At Scampston, serpentine forms of yew, cubes of box, pleached limes,
adventurous topiary and formal hedges are called into play in Oudolf’s
search for the best ways to provide structural emphasis and contrasts in
the garden.
Each garden room has a very distinctive character in Oudolf’s design,
from the presence of the pillars of yew in the Silent Garden, to the
swathes of molinia grasses which form the amber-tipped drifts of grass.
In the Perennial Meadow which sits in front of the Conservatory,
Oudolf uses his technique of naturalised planting which gives a long
season of interest. The form of each plant, leaf, flower head and stem
is equally important, as well as the colour and shape. This area is a
magnet to butterflies and bees.
When walking the garden, visitors are advised to finish on the Mount,
a vast pyramid like structure. From the top, standing amidst the cherry
trees and wild flower meadow – the whole scheme of the design, and the
view beyond can be appreciated.