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Planters along edge of raised patio

LauraEllenLauraEllen Posts: 23
in Problem solving
Hello everyone

I have been looking for a way to solve - cheaply and in a way that looks good - the massive drop from the edge of our raised patio to the lawn below. 

Currently thinking that a line of trough type planters planted with evergreen boxus alternative instead of a balustrade. 

https://www.vidaxl.co.uk/e/vidaxl-garden-raised-bed-galvanised-steel-400x80x45-cm-anthracite/8719883757018.html

This is the cheapest I've found but I am not sure what I would have to do to make sure that the plants will have enough drainage. Am thinking that just putting them straight onto the patio and filling with soil won't suffice? 

Any thoughts or advice appreciated. 

Many thanks 
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Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    The biggest problem with metal/steel containers is that they heat up, and that will affect the planting, especially if they're in a sunny site. Yes - you'd need to raise any planter off the  ground to help with drainage :)
    Box is dodgy in many areas just now because of blight and the moth, but there are loads of alternatives if you just wanted an evergreen low hedge of some kind. 
    If you have a photo of the site, that will help. The icon that looks like hills with a moon [above] is the one for uploading pix. Keep them around 1MB so that they load easily.  :)

    Sleepers might be a better option, or a rendered blockwork bed. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LauraEllenLauraEllen Posts: 23
    Hi thanks for reply - oh yes I hadn't thought of the metal / heating aspect! 

    There are some nice wooden ones with built in slatted base for drainage but more expensive. 

    Yes box blight exists here so I was thinking of Lonicera ntida or hebe or something to provide an evergreen screen, then planting some prettier things in pots around to flower 

    I will try and take a pic but basically a 6m long patio with drop of around 70cm to lawn below. 

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I think sleepers, or the blockwork, rendered wall  would be a better, and cheaper bet. 
    Alternatively, you could make your own timber planters. It isn't expensive, or particularly difficult. Good quality timber from a builders' merchant is cheaper than a DIY outlet too. That's how I did mine. Some heavier timber for the corner posts, plastic for lining [old compost bags are fine] and some battens to raise them off the ground and that's about it. I finished mine with a timber surround as well. You can even make it wide enough to double a seating if needed. 
    If you aren't handy, it would be worth getting a quote from a local joiner.  :)

    Both of those shrubs would be fine for a formal look - many Hebes are naturally ball shaped, while lonicera would need regular trimming to keep it neat.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    I have just purchased a pack of six Euonymus Green Spire to pot on, may be too small for what you want. If you do opt for buxus try to find plants grown in the UK. You will need to top dress containers each spring what ever you choose. If your patio faces south if could be too hot for buxus and leaves will loose their dark glossy look . Both these plants can be root pruned if they become pot bound.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Unfortunately, @LauraEllen hasn't come back with any further info - height required, aspect, approximate location etc, so it's hard to offer any further ideas or advice.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LauraEllenLauraEllen Posts: 23
    Hi 
    Thanks for the comments!
    The garden faces north west - the patio is sunny in the morning in the warmer months then in shade in the afternoon. In Hertfordshire.
    I have ordered some wooden trough type planters (admire your self-build @Fairygirl but I haven't got it in me :)) 

    They are 40cm high and I think I'd like another 30-40cm of evergreen above this. I was actually thinking rosemary might be nice. I just wonder would it now be dying in the current frost this time next year or could I put fleece over it? Also appeals as it is mediterranean so thinking it might survive not watering for a week or so in summer months? 
     
    @GardenerSuze but I wonder is it too fast/ high as I need a low hedge for just maintaining in the pots at 40-5ocm.....

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    You can't really leave anything in a container for a week without watering it. You'd need an irrigation system if you can't water it. 
    It's not frost that affects rosemary so much as cold wet conditions in winter. It can manage quite low temps [below minus 5] if it's drier. I have to overwinter it under cover here when I grow it.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LauraEllenLauraEllen Posts: 23
    thanks @fairygirl  So what do you think best for low growing evergreen in troughs? Rosemary and lonireca are top 2 . 
    It is quite a bit run of planters (5m)- I was looking at buying 35 bare root Lonicera  so I don't think bringing them inside is feasible, or can you overwinter outside?!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Lonicera is totally hardy. 35 is a lot for a short run like that though!  About 3 per metre would be enough, unless the containers are really wide and you were doing a staggered row like a full hedge.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LauraEllenLauraEllen Posts: 23
    Oh yes good point that is hedges direct saying I need 3-5 per metre but I suppose that is for a hedge not trough planting. So would I need an irrigation system for Lonicera do you think? 
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