Water laps almost up to an expanse of high quality oak decking, but we hardly see it because our eyes travel between the flowers and the seating area. The plants in the foreground include a mix of lilac scabious and agastache, red achillea and the glaucous leaves of cerinthe major (honeywort).
A traditional woven willow fence shelters this contemporary garden and provides privacy. Arching branches of a willow tree with finger-like leaves break up the lines and add a dipping motion: were we there, we could see the wind in them.
While this is a show garden, designed by Nicola Oakey as part of the Young Designer Competition at the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show, it makes me think what a bright spot having a private, peaceful garden must have been during the last year of lockdowns. No wonder the horticulture trade is booming.
Susan Rushton 
What a blue palette is there! Watery in its own way even if we can’t see the moat, which seems like the perfect enclosure. I’ll take tea here, thank you.
o tranquil. What a delight.
oh wouldn’t this be lovely – be wonderful to have a spot like this in the garden
No doubt about it! My daughter was wearing a big smile on Zoom tonight after an hour in the garden playing with new arrivals 🙂 🙂
Oh, doesn’t this look lovely. Such a nice chunky decking and pretty planting. This is most definitely my kind of spot.
The horticulture trade is booming here also, Susan, (Even though we no longer have any community transmitted virus sufferers – only returning overseas travellers in hotel quarantine).
The garden design in your photo is just perfect for a small(ish) space and so uplifting and calming.
The lapping must sound inviting
It looks like a very beautiful setting, particularly the way you describe it, Susan. I love the informal planting of the flowers. 🙂
I’d be very happy to spend my afternoons there – bliss!