What to do with the border now the tree is gone?

Hiya Andy.

Any reason why you particularly want height? See, I reckon a good sized Rhododendron would look good there

 

Black and White border?

Dahlia twyning's after eight

(taken from an earlier White Border thread:
http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/threads/white-border.53996/

 

Ahhh, I see, and so does your neighbour

Something evergreen then? I know, a gert big conifer!

 

Should I edit my post then?

 

I've got a spare grown from a cutting in Spring. Its not very big, so might need to stay frost-free in its pot for as long into the winter as possible to reduce dormancy period, let me know if it is any good to you. Or nudge me in the Spring, I should have more rooted cuttings then.

 

Whatever you decide on, bear in mind what it will look like in winter! Any tree with interesting bark all year round is a priority if it's not an evergreen. Eucalyptus, Arbutus, some of the Acers and Prunus spring to mind...the first two will give you screening and good bark, with flowers and fruit as well from the Arbutus.

 

Bamboo? Doesn't fit any of the themes that you have expressed an opinion on ... but that's what you get when a consultant arrives

 

Once it gets under way and is producing nice fat culms you could strip the leaves off them half way up - say about 5' - 6' - to give you some lovely clear, and dramatic, stems.

 

Will need to keep it well watered though...frankly, I've been disappointed by the effect that mine has produced in a border. Would definitely add Ophiopogon p. nigrescens, though. Fantastic plant!