Plants for Sale at the Walled Garden Nursery 

Did you know? All the plants we sell are grown right here on site, in the heart of our gardens — so they’re well adapted to local growing conditions and ready to thrive in your garden. 

At our newly expanded Walled Garden Nursery, you’ll find a diverse and ever-changing range of herbaceous perennials, selected and grown with care by our expert horticultural team. Everything we offer is bio-secure, grown sustainably, and chosen for its suitability in long-lived, healthy plant communities. 

Helping You Create a Thriving Garden 

We know that choosing the right plants can be a challenge. Where do you start? What goes well together? Will your garden still look good next year — or next season? 

To support you, we’ve organised our plants by “Layers” — a simple and intuitive system that reflects how natural plant communities’ function. Our Layered Planting system helps you design borders that are not only attractive, but also ecologically balanced, self-sustaining, and rich in biodiversity. 

Understanding Planting Layers 

In healthy ecosystems, plants coexist in complex layers — each playing a specific role in the community. Inspired by these dynamics, our system divides plants into four functional layers. Each contributes differently to structure, biodiversity, seasonal interest, and ecological stability. 

By combining different types of plants in the right proportions, you can create a planting scheme where species support one another and form a stable, long-lasting plant community. 

We recommend using the following four key layers when designing a border or garden bed: 

1. Structural Layer 

Structural species define the architecture of a planting scheme. They guide the eye, create focal points, and establish visual cohesion throughout the year. These plants often have a long season of interest and may include upright grasses, striking perennials, or existing trees and shrubs in your garden. 

➡️ Typically makes up 10–15% of your planting 

2. Base Layer 

The base layer forms the ecological foundation of a planting. These are well-behaved plants that intermingle to form a stable plant community. They suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, improve soil structure, and prevent erosion. 

High-density planting (around 8–10 plants per square metre) is key. A well-established base layer creates the conditions in which other species can thrive, as seen in natural ecosystems. 

➡️ Should make up 40–50% of your planting 

3. Design Layer 

This layer provides seasonal highlights, adding visual impact through flower colour, texture, and form. These species can be used in repeating groups or contrasting drifts to create rhythm and coherence across the space. 

Aim for a planting palette that delivers around three species in flower at any one time, ensuring continuous visual interest throughout the year. 

➡️ Represents approximately 25–40% of your planting 

4. Dynamic Layer 

Shorter-lived but ecologically important, these species tend to self-seed freely. They fill gaps, move through the planting over time, and add a spontaneous, evolving element — particularly useful in the early stages of a new border as perennials establish. 

They increase diversity, provide early nectar sources, and contribute to the dynamic nature of a healthy plant community. 

➡️ Add around 5–10% for extra depth and diversity 

A Simple System for Real Gardens 

This layered approach isn’t a rigid formula — it’s a helpful guide based on ecological principles. But your garden is a personal space, and how you bring these layers together is entirely up to you. 

Have fun experimenting, and don’t be afraid to follow your instincts. You might have a favourite plant you always include, a colour palette you love, or an existing structure that gives your border a unique starting point. 

The most successful gardens reflect both the needs of the site and the personality of the gardener. Use the layers as a flexible framework, but feel free to adapt it to suit your tastes, your space, and your gardening style. The goal is to create a plant community that not only thrives — but also feels right for you. 

Our Team Is Here to Help 

Visit the Walled Garden Nursery and explore our plant ranges, grouped by Layer. Whether you’re new to gardening or an experienced designer, our team is on hand to help you choose plant combinations that suit your garden conditions, design goals, and maintenance style. 

📍 Open daily — Come and be inspired! 
🛒 All plants grown on-site | ✅ Bio-secure | 🌿 Sustainable, science-led horticulture