Transformation

My partner and I have recently moved,an exeriance we have found delightful,not least of all because our new home comes with a yard. :D
We both love gardens,especially this one http://www.chalicewell.org.uk/
but neither of us have any gardening experiance whatsoever. :eek:
Aforementioned yard is currently barren but it is our heart's desire to transform it into a sanctuary via container gardening.
Due to being absolute begginers we are clueless as to where to begin etc but would eventually love at least one bench framed by an arched arbor whereon would grow dangling foliage,also lots of containers with various plants that flower during different seasons and at least one stone statue,perhaps of a buddha,surrounded by foliage.Decorative wall plaques and even a painted mural of a winding country lane or similar would be wonderful too.
We both love roses and lavender and are open to any suggestions all of which would be greatly appreciated.Plants which attract butterflies and bees would be good as would particularly fragrant ones.Also I am particularly fond of plants with copper leaves.
So...where to begin :confused:
Your suggestions please including very,VERY basic do's and dont's as well as more creative off the wall suggestions

[ 22. January 2006, 04:46 PM: Message edited by: MaryMary ]

 

BASIC
well, you have to plant sun loving plants in sunny site ...... this includes most of the herbs.,, rosemary, sage, lavender, thyme
shade loving plants are ferns, hostas.
butterflies like buddlia but these are too agressive for pots imo, there are lots of small perennials which attract them
you can use bulbs to great effect..... this can be all the year round, rotate the pots which are in flower at the time, you will need to change the compost every year.
evergreen plants ....... including small conifers are good in pots as long as they don t dry out..... you can buy water retaining gel to add to compost to help, else you may be looking at daily watering in the summer, there are also plant feeds which are put in the containers, they have slow release fertiliser and are v good for annuals
ADVANCED
1)think about planting up a stone trough as a mini garden...... use coarse grit, small gravel on the surface,,,, go for minature plants, including some alpines [alpines will die if they get rained on all the time] and succulents, the stone trough will be too heavy to move, so give it a favourable location
2)think about height........ variety is the spice of life, obviously taller plants at the back, but do avoid monotony, there are "chimneys" with holes in side to grow eg strawberries [alpine strawberries are small and tasy]
3)hangin on the wall. you can buy pockets/tubes of polythene whch can be planted up with bedding plants..... also hanging baskets, you can buy these planted up, instant gardening
4)climbers.......clematis often prefer cool roots, so might be better planted in soil
5) roses ........ large traditional roses including climbers are better in well prepared soil, where they will be happy for 30 years, if you buy top quality [twice the price of ordinary roses] you may as well buy highly scented roses.... if you google in rose growers.... you will find specialists eg david austin roses
have a look at the crocus site,,,,, it has an extensive list of plants, with super photos and planting ideas.

[ 22. January 2006, 06:16 PM: Message edited by: The Lady Gardener ]