A cozy, naturalistic balcony garden features a timber-clad cabin, a multi-stemmed tree in a large wicker planter, and various potted plants surrounding rustic wooden furniture on a black deck.
Balcony Garden Gold Medal

Tales from the Riverbank Garden

Designed by Susie Kennedy, Kate Henning
Photo: GardensDB
About this garden

The story

Tales from the Riverbank offers a river-dwelling bird's-eye view of a young couple's dream - a small but perfectly formed floating home with a fully functioning garden. Away from the hustle and bustle of working life, it blends seamlessly with the natural riverbank environment.

This garden celebrates the arts and crafts of a bygone era of riverside living, an approach enjoying a revival as more people seek a simpler, more connected way of life. It reflects a community that works together to preserve the integrity of the riverbank, rather than closing the door on the outside world.

Key features include a dipping tank, an outdoor entertaining and cooking area, and clever use of space, utilising the boat's roof to grow edibles.

Award

Recognition

  • Gold Medal
    RHS
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Photography

Gallery

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Photo:
Planting

Plant lists

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Trees & Shrubs 4

Camellia sinensis
Corylus avellana 'Contorta'
Crataegus × lavallei 'Carrierei'
Malus × zumi 'Golden Hornet'

Perennials 13

Geum 'Tempo Orange'
Geum 'Tempo Rose'
Geum rivale 'Totally Tangerine'
Iris 'Paprikash'
Muhlenbergia complexa
Pelargonium graveolens 'Scented Orange'
Phlomoides tuberosa 'Amazone'
Polemonium caeruleum 'Lamrook Mauve'
Ribes sanguineum
Salvia rosmarinus 'Prostrata Group'
Sanguisorba minor
Scabiosa columbaria 'Butterfly Blue'
Thalictrum aquilegiifolium
Calamagrostis canadensis

Herbs/Veg 9

Carum carvi
Anthriscus cerefolium
Crambe maritima
Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum'
Fragaria × ananassa 'Pink Panda'
Houttuynia cordata 'Flore Pleno'
Melissa officinalis
Pisum sativum 'Serge'
Rumex scutatus

Water Plants 5

Acorus calamus
Baldellia ranunculoides
Mentha pulegium
Myosotis palustris
Tropaeolum majus
Helping hands

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