Is there any way you could lay weed membrane over the whole area, killing off what’s there, for a few weeks, then dig over and improve any soil that needs it, before starting to plant? Would make it easier for new plants to establish. A wildflower bank would look fantastic there too 😁
Was seriously considering wildflowers but was wanting something I wouldn't have to cut. Hopefully get a little wildflower patch on the other side.
I got Bee Bombs and scattered them on bare soil (can’t have any grass where they’re scattered as it would compete with the wildflower seed). Some are annuals, some biennials, some have kept their leaves all winter, all in all a lovely mix, they self seed and look nice even now, an I don’t do a thing to them except to cut back the dead flower stalks at the end of winter. Very low maintenance!
I would try covering it to kill off what’s there too. I have both vincas and prefer minor, but it’s not as quick to establish. You don’t have to go for just one plant though, spreading geraniums would cover that quickly. I can give you Vinca major (lots) and minor (bits) and geranium macrorrhizum (lots) if it’s worth a trip. I’m Scottish Borders too.
Right Im thinking to go with the minor for the more trailing habit and ill try and throw some geraniums I have into the mix as well, hopefully post a photo of it done on here one day.
Thanks for the offer a1154 will have to arrange a plant swap one day.
I inherited Vinca Minor in my garden, looks great in late winter and spring, the flowers are quite delicate and I just cut it down to the ground when other plants start to grow. However I do dig up patches that grow where I don't want them, It is invasive but if you have the time and energy to keep it under control it makes for good winter/spring coverage. Just don't let the twinning stems get too long.
I have the variegated minor. It is well- behaved and useful but I wouldn't call it a groundcover plant. On the other hand, next door's encroaching major is a total PITA. It definitely covers ground and tangles into shrubs! It would certainly cover your bank and anything else nearby.
Helpful post. I’ve just stuck some in on an embankment hoping for some ground cover. Went with Minor. Hopefully beats the weeds that take over each year!
I have the variegated minor. It is well- behaved and useful but I wouldn't call it a groundcover plant. On the other hand, next door's encroaching major is a total PITA. It definitely covers ground and tangles into shrubs! It would certainly cover your bank and anything else nearby.
Couldn't agree more - V major has been allowed to grow in this garden for the past 20 years. It will grow up and over anything - trees and fences included - and unless controlled will form a dense mat which even a good downpour will find it hard to penetrate. I have the variegated minor which can act as limited ground cover if snipped appropriately. It's certainly far less thuggish than major.
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Some are annuals, some biennials, some have kept their leaves all winter, all in all a lovely mix, they self seed and look nice even now, an I don’t do a thing to them except to cut back the dead flower stalks at the end of winter. Very low maintenance!
I can give you Vinca major (lots) and minor (bits) and geranium macrorrhizum (lots) if it’s worth a trip. I’m Scottish Borders too.
Right Im thinking to go with the minor for the more trailing habit and ill try and throw some geraniums I have into the mix as well, hopefully post a photo of it done on here one day.
Thanks for the offer a1154 will have to arrange a plant swap one day.
It would certainly cover your bank and anything else nearby.
I have the variegated minor which can act as limited ground cover if snipped appropriately. It's certainly far less thuggish than major.