John Coke, in the past, commissioned Piet Oudolf's first UK garden, and now, he unveils a fresh plot embodying the spirit of this renowned Dutch gardening preeminent.
In the picturesque countryside of East Sussex, horticulturist John Cokes has embarked on a new garden project at Narroways Barn.
John's garden is a symphony of greens and colours, with a variety of grasses taking centre stage. One such grass, the deciduous perennial Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster', graces the more sheltered front of the house, growing up to almost two meters tall and creating a screen around the entrance. Valued for its architectural qualities, its stiffly erect habit makes it the perfect subject for architectural or block planting.
Among the aesthetic grasses John has chosen is Hakonechloa macra. This grass forms low mounds of glossy green leaves that turn a foxy copper in autumn, adding a touch of autumnal charm to the garden. Another aesthetic grass, Stipa calamagrostis 'Algäu', with arching tan plumes that catch the morning light, also finds a home in John's garden.
John uses many different grasses at Narroways Barn, all chosen to fulfil one of three main functions: aesthetic, architectural, or practical. For instance, he uses a variety of tall Miscanthus species to create a bombproof yet permeable windbreak from the end of June on, while not blocking the view in the earlier part of the year. The annual daisy fleabane, Erigeron annuus, grows like a weed at Narroways Barn, self-seeding and reaching 1.8m tall, providing a splash of colour throughout the seasons.
Gravel paths edged with Corten steel run between beds filled with various plants such as Korean angelica, valerian, giant fennel, white nepeta, sweet cicely, and annual daisy fleabane. Behind the grid is a mound formed from spoil from the pond, reshaped to repeat the shape of the ridge of the Downs, and sown with a wildflower mix.
A double-sided border of blue and yellow plants, inspired by the main road into Brighton, has been created, featuring golden achillea and blue salvias. This border adds a vibrant pop of colour to the garden, creating a stunning contrast against the greens and browns of the grasses and the stone paths.
John Cokes' garden at Narroways Barn is a testament to his passion for horticulture and his eye for design. It's a garden that invites exploration and promises to evolve and grow with each passing season, offering a visual feast for visitors all year round.
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