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Plants for structure

Wrigs21Wrigs21 Posts: 194
in Plants
Hi all 

I’m planning a project (probably a touch ambitious) early part of next year and will be attempting to plant out a large area in the naturalistic style along the lines of Piet Oudolf. 

I’ve got some planting ideas in mind but need some ideas for good green plants to provide some structure to the planting if any one has some good suggestions? Ideally circa 90cm-1m in height with a reasonable spread (Got grasses sorted). 

Plus would be keen to hear if any one has some thoughts/experience on planting on slopes in terms of how to position plants based on height. 

Posts

  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    The planting will depend on several things. Will you be looking up or down the slope, or maybe on a pathway through it?  How exposed to wind is it? Is there a view beyond that you want to enhance or obscure, and how steep is the slope - do you want the planting to accentuate or reduce it in appearance?
    I have a very steep bank with a view beyond that I am gradually transforming to prairie style planting. I am going to put my miscanthus lower down, so that they will not block the view and seen from above they will make the slope look less steep, while from below they will gain stature. Stipa gigantea will be near the top as it is a see through plant and the other plants and grasses will be arranged in short swathes of random height to try to achieve a natural effect. The bank is very exposed, so plants that may be vulnerable will be sited lower or sheltered  by other more resilient plants. Just some of my current thinking... it could still change :)
  • Wrigs21Wrigs21 Posts: 194
    Thanks both. Site can be seen here; 

    https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/1044973/how-to-tie-areas-together#latest

    (No longer trying to tie together, contemplating a couple of Acers nothing more). 

    Will be taking some of the gradient out of the slope and will have a path running through it. Sadly as you can see from last photo you won’t be able to view the area from the house however long term hoping to put a garden office at the bottom so will be looking up at area. It’s very sheltered and gets a fair amount of sunlight as is S/SW. Soil not ideal but going to put down a fair amount of top soil and maybe some manure. 

    I’m going to plant a few taller plants through the grasses such as Peucedanum to try and connect the areas
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    If you want a tall structural plant artichokes are worth considering
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • UsFourUsFour Posts: 49
    Have a look at John Lord's garden videos on YouTube ... he has lots of prairie planting areas and is really good on giving in depth info on plants.

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc1hdKqCEwZqZYNjKitAlaQ
    UsFour 

    The older you get, the more you realise that it is OK to live a life others don't understand.
  • Wrigs21Wrigs21 Posts: 194
    UsFour said:
    Have a look at John Lord's garden videos on YouTube ... he has lots of prairie planting areas and is really good on giving in depth info on plants.

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc1hdKqCEwZqZYNjKitAlaQ
    Thank you. Like they stick the names up so you can scribble down. 
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