A quaint urban garden underwent a remarkable transformation, now resembling a tiny, enchanting woodland glade, complete with nine trees and tasteful design elements.
In the heart of South London, a hidden gem of a garden has emerged, designed and planted by Stefano Marinaz. This secret garden, with its design and planting strategy centred around two small seating areas connected by a long, meandering slate chip path, invites visitors on a journey of exploration and intimacy.
The garden's planting strategy emphasises a rich variety of species, creating diverse textures and layers. These are integrated along the path and seating zones to enhance the garden's secretive, tranquil atmosphere. The garden was designed and planted in February 2023.
One of the stars of this garden is Epimedium x warleyense 'Orangekönigin'. This plant is happy in most situations, as long as it has some moisture, and boasts heart-shaped foliage and dainty, orange flowers in spring. Its size is 30cm x 80cm, making it an ideal addition to the garden's intimate seating areas. It is hardy in RHS H6 and USDA 4a-8b.
Another noteworthy plant is Dryopteris erythrosora. This fern adds a touch of shimmering pink to the garden, as its new fronds emerge, only to age to green. It is easy to grow in most situations and has a size of 75cm x 75cm. It holds an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society (AGM).
The garden also features Lunaria annua 'Chedglow', a purple-leaved honesty that self-seeds freely. Its size is 75cm x 75cm, and it is hardy in RHS H6. Stefano Marinaz sources his seed from Special Plants to ensure it comes true. The plant's coin-like seedheads self-seed, adding to the garden's natural beauty.
The towering Ginkgo biloba adds a touch of grandeur to the garden. This tree, with its fan-shaped leaves that turn golden yellow in autumn, is hardy in RHS H6 and USDA 3a-8b. However, it's important to buy a male or sterile tree as female trees drop smelly fruits in autumn. Its size is 25m x 6m.
Last but not least, the dwarf Scots pine Pinus sylvestris 'Watereri' responds well to pruning and has lower branches that will need to be removed as it grows. Its size is 3m x 6m, and it is hardy in RHS H7.
Each of these plants contributes to the garden's rich tapestry of textures, colours, and sizes, creating a secret garden that invites exploration and offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of the city.
- Stefano Marinaz, the designer of the secret garden in South London, carefully selected various plants such as Epimedium x warleyense, Dryopteris erythrosora, Lunaria annua 'Chedglow', Ginkgo biloba, and a dwarf Scots pine Pinus sylvestris 'Watereri', which collectively contribute to the garden's rich tapestry of textures, colors, and sizes.
- Gardening enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse range of species found in the garden design by Stefano Marinaz, including Epimedium x warleyense 'Orangekönigin', known for its heart-shaped foliage and dainty, orange flowers.
- The garden design seamlessly integrates interior-design elements and lifestyle preferences, blending an intimate home-and-garden ambiance with the tranquility of nature, showcased through plants like Dryopteris erythrosora, a fern with shimmering pink fronds.
- The mysterious and secluded garden design by Stefano Marinaz features a spectacular Ginkgo biloba tree, which, in autumn, displays fan-shaped leaves that turn golden yellow, adding a touch of grandeur to the garden.
- The garden design by Stefano Marinaz includes Lunaria annua 'Chedglow', a self-seeding plant whose purple-leaved honesty adds natural beauty, and a dwarf Scots pine Pinus sylvestris 'Watereri', which responds well to pruning and can fit comfortably within the garden's intimate seating areas.
