personally i try to make sure i cant see any bare soil in my beds at all, others would say that is too packed but i cant stand bare soil. We have based our beds around certain flowers to get as long seasons as possible, so lots of hellebores, followed by pulminaria, then aquilegas and centuara montana (cornflowers i think) these flower for months with good dead heading, bearded iris are going now then come summer its daylillies, helecanthus, achillea, geraniums,lupins, crocosmia, and lots more besides. We plant new plants every year to keep them going
The little drumstick alliums are reliable. I have some which return, although not always reliably, but like many bulbs- to do well they need fed while dying down, and they need some moisture and decent drainage and sun, but some are definitely a bit iffy, just like tulips. I tend to lose bulbs unless they're in the raised beds, because of wet, cold soil, but a decent soil which is reasonably rich and free draining, and with enough sun, is ideal for them. Other foliage plants which might suit are Lamium and Brunnera. They're quite a good foil for other plants. Centaureas are very good value @Wilderbeast, and don't mind some shade either. I doubt if bearded Irises would be very happy though
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
@Fairygirl. Thank you. I dont do too bad with tulips since i moved over to the Darwin species. Altough every year im frightened of none coming up so i buy another 30 or so 🤣 now i have a random mix of colours. The border is quite free draining as thats the top level of the garden. The bottom level i have had to go a bit boggy but ive got it working for me. I think that was my problem i tried to recreate this garden as a whole cos i like a bit of matchy matchy but this garden is very diff conditions in different parts of the garden and so doesnt work.
Everyone has been so helpful. I'm off to spend my pennies at the weekend & persuade my hubby to dig out the honeysuckle 🤣
The species tulips are much more forgiving as they're reliably perennial. I use quite a few of them. Great plants. Sometimes, you have to take a fresh look at borders and be a bit ruthless if things don't work. Always difficult if there are plants you like though!
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Posts
I have some which return, although not always reliably, but like many bulbs- to do well they need fed while dying down, and they need some moisture and decent drainage and sun, but some are definitely a bit iffy, just like tulips. I tend to lose bulbs unless they're in the raised beds, because of wet, cold soil, but a decent soil which is reasonably rich and free draining, and with enough sun, is ideal for them.
Other foliage plants which might suit are Lamium and Brunnera. They're quite a good foil for other plants.
Centaureas are very good value @Wilderbeast, and don't mind some shade either. I doubt if bearded Irises would be very happy though
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Everyone has been so helpful. I'm off to spend my pennies at the weekend & persuade my hubby to dig out the honeysuckle 🤣
The species tulips are much more forgiving as they're reliably perennial. I use quite a few of them. Great plants. Sometimes, you have to take a fresh look at borders and be a bit ruthless if things don't work. Always difficult if there are plants you like though!
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...