Mid to late spring is the main season of interest with this border. The towering spires of the bear's breeches, enormous soft pink flowers of the Paeony and the pure white, scented flowers of the mock orange all burst into life.
Planting tips: To minimise the risk of powdery mildew taking hold on the Acanthus, ensure that the plant is watered well during hot, dry spells. You shpoul also lift and divide large clumps in spring. The Paeonia will need deadheading after flowering, and in early spring apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser around the base of the plant as well as a mulch of well-rotted compost or manure. Prune the Philadelphus in late summer immediately after flowering, removing one in four of the older stems to ground level.
You will need a semi shaded, chalky bed 3m long by 2m wide.