The Sunshine Story

This border is designed to thrive in a sunny, free-draining spot with a relaxed, naturalistic feel. It brings together a carefully selected group of pollinator-friendly perennials, grasses, and aromatic herbs that provide movement, structure, and colour across the seasons.

Ideal Conditions:

• Light: Full sun (minimum 6 hours/day)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil; enrich with compost if needed
• Spacing: Allow airflow between plants for health and shape
• Style: Works beautifully in gravel, coastal, or informal cottage gardens

Before planting, clear the area of weeds, loosen the soil, and mix in organic matter. Set out your plants in their general positions before digging, using a mix of heights and textures to create rhythm and flow.

The border is professionally designed by Leonie Cornelis, Award Winning Garden Designer and Author in collaboration with Jo McGarry, co-owner of Caragh Nurseries using a timeless back–middle–front layering technique. This thoughtful structure brings depth, height and visual contrast, ensuring the planting scheme evolves beautifully through the seasons. Tall, architectural plants anchor the back, medium-height blooms add volume and texture in the middle and low-growing varieties provide a soft, welcoming edge at the front—creating a dynamic and harmonious display from every angle.

You’ll receive a customised planting plan tailored to the size of the bed you’ve selected. The layout is clearly divided into three sections—front, middle, and back—so you’ll know exactly what goes where. With Leonie’s expert design guiding you, it’s easy to create a balanced, professional-looking border, whatever your level of gardening experience.