Making the right choice

Discussion in 'Garden Projects and DIY' started by TimC, Aug 19, 2018.

  1. TimC

    TimC Apprentice Gardener

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    I need some advice about shrubs/plants suitable for a 32’ x 4’ flowerbed that backs onto woodland.

    I have already partially cleared the stony flowerbed and removed any plants I want to retain, leaving only a Buddleia to relocate elsewhere and a Rhododendron that I'm unsure about. The rest of the work will be completed next week when the property boundary will be delineated by a 5' fence sitting on a 12" concrete lintel with concrete posts. The work will also involve completely removing a large section of holly, and digging over the remaining flowerbed with added top soil.

    Please note that the sun rises to the left in the photograph (East), rapidly passing over in front of the flowerbed and leaving it in shade for much of the day. The dry looking lawn area is because of the recent heatwave; normally, it is the greenest part of the lawn. Come Autumn, there is usually a heavy leaf fall from the trees (oak, etc) in the background.

    I need shrubs and plants that will quickly establish themselves, concealing much of the fence line.

    I am also looking for a pink hydrangea for another part of the garden. This would be in a border that faces East with the sun passing directly overhead to set behind it.

    Any advice would be appreciated.

    IMG_20180806_185708.jpg
     
  2. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    Hi @TimC Welcome to GC.. I think I would have a look at Woodland plants for low growing, Hellebores, hardy geraniums for all round greenness.. A rose to clamber on the Fence or even Jasmines.. I have an evergreen one and a deciduous one and the smell when in flowers is heavenly, Alliums, painted ferns there are so so many things you could plant..
     
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    • TimC

      TimC Apprentice Gardener

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      Thank you for your suggestions.
       
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      • KFF

        KFF Total Gardener

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        Hi Tim,

        :sign0016:

        Welcome to Gardeners Corner :)

        Essentially this is North facing. I have a similar area whichh I have planted up with Digitalis ( Foxgloves ), Primroses, Dwarf Narcissi and Erythronium for the Spring and then Lilies, Delphiniums and Hardy Fuchsias for the Summer and into Autumn. ( My Fuchsias even flower into December- early January there as they are sheltered ).
         
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        • Redwing

          Redwing Wild Gardener

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          I would go for woodland edge plants too as suggested above. Ivy would be good on the fence and when mature is an excellent plant for wildlife.
           
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          • Verdun

            Verdun Passionate gardener

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            Hiya Tim....warm welcome :)

            Lots of plants to recommend but your soil's PH is important before then...is it acid or alkaline? You mentioned wanting a pink hydrangea yet you can grow rhododendrons that require an acid soil! :noidea:
            If your soil is acid a pink hudrangea is unlikely to remain pink. Blue hydrangeas for acid soil, pink and red for alkaline soil :)
             
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            • TimC

              TimC Apprentice Gardener

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              Rear boundary 8:18 (after).jpg

              I thought that you might like to know how the planting has progressed to date. The photograph is to give you some idea of the revised 'bare canvas'.

              Climbers

              Albéric Barbier Rambling Rose
              Clematis Capitaine Thuilleaux
              Hedera Helix Gold Heart
              Lathyeus Latifolius Red Pearl
              Trachelosperum Star of Toscone

              Shrubs

              Hydrangea Wedding Gown
              Hypericum Hidecote
              Jasminum Officinale
              Phsyocarpus Lady in Red
              Potentilla Abbotswood White

              Others

              Antirrhinum x 3 white, orange/scarlet, yellow
              Astilbe Younique x 2 silvery pink/white
              Deutzia Montrose
              Miscanthus Red Cloud ornamental grass
              Penstemon Polaris Rose

              The Albéric Barbier Rambling Rose forms the centre-piece and follows advice I took from a specialist rose nursery. As for the rest, there are a few transplants (not mentioned) some of unknown origin, one or two bargains and, doubtlessly, a few mistakes! When planting, I've tried to keep in mind that the sunlight improves from right to left as the day progresses. Doesn't look much at the moment, but time will tell!
               
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              • Verdun

                Verdun Passionate gardener

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                Some very nice plants TimC :)
                 
              • Marley Farley

                Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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                I think it looks very impressive and can’t wait for next year now to see your rose and all the other plants I think it will look a real picture by what you say the plants are and so what if there are a few you had forgotten.. I love imperfections here and there to tickle your fancy or make you giggle because it’s in the wrong place. Personaly been there seen it and bought the T shirt.!:heehee: My garden starts with a plan then as soon as I start planting or especially when I go to the garden centre, it kinda goes out the window, a bit haywire, as there are always plants I had forgotten about and think I just have to have but I love it so must be a reflection of me.. Organised Kaos..!
                Looking forward to seeing it all now then @TimC :yay:
                 
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