Best-ever BORDERS

Get the planting scheme of your dreams by creating one of these easy styles

- KATY HOLLAND

ROMANTIC PRETTY PASTELS

A dreamy, jumbled border of pillowy blooms in gentle pastel shades creates a traditional, country cottage-garden feel, even in the middle of a town or city. Perfect for a sunny spot or to light up a partly shaded border, a romantic pastel scheme can showcase beloved English border classics – think blowsy roses, towering hollyhocks and fragrant phlox in delicate, muted blues, sugary pinks and creamy yellows.

This look is all about informality – avoid planting in straight lines or defined patterns and instead create loosely repeated, closely spaced groups, allowing them to cascade naturally over paths or lawns and weave through each other to add to the overall charm.

A romantic border looks effortless but needs planning and maintenance. Selfsowers need reining in, perennials need periodic dividing, and deadheading large numbers of blooms can be time-consuming, but the joy they give far outweighs the work.

Five key plants

Hairy chervil (Chaerophyllum hirsutum ‘Roseum’) is like a pink cow parsley, and adds structure and froth.

Foxgloves, such as Digitalis purpurea ‘Excelsior Hybrid’, come in a range of delectable pastel shades, including pinks, lavenders and whites.

Repeat-flowering shrub rose ‘Olivia Rose Austin’ has delectable pink blooms that flower early and carry on well into autumn.

Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are a must-have – try ‘Heirloom Pastel Mix’ for profuse, fragrant blooms.

Silver foliage accentuates pastel hues perfectly – try French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) and lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina).

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