Stunning succulents artfully arranged on a stone basin coated with mossy lichen, crafted by James Horner of Benton End.
In the spirit of replicating the sunny, brick-walled corner garden of renowned artist Cedric Morris at Benton End, here's a guide to creating a succulent-filled sun trap garden that captures the essence of Morris's artistic and horticultural vision.
Firstly, choose a sunny and sheltered spot, preferably a south-facing corner surrounded by brick or stone walls on two sides. This will create a "sun trap" effect, producing warm, baking conditions that succulents thrive in [1][2].
Next, use shallow containers or features like a stone sink or low containers with added soil depth. Cedric Morris utilised a shallow stone sink cambered up with Suffolk White bricks to increase soil depth for houseleeks and other plants [1].
When it comes to selecting succulents, opt for plants with striking forms and colors. Houseleeks (Sempervivum) offer mound-forming rosettes, while Cotyledon orbiculata 'Cedric Morris' boasts flat, paddle-like leaves that resemble dusted flour. Purple-leaved Aeoniums such as Aeonium davidbramwellii can form large (30 cm+) rosettes [1]. Add some contrasting plants like Pelargonium australe for white flowers and felted dark green foliage to break up the succulent textures and colors [1].
Group succulents closely so their rosette forms cluster and multiply, creating a lush, painterly effect reminiscent of Morris's artistic sensibility and garden style [1].
To evoke the historic and artistic atmosphere of Benton End, use containers or garden features with vintage or rustic character, such as old sinks, kettles, or brick plinths [1][4].
By combining these elements—an intensely sunny, enclosed microclimate, carefully chosen succulent species, and thoughtful container or garden structure—you can emulate the painterly, warm, and drought-tolerant garden style that Cedric Morris cultivated at Benton End [1][2].
Don't forget to include a handful of Pelargonium australe for flickers of pure-white flowers and felted, dark-green foliage, and Aeonium davidbramwellii for a large leaf rosette of more than 30cm diameter. The rosette form of houseleeks is pleasing to the eye [1].
Lastly, remember that the exhibit is a summer one, as most of the plants won't cope with UK winters. The aeoniums are overwintered on a windowsill in the house, while the hardier elements can get through in the unheated greenhouse [1].
[1] Sources: [Link 1], [Link 2] [2] Additional Reference: [Link 3] [3] Additional Reference: [Link 4]
- To create a garden that mirrors Cedric Morris's sunny corner garden at Benton End, select a sun-drenched and protected location, such as a south-facing corner flanked by brick or stone walls for the 'sun trap' effect.
- Employ shallow containers or garden features like a stone sink or brick-lined low containers to provide an adequate soil depth for succulents, as Cedric Morris did using a shallow stone sink and Suffolk White bricks.
- Select succulent plants with unique forms and colors such as Sempervivum (houseleeks), Cotyledon orbiculata 'Cedric Morris', Aeonium davidbramwellii, and Pelargonium australe to achieve visual interest and variation in the garden.
- Group succulents together tightly to develop a lush, painterly appearance that embodies Cedric Morris's distinctive artistic style and garden design, and incorporate vintage or rustic containers or garden features to capture the historic atmosphere of Benton End.
