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small border

Last post 30-06-2009 11:14 PM by bigsusan55. 4 replies.

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  • 30/06/2009 10:20 AM
    • Linda
    • north yorks
    • 30 Jun 2009
    • 2
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    I have a small (10'x3') east facing border at the front of my house it has to stay that size as the block paved drive runs up to it, I have re-planted it twice now and it always seems to look like just a collection of plants and has no form to it. I think this may be because i try to put too much into it! It's slightly alkaline heavy soil and only gets very early morning sun. There are a male and female skimia there which althogh have been in-situ for about 6 years have not put on very much growth and their leaves are a bit pale, althogh one produces berries every year, I'd like all year interest, any help much appreciated!  

  • 30/06/2009 12:06 PM
    In reply to
    • Phot's-Moll
    • The sunny South coast.
    • 06 Jan 2007
    • 3,347
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    f you feel it looks like a collection then you probably have too many different plants in there. I'd suggest you pick two or three that you've used before and that did well in the situation and have several of each of these (if they're growing well you should be able to propogate from them)

    Once you've chosen these main plants you can work out the times of year that will need more interest and look for suitable plants.

    I believe Skimmia prefer acid soil so that might be why they're not doing so well.

     

    Whether you think you can do a thing, or think you cannot, you are right.
  • 30/06/2009 01:48 PM
    In reply to
    • Linda
    • north yorks
    • 30 Jun 2009
    • 2
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    Thanks for that, I'm now going out to have a look, although will be taking my coffee with me, so don't think anything serious will happen! If only i found borders as easy as my veg beds, straight lines not a problem!

  • 30/06/2009 05:58 PM
    In reply to
    • Phot's-Moll
    • The sunny South coast.
    • 06 Jan 2007
    • 3,347
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     If you like straight lines there's no rule to say you can't plant your garden very formally - two contrasting plants in a checkerboard pattern for example.


    Whether you think you can do a thing, or think you cannot, you are right.
  • 30/06/2009 11:14 PM
    In reply to
    • bigsusan55
    • North-West London
    • 14 May 2009
    • 144
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    I agree with keeping to less variety of plants, in bigger blocks.  Also, try thinking about the foliage textures first, rather than colours.  Think of fluffy, blobby or spiky and aim to contrast these.  If you get all of one type it tends to look boring, even if you have loads of colour.

    Is there a fence or wall backing on to your border?  Could you use one type of climber to cover this, which might help to unify things and to detract from the bed being so narrow?

    Susan B