In the last episode of this garden re-design, a flat slab of Soleirolia-infested side lawn was converted into a raised, crescent-shaped bed. Here in the 2-d outline plan I’ve squeezed and pasted an image of the new side garden for illustration.
Stage 4: half-moon gravelling of top lawn (making the lawn mower redundant)
The Corsican curse of Soleirolia soleirolii had already moved on to colonise the top lawn and so my overly optimistic Stage 2 endeavour to salvage the shady grass fell through. Actually this was a blessing, as back at the drawing board, it became obvious that by gravelling over this area too, the courtyard garden would look much more cohesive and more expansive in the process. 1
top lawn falls victim to the Corsican curse
Work began as the growing season came to a halt. I skimmed off 2 inch spadefuls of weedy turf, turning and laying it around the bedding margins, to overwinter. Though poor quality, the sods would at least add precious inches to the soil levels. Next came the all important permeable weed-supressant membrane which allows water to drain through and small insects to circulate. With some vintage bricks reclaimed from a local source, I constructed a rustic (!) semi-circular edging, which doubled as anchoring weights throughout the windy, winter days.
preparing the top patio and container garden
Opportunely, I’d also discovered some decorous, marble floor tiles, just begging to be reclaimed. Initially the idea was to use them as stepping-stoned paving through the gravel but this was impractical. Marble in the wet is slippery; add mud and it would be an ice rink. The matt undersides though safer for pedestrians, were far less attractive and so I was stuck with the tiles and no solution until the eureka! moment of uniting them as a central, hard-standing area for container plant displays. 2
With the onset of Spring, the gravel is in place and the potted area is starting to develop but that awaits another posts. Here is a tantalising glimpse of the new garden area, overhung with this months’ signature plant.
spurt of Spring growth from March to April
Plant #4: Some of my favourite plants are the garden toughies and Epimediums fall into this category, with E. x versicolor ‘Sulphureum’ being one of the most notable, even in dry shade. Making its way back from semi-deciduous winter appearance, this woodlander is somewhat scruffy as it puts on a consecutive first flowering and neonatal leaves. Gardening advice suggests removing the old foliage at ground level in March, so as to fully reveal the novel forms and colours. Instead I trim off the very straggliest, allowing last year’s leaves to mature fully into purple bronze, which makes for a striking contrast.
neonatal leaf form and colour
This is a 50-50 plant in my book which means I grow it as much for its foliage as for its flowers. The young leaves are crimson and hairy like begonia leaves, quickly becoming a compact, heart-shaped ground-cover of lime tones with mosaiced blushings. Vigorous without becoming a strangler, the rhizomatous clumps can be divided after flowering or in Autumn and as added bonus make ivy-substitute, foliage spillers for container gardens.
flower and foliage contrasts of 'Sulphureum'
The yellow hued bi-colored contrast between sepal and petal is what gave ‘Sulphureum’ it’s name when raised by Donckelaar in Ghent in the mid 1800s. Spurred like a columbine, collared like a daffodil and yellow as primroses – the blooms are hard to describe but have a strange, squat beauty that is dangled before the admiring gaze on wiry stems. A few cut flowers and foliage make a delicate display, in a bud vase.
Sulphur yellows and soft, spiny-edged leaflets
The common names of Bishop’s hat is reference to the mitred bloom shapes whereas Barrenwort and Horny Goat signify the differing and literal medicinal action of fertility and virility on the sexes. Having drunk a standardised leaf tea of Epimedium I can only vouch for it being soporific but a brew of freshly picked Spring leaves from the garden might prove more stimulating.
The RHS has given E. x versicolor ‘Sulphureum’ its AGM meritorious award and I second that. Were there more growing room, I would want to collect other varieties but for now this one makes a strikingly reliable signature plant and is April’s offering in the ‘ Dozen for Diana’ courtyard garden meme.
Dedication: With especial thanks to Diane who has given me a loose reign in the makeover of her garden and despite the baffling explanations I put forth as proposals, trusts me enough to go ahead anyway.
Interesting post, I like how you added the 3D bit to the plan … I didn’t know that Londoners were being encouraged to keep lawns.
I have a weedy lawn and a weedy patio (the flower beds and woodland are weedy too).
The lawn takes a few minutes to mow and looks neat and tidy whatever is growing in it. The patio and paths take literally days to de-weed by hand.
b-a-g read my post..Cacti (22 APR 2012)
front lawns especially. No weeds in an organic garden b-a-g – only uninvited guests
Luscious combination of crimson and lime in the leaves, and I shall quote your charming description of the flowers – as a hook from my post.
Elephant’s Eye read my post..Always the bridesmaid, never the bride
am enjoying this meme as it makes me look and appreciate the featured plant so much more
We took out all the grass at our last house, a townhouse. I think it was perfect for a small yard. I would like to do that here on a larger lot, but it will take some time. We have quite a lot of landscaping as it is…we have been working on it from the beginning. It will take some time…
The Sage Butterfly read my post..Inspiration
I love all epimediums and Sulphureum is a great groundcover. It seems like the urging to keep lawns would be as opposed to an impermeable surface. Garden beds are even better at preventing run off.
Carolyn @ Carolyns Shade Gardens read my post..I LOVE Mice
yes – increases bedding size and gravel rather than concrete as long as membrane is permeable
We also removed most of the grass on our property and converted the area to garden…. a lovely way to prevent run-off and keep “green space”. Our garden is a certified wildlife habitat. I love what you did here as well.
What a beautiful garden
I got rid of the rest of the grass in my London garden last autumn, it was just a small strip anyway and it took me longer to drag the mower outside, connect it and put it back again than actually doing the mowing. Now I got huge flower beds and a gravelled path, so no problems with drainage and lots more space for more plants 
Helene read my post..Be careful what you wish for….
if this area had been sunnier, might have paved pathways throughout with large grout spaces for grass
Oh, gosh. I was just over at Rhone Street Gardens, and Scott included several lovely shots of Epimediums! I’ve been meaning to plant some for years. I think this is a sign that it’s time!
PlantPostings read my post..Plant of the month: Lily-of-the-Valley
and spoilt for choice with these too Beth
interesting how many of us have removed grass.
- PP the landscaping nearly done here which is the beauty of a small space
- thanks and welcome Cathy & Steve
I love what you have done. A number of years ago I considered getting rid of the grass in the round garden. We had so many trees the grass barely saw the light of day. I got rid of so many trees, the garden is now a happier place and the grass is looking great. I also have the epimediums and enjoy them for the leaves, I have always been going to check out the variety with the largest flowers.
Alistair read my post..Muscari Latifolium
isn’t that the grandiflorums? Sulphureum is among the larger bloomers
A lot of work and imagination.
Lucy Corrander read my post..A WALK FROM THE BEACH
Lucy my body has struggled with the lifts and shifts and the mind with inspiration
I like the plan and how it is evolving…Epimediums are 50-50 in my garden but I do love them…not sure if any will show themselves after this crazy April
Donna@Gardens Eye View read my post..I’ve Been Missing You
most just need a little shelter whatever the weather
I am looking forward to seeing the completed garden! I planted epimediums for the first time only a couple of years ago, and now they are a favorite. They are flourishing in my woodland garden, some with orange, others with yellow or white blooms.
have my heart set on a bi-coloured maroon and white…and a woodland garden
Laura you have been busy, heartwarming to follow you pouring your creativity and passion into another metropolitan slice of paradise. I love epimediums, hope to add some to a woodland corner later in the year.
Sara x
hillwards read my post..April Review
especially appreciate your comments and visit Sara with your recent sad times