THE GRAVEL GARDEN AND GAZEBO (2003)

This sheltered area is where some of the most exotic tender plants can thrive. The Echiums, whose flower spires tower to 14ft self-seed freely in this part of the garden. They need to survive two winters before they come to maturity. Other special plants in this area are the Passion Flowers growing up the towerwall, the Beschonerias, which produce 6ft long flower spires in the spring and the Curculigos, with their unusual ribbed leaves.