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Large planter with perennials and herbs - will they survive?

WildFlower_UKWildFlower_UK Posts: 236
in Plants
I built two large planters using wood scraps, which were initially built for vegetable growing although I decided I would only use one this year with the view of creating raised beds for more space next year. In the other I got a bit over excited and created a display using Alliums (Gladiator and Mount Everest), grasses (deschampsia and festuca glouca), and herbs (sage, lavender and thyme). A couple of perennials (Salvia nemorosa Caradonna and Scabiosa columbaria) were also added. As you can see, the Alliums and Salvia are a good size, while the herbs and grasses were bought small.



I now worry that a) I've put in two much in and b) the smaller plants won't enjoy being in such a large container, which roughly measures (internal) as L90xW40xH40cm.

Any tips on what I should do? I've added bark to the top for weed protection and moisture control, but really I have no idea what I'm doing!!!
"If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need"

Posts

  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    Don't worry about it. Once the alliums are over, you can cut off their leaves (and heads if you don't want seedlings everywhere).  This will give the smaller plants room to grow. Once it all gets overcrowded, simply remove one or two and plant them in the ground.
    You've chosen wisely in any event, because all those plants like hot dry conditions.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    I would leave it and see how it grows. I agree, they are good choices. Sometimes, the more we assume something is likely to take over or over-crowd something, it can turn out the opposite. 
  • WildFlower_UKWildFlower_UK Posts: 236
    Hi @Lizzie27! This is great news! I was so worried I'd messed up (I'm new to all this). I presume as they all like fairly dry conditions they don't need watering every day? Or do the younger plants still need frequent watering?
    "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need"
  • WildFlower_UKWildFlower_UK Posts: 236
    Thanks at @Borderline, I think you're right that I should wait and see. Every day's a school day for me, right now!
    "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need"
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    By putting down some bark mulch, hopefully that will keep the top of soil cool but dry which is what most of your plants in the container prefer. For the first month, water them carefully around the base every 2 days especially in the hot weather. As they establish and form their roots, they will be able to cope a bit better. You can then water every 3-4 days. 
  • WildFlower_UKWildFlower_UK Posts: 236
    Thanks again @Borderline, sounds like a great plan!
    "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need"
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Don't cut the foliage off the alliums though. They need those for energy for next year  :)
    Anything that's getting ideas of world domination can always be removed  ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • WildFlower_UKWildFlower_UK Posts: 236
    Hi @Fairygirl, thanks for the tip! So Allium leaves should stay on and just die back naturally?
    "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need"
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes - like most bulbs, they need the foliage for future bulb performance.
      
    Like other bulbs, they also benefit from a bit of a feed, but it might give lots of soft, floppy growth to the other herbs etc, so you might want to play that by ear a little bit  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • WildFlower_UKWildFlower_UK Posts: 236
    @Fairygirl Great stuff, I'll leave their leaves! And yes, will play it by ear about whether the Alliums need any feed. 
    "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need"
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