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What to put into integral planters on deck

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  • setset Posts: 7
    Fire said:
    Many line their planters with old, plastic compost bags, turned inside out and pinned, remembering to make holes in it for drainage. They are very hard wearing and last a long time.
    thanks for the tip
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    I would mix 2 types of rosemary as you can get an upright type and a trailing type. The leaves would look the same but you'd get a nice variation in the heights. Keep cropping it for cooking too and you'll get nice fresh growth without the plants getting too leggy and woody.
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Are you going full Mediterranean with these type of geraniums (pelargoniums) ?
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    Fire said:
    Are you going full Mediterranean with these type of geraniums (pelargoniums) ?
    That Lord Bute is very fancy. I'd try and keep all the flowers a similar colour to go with the blue of the rosemary so bluey purple colours would look nice. Maybe some chives would be nice dotted through, maybe lavendar.
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • setset Posts: 7
    Fire said:
    Are you going full Mediterranean with these type of geraniums (pelargoniums) ?
    That Lord Bute is very fancy. I'd try and keep all the flowers a similar colour to go with the blue of the rosemary so bluey purple colours would look nice. Maybe some chives would be nice dotted through, maybe lavendar.
    I'm going with very bright pink geraniums as that's what I have in the rest of the garden and I want to keep the theme going. I adore lavender but it has not fared well in planters for me before, so I'm going to give it a miss. I have it elsewhere in the garden where it does a little better.  
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Sorry, that was badly phrased. I meant are you going for Med type pelargoniums or cranesbill hardy geraniums? You mentioned you were looking plants that overwinter well. Cranesbill do -  they die back and return in full force about now in the spring. Pelargoniums generally tend to be tender and you can take them indoors in the winter, treat them as annual plants that will die off in winter for good or risk it. Both types are commonly called 'geraniums' so it can be a bit confusing (for everyone).
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    Rosemary and lavendar have pretty similar needs. You're going to need some grit for drainage at the base of the planters and john innes type soil rather than multipurpose.
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • hogweedhogweed Posts: 4,053
    Assuming your geraniums are low sprawly things and the rosemary will be medium bushy things, something taller and skinny like a grass will add extra interest. Not a grass expert and there are others who may be able to suggest one to complement the other plants. 
    'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Festuca glauca 'Blaufuchs' ?
    Festuca Elijah Blue?
    Ophiopogon Nigrescens?
    Carex oshimensis
    'EverColor Everlite'?


  • setset Posts: 7
    hogweed said:
    Assuming your geraniums are low sprawly things and the rosemary will be medium bushy things, something taller and skinny like a grass will add extra interest. Not a grass expert and there are others who may be able to suggest one to complement the other plants. 
    I think i may opt for elijah blue. is that pretty hardy?
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