The ‘jungle' garden

Every inch of Roger and Hazel Lecouteur’s jungle-like garden is filled with plants, creating another world from the city on their doorstep, says Sue Bradley

- Sue Bradley

Mix together conifers, such as different types of pinus, with ferns and the exotic-looking fan-like leaves of Trachycarpus fortunei for an attractive display of greenery

LAYERS of leafy loveliness greet Hazel and Roger Lecouteur every time they venture into their back garden. This exuberant jungle-like plot sitting behind a semi-detached 1960s house on the outskirts of Gloucester represents a journey of discovery for the couple, both of whom are passionate about certain families of plants.

With Roger it’s all about pinus, hydrangea and acer, which co-exist happily with the 30 palm trees he put in shortly after becoming interested in gardening 35 years ago. Hazel, on the other hand, is mad on carnivorous plants, describing them as ‘different’.

The Lecouteurs’ beautiful garden began with a pickaxe, with Roger delivering some healthy blows to the concrete that covered much of the area behind his home.

“I had been at a loose end one day,” recalls the retired policeman. “I thought about what I wanted to do with the garden and started by breaking up the concrete, before digging out a triangular pond. I also got rid of a greenhouse, which I never used.

Add a tropical touch by planting rosemary grevillea (Grevillea rosmarinifolia), an evergreen shrub from Australia with needle-like leaves and fuchsia-pink flowers. This plant thrives in a sheltered spot

“Since then the garden has evolved: there’s never been a plan, as I see things and keep making changes. Over time I’ve put in two waterfalls, and I’ve been through phases of liking grasses and tree ferns. In the past four or five years