How Long Does It Take for a Garden to Mature?
- Sarah Kay
- May 22
- 2 min read
Potential clients frequently ask me how long it takes for a garden's plants to mature. Although this largely depends on the initial maturity of the plants when they are first planted, a general guideline is that it takes about 3 years, assuming the garden is properly maintained during that period.
In October 2021, my E8 Urban Sanctuary Garden was planted, featuring a mature feathered Betula jacquimontii (Silver Birch) for immediate height. Semi-mature climbers such as Parthenocissus triscuspidata 'Robusta' (Boston Ivy), Trachelospermum jasminoides (evergreen Jasmine), Lonicera japonica 'Chinensis' (Honeysuckle), and Hydrangea anomala petiolaris (Climbing Hydrangea) were also included. Existing shrubs like a Griselinia littoralis and a Cornus were kept. Additionally, a semi-mature Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' and Viburnum tinus were the only other larger plants, while the rest were at 2L.
After a year, the comparison of these two photos shows how the climbers are beginning to fill the edges, and the plants have intertwined, forming a lush plantscape. I had the professional photos of this garden taken in May 22.
The image below, captured almost two years after planting, illustrates how the Boston Ivy has partially covered the back wall, while the Acer 'Bloodgood' (visible on the left side of the image) has developed into a statuesque form.
During my latest visit in May 2024, it was evident that the Acer and Birch trees have become well-established and now require annual pruning to maintain their designated spaces.
The Lonicera was prone to powdery mildew, so we decided to remove it, providing more room for the Trachelospermum to cover the boundary. This should also be pruned annually to maintain its designated space. Additionally, we planted a Corylus 'Red Majestic' (Purple Hazel) to replace a deceased Viburnum tinus and balance the height with the opposite Acer.
A professionally designed garden is always a work in progress, as maintaining the plants and hard landscaping is essential for developing a mature garden. I hope these examples demonstrate that with expert plant selection and proper aftercare, you can establish a mature garden in a relatively short time.
If you would like to arrange an Initital Consultaion meeting Contact me today.
Landscaping: Acacia Gardens Ltd
Plants: Provender Nurseries
Corten Privacy Screen and Edging: Stark & Greensmith
Planters: Europlanters
Fencing: Jacksons Fencing
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