly smell of lavender fills the air. This non-indigenous shrub works just fine in the UK. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and thrives in a sunny border, container or herb garden.

Lavender (Lavandula) is generally easy to grow and will produce masses of beautifully scented flowers (some more than others, depending on the variety) above green or silvery-grey foliage. Often referred to as 'English Lavender' the plant is originally from the Mediterranean area, and can reach up to 1.8m (6ft) high, growing on the dry, sun-baked hillsides of Provence. In domestic gardens it prefers a well-drained position in full sun but will generally tolerate many growing conditions – except permanently damp or water-logged ground, or if too exposed to the wind. A 'lean' soil will encourage a higher concentration of oils; an alkaline, and especially chalky soil, will enhance the lavenders' fragrance (dependent on the variety, check before planting).

 

        


If you are planting in containers, a compact variety is best. Try L. angustifolia ‘Nana Alba’ or Spanish lavender (L. stoechas subsp. pedunculata). 'Hidcote' is a compact variety suitable for growing in borders or as dwarf hedging and is one of the most popular lavenders in this country, with its dense silver-grey foliage, covered in fragrant, blue flower spikes that appear from July onwards. Bear in mind that although lavender has a large, spreading root system, it prefers growing in a tight space. A pot that can accommodate the root ball with a couple of inches to spare would be a good choice. Too large a pot will only encourage excessive dampness. If you want to use a larger pot for aesethic reasons (eg. a dolly bucket or zinc tub), try planting the lavender in a smaller container first before putting it inside the tub and ensure that there is adequate drainage.

 

     

 

If you have varying conditions in your garden or outside space, you can always grow your lavender in pots and move them (if inclined) to follow the sun or even bring the containers indoors for the winter.

Lavender, whether in containers or borders, may need to be replaced after several years but if you follow some simple pruning techniques, then many varieties will do well for many years to come. Prune after the main flowering period has passed (approximately the beginning of the second week of August), cutting back to about 8 inches above ground level and shape into small mounds. Then leave alone until the Spring before doing another, light prune.

Lavender is an extremely versatile plant. Not only is it beautiful to look at, it attracts wildlife to your garden, it can be used to scent the home, scent your clothes and cupboards, be used in perfume and can even be added to ice cream or home made biscuits.

................................................................................................................................

Here are a few links:

The Lavender Garden (specialist nursery)

RHS - Lavender

Lavender Recipes

Somerset Lavender Farm - article

Cotswold Lavender

Growing Lavender

Shropshire Lavender

Photos: via Pinterest with thanks, please see boards for sources.