Azalea Lane

Azalea Lane is one of the quieter woodland passages within the Reverie, where a small garden path flows between layers of spring flowering shrubs, grasses and mature trees.

Along both sides of the path, evergreen Japanese azaleas create waves of colour in late spring, ranging from deep crimson and soft pink to vivid orange-red tones. While the azaleas form the heart of the planting, the surrounding layers give the garden its woodland atmosphere throughout the year. Groundcovers such as periwinkle and ground ivy soften the edges of the path, while skimmias, camellias and dogwoods provide blossom, evergreen structure and seasonal interest throughout the year.

A small pond, which fills naturally during the wetter months, lies hidden among the planting, surrounded by drifts of Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’, whose upright grasses catch the evening light and remain standing through winter. Beyond the pond, layered hedges of dogwood and alder buckthorn create shelter and ecological value for insects and birds.

Above and around it rises the canopy of some of the oldest trees in the garden: a large cherry tree, an equally old and majestic pear tree, several fruit trees, birches and mature elder shrubs. Together they filter the sunlight and create the shifting patterns of shade that define the atmosphere of Azalea Lane. In early spring, the cherry blossom adds a soft pink haze above the path, subtly reinforcing the Japanese atmosphere of the garden before the azaleas take over in late spring.

Soft spring colour beneath the trees