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

I've struggling to bulk mine up. They sulk a lot - they are in pots, and I split them up in the Spring, but I don't know if it is too much water, or being in pots, or what that is annoying them. Maybe its the way I shout at them "GET A MOVE ON"?

 

That's weird....mine did much better in pots, with cyclamen coum, than they do now in a border. Perhaps they resent disturbance? And being shouted at How about a nice, conciliatory 'What a beautiful plant you are, I can just imagine a big swathe of you over there...' Think Prince Charles

 

I googled them (dunno why I didn't do that when they started looking iffy)

RHS:

• Grow in moist but well-drained, slightly acid, fertile, humus-rich soil in full sun or partial shade.
• Where possible, top-dress annually with leaf mould in autumn.
• Slugs may damage young leaves.

http://www.rhs.org.uk/Gardens/Wisle...th/November/Ophiopogon-planiscapus-Nigrescens
The wet they have had has probably not been a problem then, but maybe the compost is alkaline. My soil will be when they are planted out though :( I'll try them in pots of ericaceous next year.

 

Ah, well if we're talking 'counsel of perfection'.... The RHS doesn't do 'second best' like us lesser mortals Slosh some used coffee grounds or teabags around them once they're planted out, K. Mine are in neutral to alkaline soil and do OK given the usual summer droughts.

 

Good idea on the Coffee ... I'll do that, ta.

 

One of my favourites Small Trees for a garden too

Would it be helpful if I listed the other ones you need too?

 

SpoilSport!

 

We just took down 8 , 10 story trees. Pondering myself , IF and what to replace area with. My plan is some unusual conifers. So many visual wonders out there and I don't want more leaves to deal with .

 

Dunno if it is big enough, but I have always liked Juniperus Boulevard (needs an acid soil though, I think)

Are things like Wollemi pine and Monkey Puzzle "unusual" over your way?

I saw a Picea breweriana the other day, which looked different!



Shiney has the most extraordinary conifer in his garden (that no one has been able to ID I believe)





Is there room (i.e. width) for Cedars?

My suggestions might be totally unsuitable for your climate though?

 

there is a conifer I saw in one of my garden mags with feathery white touches on it. And I think that mag also featured lots of other interesting types. If I get serious about this project will have to investigate further . But for now this is low on my project list.