Garden Design - part 5

So, last month we looked at the planting to add interest from Winter to Spring, this month we look at the Spring into Summer transition.

As late spring moves into early summer, the garden begins to feel fresher, fuller and more energetic. The stone wall on the east side continues to play an important role, absorbing warmth during the day and creating a sheltered microclimate that encourages strong, healthy growth. Plants growing close to the wall and the house benefit from this protection, coming into flower earlier and holding their colour as summer settles in.

From the patio, the deciduous woodland remains a constant backdrop, but its character is light and airy at this stage of the year. Fresh greens dominate, with newly emerged leaves creating a soft, almost luminous canopy. I want the planting in the garden to reflect this sense of renewal and vitality, using fresh foliage, early flowers and varied textures to link the garden visually with the woodland beyond.

In the borders, spring-flowering plants begin to overlap with early summer perennials, creating a layered and abundant look. The focus shifts from low-growing spring interest to taller plants that add height, movement and colour. Early summer perennials begin to shine, while foliage plants fill out, reducing gaps and giving the borders a cohesive, flowing feel.

As summer develops, colour becomes bolder and more confident. Perennials such as rudbeckia, echinacea and early-flowering asters start to establish their presence, setting the tone for the season ahead. At the same time, ornamental grasses push upwards, providing soft vertical accents and movement that catch the light and add contrast to the stronger flower forms.

Shrubs play an important supporting role during this period. The evergreen laurels provide steady structure, while the Photinia Red Robin produces fresh red growth that adds vibrant highlights among the predominantly green planting. Skimmia contributes dense, glossy foliage that helps knit the borders together as herbaceous plants increase in size.

In the grassed areas, spring bulbs fade discreetly as the lawn and surrounding plants take over. Their leaves are allowed to die back naturally, while developing perennials and ornamental grasses begin to dominate. Around the rockery and along the path edges, low-growing plants provide texture and colour, ensuring these areas remain visually interesting as the garden moves fully into summer.

Planting in containers on the patio evolves too. Spring displays can be refreshed with summer herbs and ornamentals that enjoy warmer conditions. Plants such as heuchera, ornamental grasses, rosemary and sage offer both decorative value and practicality, ensuring the patio remains attractive and usable throughout the warmer months.

By planning carefully for this late spring to summer transition, the garden builds momentum rather than peaking too early. Fresh foliage, emerging flowers and strong structural planting create a sense of abundance and continuity, setting the scene for the richer colours and textures that will follow later in the season.