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Front Border Inspiration

WatsoniaWatsonia Posts: 134
in Garden design
We recently dug up the border outside of our house as it had been become a bit of a mess of weeds and stones. However, I’m a bit stumped when it comes to what to plant. It is south facing, clay with plenty of manure dug in and about 4.5x2m. It has “goldcrest” conifers growing along the back, so they are sapping a lot of moisture. It is also right next to a dirt track so there is a lot of dust - not sure if that matters. And we have a lot of deer visiting so nothing that is irresistible to them. I planted some potentilla limelight and cistus dansereaui decumbens but not sure where to go from here. I love a more cottage garden style and not to keen on grasses. Does anyone has any ideas what to add? And what colour scheme to choose? The bright lime yellow of the goldcrests is quite strong.


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  • zugeniezugenie Posts: 831
    Maybe some salvias? I’m not sure what deer like! 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Deer can have a go at most things, so anything you plant will need protection - it's the same with rabbits. 
    I think you're going to struggle with plants there - south facing and in front of conifers will always be tricky unless you have sufficient rain, and it might be a case of experimenting with various perennials. If you can add loads of rotted manure it will also help to retain moisture - you can get it bagged from GCs etc. Leaf mould is also good, but you may not have that. 
    Good old hardy geraniums would be a start, and then some tough verticals - Veronicas and Lychnis spring to mind, but you'll have to get adequate protection in right away to give any plants a chance, and water very thoroughly for a good while. 
    Sorry if that's not very helpful! 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • WatsoniaWatsonia Posts: 134
    Thank you both for your suggestions. I just bought some salvia at a plant sale which I could try. Any suggestion is helpful @Fairygirl, I’m drawing a big blank at the moment and it’s looking rather sad. 

    I have added loads of manure to the bed, so hopefully that will help. Geraniums are a good idea. I also have Veronica in the back garden which I could divide and transplant. I guess I need to look at drought tolerant plants with the conifers there. Maybe a rosemary? Not to keen on anything that tries to injure me me when I garden , ie  mahonia leaves or big spines.

    The deer will make an appearances, but I would prefer not to lure them in. I would have loved a rose flowercarpet but that would be far to tempting. I’m hoping the neighbours gardens will be more interesting if I get the planting right.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I expect other people with similar conditions might have suggestions @Watsonia.  :)
    Dry soil isn't something I have much experience of - whether in front of conifer hedging or under trees! 
    Some salvias are woody, so they might be better. Many aren't hardy, so it depends whereabouts you are as to how well they do. S. caradonna is the bone hardy one.  Rosemary and Thyme would probably be fine- but they'll still need lots of water until established. Things like Ox eye daisies would thrive, if they don't get eaten  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    The shrubby salvias would be OK there if the deer don't go for them (I have dry soil and grow lots of them, but I don't have deer). You might want to be careful about colour choices though, depending on your taste of course. To my eye the hot pinks would look vile with the goldcrest hedge.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'd agree @JennyJ. I love shocking pink, but against that strong yellow/gold, it can be a bit full on!
    Purples would be excellent, along with white. Blue if you like it. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Chris-P-BaconChris-P-Bacon Posts: 943
    Hebes perhaps?
  • Balgay.HillBalgay.Hill Posts: 1,089
    Tall Gaura white flowers would look good against the lime green background.
    Sunny Dundee
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Watsonia Erodiums would work well if very dry, Parahebe perfoliata, santolina Primrose Gem with Phlomis Russeliana. Helianthemum Henfield Brilliant, Nassella, libertia Peregrinans.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Watsonia Just to add I have no idea about deer! Erodium Chrysanthus has cream flowers. If you prefer cooler colours Helianthemums come in different shades too. I would persoally go for hot colours in a warm space. The plants I have mentioned are creams, lemons with a shot of orange. Parahebe flowers are purple. Libertia has beautiful leaves that are evergreen and lovely rust shade especially in winter.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
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