The Art of Grass

Think grasses, think Neil Lucas, owner of the beautiful Knoll Gardens, in Hampreston, Dorset; what Neil doesn’t know about grasses is definitely not worth knowing. A visit to his showcase garden is always an inspiration, no matter how often I visit. A stunning selection of grasses are planted cheek by jowl with shrubs and perennials, affording visitors a variety of vignettes to be tried and tested in their own gardens.

Magnificent miscanthus, shimmering stipa and delicate deschampsia are interspersed with rivers of Verbena bonariensis, Gaura ‘Whirling Butterflies’ and Echinops ritro. Sumptuous, bold plantings of ruby-coloured Persicaria amplexicailis and golden, yellow Rudbeckia laciniata are repeated throughout the garden providing colour, structure and a reassuring rhythm.

The garden comprises a pleasing mix of shady walkways edged with deep, well-planted borders, open, grassed vistas edged with mature Eucalyptus trees, gravelled plantings, a gushing waterfall and the Dragon Garden.

A beautiful garden which can be visited year-round.

For more information visit: https://www.knollgardens.co.uk/Garden.asp

Author: Mike the Gardener

Freelance gardening writer, consultant and designer. Mike Palmer is a passionate and professional plantsman, offering services in garden writing, consultancy and garden design. Mike is also available for garden and plant related talks and presentations. Mike has been a professional horticulturalist for over fifteen years. View all posts by Mike the Gardener