Fern Border and Yew Sails

The first Fern Border, 1956

The Fern Border was moved to the present site in 1970

Ferns in the newly established border, 1971

The border showing the Istrian Font, 1970

The original Fern Border had been planted by Sybil in 1955 and was next to the stone wall bordering the Pinetum.  After the raised canal had been built however, Robin and Sybil moved the ferns to form a new border, nearer the Herb Garden. Robin wrote:

“The new border is backed by a dry stone wall, so I was able to build the bed up with peat and leaf mould and a little compost, and I arranged a kind of rectangular rockery, part of peat blocks, part of stone, with pockets into which I planted the ferns, leaving out large growing varieties.  The pleasing ‘all green ‘effect forms a welcome counterpoint to the contrast of texture and colour which exist in most of the rest of the garden. The rectangular layout is no longer visible but still controls the plants.

Ferns are fascinating, and I can well understand how they came to be a burning obsession with the Victorians.  They are full of variation and they can do odd things – they can be quite exquisite, or rather ugly.  Nowadays they are again increasing in popularity , but at one point it was difficult to obtain any extensive selection of plants; many must have been lost in cutivation.  The names are impossible, and I know those of very few plants in our collection.  Years ago, in the early making of our garden, all the best varieties came from a gentleman in Southport who used to send us labelled fronds in the post, for us to choose our plants from – much more exciting than a catalogue!”

View of the Yew Sail Hedge from the Canal Garden

Yew Sails viewed from the Pine Pavement

The Summerhouse, seen from the new Fern Border on the left and Yew Sails to the right, 1970

Planted on the other side of the Fern Border is the Yew Hedge with the six yew pyramids, which are such a characteristic feature of York Gate Garden.

“Though the form is simple, it represents our most elaborate attempt at topiary.  Up to the height of three feet it is a conventional hedge, some three feet wide, and from this base rise six triangular pyramids, to the total height of eight feet.  I find the triangular pyramid a very interesting shape, in the way it changes as you walk round it – as the second side comes into view, it becomes two dimensional.  The hexagon roof of the Folly is similar: from some view- points it looks as though it has only two roof surfaces, from the others three.

I planted one yew where I wanted the centre of each pyramid, and another six to fill in the base.  Ten years should see any but the tallest specimens reach maturity.  Our pyramids are clipped only once a year, in July/August, and a little tidying up in late Autumn neatens the appearance.”