I've just remembered that none of us mentioned filling your containers. It's important to use a soil based medium, not compost on it's own, as it won't have enough body to sustain the planting long term. There are specific makes available, or you can mix some topsoil with compost, or even soil from your garden if you have any. It's also a good idea to put a mulch on the soil surface after planting and watering. That helps to retain moisture, and also to keep weeds down. It also finishes off the planting nicely, especially when plants are small. Gravel, bark and crushed slate would all do the job well.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I think how your planter is supposed to work is...
Fill up the lowest level, then you have you lowest height of soil, continue filling up the next level, for plants that need a slightly deeper root run, then fill up the top level for plants that love to get their roots deep, the ‘gaps’ are supported by the existing soil underneath. Does that make sense? No need to fill in the gaps with more wood.
Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
It will be interesting to see if the soil level in the top planter stays at the same level or if it get washed out from the lower planters over time. Lots of choice as above for planting depending on your style. You could go down the perennial route with a couple of evergreen somethings - either grasses or small shrubs (smaller hebes, Japanese azalea, box etc) - or have it as a rock garden topdressed with pretty grit or slate. Lots of opportunities to create something really pretty. PS. Just remembered you said shade in your title so rock garden is out!
'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
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It's also a good idea to put a mulch on the soil surface after planting and watering. That helps to retain moisture, and also to keep weeds down. It also finishes off the planting nicely, especially when plants are small. Gravel, bark and crushed slate would all do the job well.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Fill up the lowest level, then you have you lowest height of soil, continue filling up the next level, for plants that need a slightly deeper root run, then fill up the top level for plants that love to get their roots deep, the ‘gaps’ are supported by the existing soil underneath. Does that make sense? No need to fill in the gaps with more wood.
Lots of choice as above for planting depending on your style. You could go down the perennial route with a couple of evergreen somethings - either grasses or small shrubs (smaller hebes, Japanese azalea, box etc) - or have it as a rock garden topdressed with pretty grit or slate.
Lots of opportunities to create something really pretty.
PS. Just remembered you said shade in your title so rock garden is out!