My first impression is you really don't have a lot of shade, so desert/prairie plants that like hot sun would work. It's not my taste, but I could see a couple of grass beds looking good. There are lots of different grasses for colours and foliage and flower types (including bamboo). To me, that end of path patio bit is crying out for a focal point thing. I'd probably do something with rock and water, but a framed mirror, or a statue, or even a surprising bit of colour.seacrows said:
My first impression is you really don't have a lot of shade, so desert/prairie plants that like hot sun would work. It's not my taste, but I could see a couple of grass beds looking good. There are lots of different grasses for colours and foliage and flower types (including bamboo). To me, that end of path patio bit is crying out for a focal point thing. I'd probably do something with rock and water, but a framed mirror, or a statue, or even a surprising bit of colour.
The side of the garden where the seating area is gets a bit of shade in the morning, but really the whole garden is in the sun most of the day. There is a hardy camellia along that side, which survived the garden building work. Thank you for your ideas, which I really like, especially having a focal point at the far end of the path.
You're right. It's boring but what gardener wouldn't love a blank canvas to play with. Enjoy!
It's all very well for avid gardeners to think this is a lovely challenge, but unfortunately that's not me - no knowledge and no ideas! It's a complete mystery and headache to me, where to start! If this was interior design I'd be full of ideas!
I also feel we need to inject some colour into some areas but I do like quite a minimalist style, not cottage garden styles. The garden faces south west and is very sunny.
Welcome to the forum @juliematt4, as mentioned by others that’s a great blank canvas you have.
For inspiration have a look at the ready-made borders on Crocus, or the Beth Chatto collection. For example, on Crocus in ‘Get the look’, there is ‘Piet Oudolf Wisley’, ‘Elegant and architectural’ and ‘Summer savanna’. You can buy the plants elsewhere and of course swap ones for others you like — as I said, just for inspiration.
I saw this idea on the internet which might look nice against your wall?
Thanks very much for posting that photo. I wouldn't be able to do the trellis idea as my neighbours behind might not like it, but I really like how there are bedding plants in front and I could do that. Thanks again
Thanks very much for the photo. Your bamboo looks lovely! Really nice against the grey trellis. I wouldn't be able to do the trellis idea as the neighbours behind probably wouldn't agree to me attaching anything to their wall, though they did eventually agree we could render it!
Rather than attempt to screen the entire garden, find the specific spots you will spend most of your time out there, and plant appropriate trees directly in the sight line between you and the overlooking window. That way you can achieve a sense of privacy without it becoming oppressive. The space cries out for deep borders at the back that reflect the curves of the retaining wall. Shrubs with attractive silhouettes will make the best use of that white rendered wall, and dark / purplish foliage would be effective. Multistems would be ideal.
Thanks so much for your advice. I think that's a very good point about a hedge possibly feeling oppressive. The random pots positioned along the white wall were put there by my son who was marking where "something" would need to go to block out the overlooking windows. Have you got any suggestions of specific trees and shrubs? Thanks again.
I agree with @Loxley idea of selective screening with a small/medium tree. You could also use bleached trees (1st pic, portuguese laurel) or you might even get away with just cylindrically trimmed tall hedges (2nd pic).
BTW Portuguese laurel is much better behaved than cherry laurel.
Joe savage landscape
Thank you for your advice and the photos. I really like the minimalist look of the garden in the first photo, though have to say I'm not keen on pleached trees as I don't think they look very natural. The raised beds are lovely. Thanks for the tip on laurel trees!
Birch trees would look good dotted around and would provide some privacy and shade. Also plants like cordylines grow quite big quickly.
I've just googled cordylines and I like them very much! They look quite mediterranean to me! I will check out the size of birch trees as the grass area isn't very big. Thank you for your advice.
Not sure what bleached trees would look like---probably very ill-looking. Obviously you meant pleached trees. Those can look splendid and effective for screening, but quite expensive.
I think white on white would look rather nice and no maintenance required either 😂
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Thanks for the correction.