A raised timber planter showcases a vibrant mix of white, purple, pink, and blue flowers with green foliage, accented by clear glass globe ornaments.
Garden Makers Competition

Beneath the Border

Designed by Alex Jensen-Humphreys
Photo: GardensDB
About this garden

The story

Beneath the Border explores the idea that root structure is as important as flower in plant selection. Designed for compacted clay soils common in the UK, this border demonstrates horticultural understanding through a carefully composed palette of perennials chosen for their contrasting root systems. Mixed fibrous-rooted plants stabilise and build the upper soil layers, while the rhizomatous roots of Iris sibirica navigate and bind the surface. Woody-rooted Pittosporum provide long-term stability. At the core, Lupinus penetrate dense soil, improving aeration and drainage, while fixing nitrogen to naturally enrich soil fertility and demonstrating how planting can actively transform the ground below.

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