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Advice for a new border please?

My daughter (a beginner gardener) has a large new border, clay soil, against a 5 ft fence as the attached photo.  They've added a lot of topsoil.  It is part full sun, then shaded by a large Willow tree at the far end.  She would like a bit of privacy from next door so 1.5 - 2m high, though not a full-on hedge and "easy" shrubs, Evergreens if possible.   I was thinking Photinia Red Robin and Hydrangea Annabelle maybe?  Also what would work under the Willow Tree?  Is now a good time to plant shrubs and also Perennials (after the drought of course) or better to wait till Spring.  Any recommendations for shrubs most welcome.

Posts

  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    Autumn or Spring are the best planting times.
    That Willow will suck all the moisture from the surrounding soil, so you will need something drought and shade tolerant for that area.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • HortusHortus Posts: 43
    Hydrangea Annabelle would be lovely there especially with your clay soil. Much more interesting than Red Robin in my opinion. I would plant them in autumn when the ground is still warm but giving the plants time to put down roots before winter. You might want to make that a white border to tie in with the Annabelle flowers so when you plant in autumn you could add bulbs for the spring to give you colour until it is all established. 
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Punkdoc is correct, willows take up a huge amount of water, from the surrounding area, as a general rule, the height of the tree will be the span of the root system. Hydrangeas as the name suggests need moisture. There are several Photinias as well as Red Robin that are everygreen (so to speak)
  • AcuwellAcuwell Posts: 87
    Hi all thanks for that - I did wonder about planting under the Willow.  Any suggestions for what is drought tolerant AND shade tolerant as well????
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    If you want something to provide privacy near the willow, plain green privet is worth considering.  It is both shade and drought tolerant but new plants will need regular watering until the roots get established.  I know it's not very exciting but it produces a good green screen and is popular with birds for shelter and nesting.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


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