The Coastal Garden

 - 'getting the West Point House gardens ready for a post covid summer', with gardener John

Gardener John Belshaw has tended the grounds & gardens of West Point House for over 3 years, tasked with turning what were large & rather unkempt gardens into the beautiful outdoor spaces our residents & guests now enjoy,   - so especially important with the warmer weather approaching, & outdoors remaining the most sensible place to socialise during covid

Walney Island is celebrated & notorious for sunshine & wind (in equal measure), the shape of the trees having a signature ‘Walney curve’ as they brace the elements. The saline marshes that cover both the north & south end of the island mean its natural vegetation consists of salt tolerant plants, shrubs & grasses, which can make it something of a challenge when planting a garden that is open to these extremes of weather & environment. We asked John for his advice on maintaining a garden subject to the strong winds of Walney Island -

 - “Your garden should be planted in a way that alleviates the harsh elements & creates pockets of shelter to protect plants, spaced out evenly to allow for growth in the summer & cut back during the winter”

John’s choice of plants for West Point House consists of Valerian, Spirea, Geraniums, Formium & Alchemilla Mollis, along with Daffodils, Bluebells, Tulips & Daisies, which create a continual bloom that starts in late winter & continues through spring into summer

 - “These are hardy base plants that spread well & form a lovely colourful backdrop, but are low maintenance & return each year,   - we also have Bamboo, Mint & Hydrangea, which add height & depth, & provide some much-needed shelter to the more delicate plants”

Although the Walney weather can be unforgiving at times, the upside of a coastal garden is the reduced risk of frost over the winter months. Bulbs can be planted during spring to flower from March, cut back in autumn & left till the following year, where they will return in larger numbers,   - a proven way to manage a low maintenance garden that thrives -

 - www.westpointhousewalney.com/gallery