Italian Garden at Borde Hill Garden gets a new design

Work is now underway and once the garden is able to reopen following the lockdown, visitors will find a simplified scheme for the lower terrace designed to emphasise the formal nature of the space.

The existing triangular beds have been enlarged and defined by variegated boxes.

Impact in these triangles will come from pairs of what Chris described as ‘explosive punctuation plants’, supported by herbaceous partner plants.

Stunning fritillaria imperialis, planted in 2019, will remain and terracotta pots edging the central formal pool will begin the season with a beautiful display of tulips, followed by agapanthus later in summer.

The Italian Garden was originally a tennis court until Robert Stephenson Clarke, father of the current owner, Andrewjohn converted it in the early 1980s.

Now, the formal arrangement of York paving slabs, neatly edged borders and fine terracotta pots alongside the rectangular pool combined with wonderful views over the Sussex parkland create a tranquil setting that’s much loved by visitors.

The Upper Terrace, redesigned in 2010 by Andrewjohn and Eleni Stephenson Clarke following their trips to Italy, continues the overall theme in this part of the garden, with an arrangement of magnolia grandiflora ‘Kay Parris’ in beds edged with myrtle.

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