The front raised bed was created to show off the beauty and diversity of Penstemon. This genus of plants will grow in sun or semi-shade but requires good drainage and with our heavy clay soil, this is an ideal location for them to thrive and therefore most will flower from June to October. All the plants used in this raised bed were propagated originally from one of the National Collections of Penstemon.
As a complete contrast the rear bed has been planted with Hostas which require the absolute opposite as far as growing conditions are concerned. They like a moisture retentive soil, generally in shade or semi-shade. These plants are of interest from early summer right through until autumn. The majority of this collection was donated to us by local Hosta enthusiasts, Reverend Robert and Shirley Chesterton.