The Formal Garden, Holland Park, London

Beautiful photo David, love the clipped hedges and yet the foreground planting looks very relaxed. Lovely!

Very interesting, David. Can't decide if I really like it or not... I love the formal style beds... and I love the cottage garden contents of the foreground section...but I don't think the combination works. Only my opinion, mind you. I've thought once or twice about trying a knot garden...but it's too regimented for me... I love the seeming chaos of a cottage garden border. But, you never should say never, right?

Right, Lori, lol! The only fault I'd find with this planting is the height of the tall cardoons - they look very out of place here.

looks like they may have had a cardoon crop failure. perhaps they bolted to seed...and didn't produce the lovely fountain of silver grey foliage that they were expected to produce...it would be spectacular if that were the case... especially with the lavender in the mid section...well that's nature for you... we make our plans and she dispenses!! LOL.