Bit late to the party but don't forget Gunnera - will definitely give you a tropical feel. And for a tree with a jungly feel, how about Catalpa bignonioides - large leaves, hardy here in Scotland although the leaves don't grow as big. And mine has grown no taller than 20ft in 15+ years.
'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
Thanks again for all your suggestions guys. I'm noting all of them to source
I'm having a rethink on the position of the pond. Originally I wanted it toward the top end of the garden but after playing around marking it out with the hose I think it's just going to be too tight to add a pond and still keep a place for an arbour/seat in the top corner and it would be almost constantly in shade.
ive marked out a rough more central position where it will have both sunlight and shade throughout the day. I intend to surround the fence side of the pond with ferns, gunner, grasses etc
What do you guys think about this position/size? The longest point is roughly 12ft by 6.5ft at the widest point. Is it too close to the fence? Is there enough planting space on the fence side of the pond?
Also you can't tell from the photo but the garden slopes from the right to left of the picture. What is the best way to level it when I dig out the pond?
I think it's too close to the fence. Too narrow to plant anything, and how would you treat the fence in the future? Can I also suggest that narrow bit of the bed opposite is too narrow for any planting of significance. I'd move the pond closer to the house where there's more scope. I'd start at the back, where you planned a sitting area. Get that marked out and make sure it's big enough, then work towards the house, otherwise I think you might leave yourself a bit short of space .
I think 1 metre is sufficient. You need to factor planting, covering the pond edge and still being able to access the fence for maintenance. If space is limited,maybe lose the seating area at the end?
Or a smaller pond. I know we have all said bigger is best but needs must. Even a pond the size of a half barrel will give interest.
I would lift all the grass now, build your seating area at the top. Mark out a wide path - at least 3 ft wide as the plants will eventually grow over part of it. Make the bed on the left hand side wider. And then see what space you have left on the RHS. If you are not looking for a wildlife pond, just a bit of water, install a tinkly water feature near the seating area. Remember, when you lift the grass and before you plant, lay armoured cable up to the seating area for it. Get all your plants in now or as soon as you can afford it. I would go for bark path as well, you can always put stepping stones in it. That means you have no need to edge your beds.
'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
i aslo have the banana that came during the week and a collection of ferns still to arrive.
Tomorrow I think I will go back and get some golden bamboo which I couldnt get in the car. But I think what im really going to need are some cheap "fillers" if you could make any suggestions please.
Tomorrow I think I will go back and get some golden bamboo which I couldnt get in the car. But I think what im really going to need are some cheap "fillers" if you could make any suggestions please.
Thanks
More Hostas!!! Big ones like Empress Wu, Jurassic Park, Blue Angel , Sum and Substance. All yummy and very jungly.
Posts
I'm having a rethink on the position of the pond. Originally I wanted it toward the top end of the garden but after playing around marking it out with the hose I think it's just going to be too tight to add a pond and still keep a place for an arbour/seat in the top corner and it would be almost constantly in shade.
ive marked out a rough more central position where it will have both sunlight and shade throughout the day. I intend to surround the fence side of the pond with ferns, gunner, grasses etc
What do you guys think about this position/size? The longest point is roughly 12ft by 6.5ft at the widest point. Is it too close to the fence?
Is there enough planting space on the fence side of the pond?
Also you can't tell from the photo but the garden slopes from the right to left of the picture. What is the best way to level it when I dig out the pond?
Thanks again
Can I also suggest that narrow bit of the bed opposite is too narrow for any planting of significance.
I'd move the pond closer to the house where there's more scope.
I'd start at the back, where you planned a sitting area. Get that marked out and make sure it's big enough, then work towards the house, otherwise I think you might leave yourself a bit short of space .
how much space do you think between the back of the pond and the fence. Would 1mtr at the narrowest point be enough?
If space is limited,maybe lose the seating area at the end?
I would lift all the grass now, build your seating area at the top. Mark out a wide path - at least 3 ft wide as the plants will eventually grow over part of it. Make the bed on the left hand side wider. And then see what space you have left on the RHS. If you are not looking for a wildlife pond, just a bit of water, install a tinkly water feature near the seating area. Remember, when you lift the grass and before you plant, lay armoured cable up to the seating area for it. Get all your plants in now or as soon as you can afford it. I would go for bark path as well, you can always put stepping stones in it. That means you have no need to edge your beds.
1x Washingtonia Robusta
2x Fatsia Japonica (one big one small)
1x Acuba Japonica
1x Carex evergold
1x Hosta
1x Sedum coral carpet
1x Sedum Sediforme Gold
1x tiny Trachycarpus Fortunei
i aslo have the banana that came during the week and a collection of ferns still to arrive.
Tomorrow I think I will go back and get some golden bamboo which I couldnt get in the car. But I think what im really going to need are some cheap "fillers" if you could make any suggestions please.
Thanks