Garden square planting ideas

Posts

• Nanny Beach Posts: 8,719

  March 2022

  There isn't a picture, unfortunately. Let's have that first.

  0
• rebeccajwright90 Posts: 8

  March 2022

  Hi, looking for some help/inspiration please.
  
  Just before Christmas I had a planting square cut in the front lawn so I could plant it out. It’s approx 80cm square. Garden is north facing but gets sun both in the morning and evening. Soil type is clay which I have been trying to improve and it’s neutral/alkaline.
  

  
  

  My plan was to plant a viburnum tinus eve price standard in the centre and underplant with English lavender.
  
  I still plan on planting the viburnum however not so sure about the lavender as I’m not sure it’s going to be best suited to the area. 

  
  

  Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I could replace the lavender with? Or anything entirely different? I like evergreen and relatively low maintenance however I’d be happy for have something deciduous planted underneath the viburnum the whole way round. 
  

  
  

  Any thoughts or suggestions are welcomed and very much appreciated. 

  
  

  I have also attached a picture of my square. 

  
  Thanks
  Rebecca 

  0
• rebeccajwright90 Posts: 8

  March 2022 edited March 2022

  
  

  0
• rebeccajwright90 Posts: 8

  March 2022

  Sorry, now uploaded. Looks like I’ve also reposted the messaged twice 🤷‍♀️

  0
• Obelixx Posts: 30,090

  March 2022

  Lavender needs good drainage and full sun whereas viburnum tinus will be happy with the rich clay soil and some shade.  It will also grow big enough to cover that whole square so I suggest you plant one and then use annuals to fill the gaps while it grows.  This would allow for seasonal changes and some colour.
  

  Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
  

  "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."

  Plato
  

  0
• Fairygirl Posts: 55,117

  March 2022

  Lavender won't thrive there as @Obelixx says.
  Spring bulbs, and/or primulas or lily of the valley would be fine until the viburnum takes over completely. Hardy geraniums would also be fine, as would Heucheras. The foliage of the latter would complement or contrast with the viburnum flowers, depending on the variety.

  It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
  
  
  
  I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...

  0
• rebeccajwright90 Posts: 8

  March 2022

  Thanks for your replies. I intend on buying a standard tree version of the viburnum so I didn’t think it would take up too much space underneath. Is that wrong? I’ve only recently started enjoying plants and gardening so still a bit of a novice! Thanks 

  0
• rebeccajwright90 Posts: 8

  March 2022

  It will look a bit like this to start 
  

  0
• Fairygirl Posts: 55,117

  March 2022

  In that case, you'll have room for those perennials and bulbs no problem, but just check the eventual sizes before buying anything, so that you get the best effect 
  It's also worth planting what you can at the same time as you plant the Viburnum, to save any damage to roots.
  The bulbs are a bit easier, but, as most are planted in autumn, you wouldn't be able to do those easily just now, unless you can still find some potted specimens in GCs etc. Some online suppliers will have snowdrops in the green which is the best way to plant those   

  It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
  
  
  
  I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...

  0
• GardenerSuze Posts: 5,692

  March 2022

  @rebeccajwright90 Hi I was going to suggest exactly that a standard although you may need to look around as they can be expensive. Perhaps you could also consider A Photinia which would look good with the grey wall. I have just purchased a Photinia from the hedging section of a nursery it has a very straight stem and I am going to shape it myself but understand that you may want something more instant. You have  black edging perhaps you could think about Ophiopogon Nigrescens. A blue geranium  is another possible.

  I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.

  0