The Timeless English Long Border

The English Long Border (aka Herbaceous Border) originated during the Victorian era. Consisting of large swaths of perennial color that also became synonymous with the Cottage Garden Design Movement for which the famous Gertrud Jekyll was known for. It is a relaxed style of design but one that requires great expertise and knowledge. Knowing bloom seasons and lengths, partnering with visual color combinations, as well as plant adaptability to the location are some of the factors that are vital but also mandatory in all good plant design. What sets the long border apart is the design process of creating a fluid length of border that is neither busy nor scattered to the eye. One way this can be achieved is by dividing the length into sections and then repeating the section of design again where the first section stops. This design technique creates a repetition of pattern and color for the length of the bed.

Some things to bear in mind, you are designing for 3 seasons of color and adding annuals can help make the process easier due to their long bloom times. Long borders are serious work. There is the dividing and deadheading but if you enjoy it or have help you won’t mind.

And in my humble opinion, I only wish I would get more clients greet me with a handshake and say, “please create an English Long Border in my backyard” because delighted would be an understatement!