Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Big pots for school

IpomeaIpomea Posts: 5
in Problem solving
I have 3x large 60cm diameter plastic pots with dead plants in which need rejuvenating.  Has anyone suggestions for some hardy shrubs - low maintenance with seasonal interest suitable for an exposed position on a primary school playground?

Posts

  • PurplerainPurplerain Posts: 1,053
    Small Conifers, trailing Ivy, deep red Heuchera and maybe some Primroses that will add colour in Spring. It sounds that you don't have much time, and if you are a teacher, I understand that. Maybe others can come up with better ideas.
    SW Scotland
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    In my experience, small conifers won't like an exposed position thru winter.  I'd go for things like winter flowering heather, trailing variegated ivy, violas rather than pansies, some short daffs for spring.  Keep it easy and simple.   

    If it gets really cold in your area, I'd also line the inside walls with bubble wrap before adding fresh compost as this will help insulate the roots.  If you can't replace all the compost, take out the top layer to 9" to 12" deeo and insulate that and if taht's not possible, make sure you add some bonemeal to the existing compost to help keep the plants healthy over winter.   It supports root growth and good cell structure.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    How much attention can you give them? Even 'easy' plants need some care - especially when first planted.
    Also when you say exposed - do you mean it's windy?

    Hebes if it's a sunnyish site. Flowers in summer for the bees etc and evergreen. They require little attention once established, provided you pick the right ones. You can get Buddleias which are happy in pots. They would attract butterflies which would interest the children too. Very easy to maintain.
    You could vary it by having easy perennials as well, rather than just shrubs. Salvias and Veronicas would be good, again in a sunny site, and attract bees and hoverflies. 

    While shrubs are small, you can have spring bulbs in them too. Those would also be good with the aforementioned Heucheras.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    She wants winter interest FG.  Your ideas are good but summery.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
Sign In or Register to comment.