hi suze, like the sound of the grasses, i only asked as im looking to move to south notts as soon as i can find a property. ive lived in west bridgford, retford and im looking to move Newark way, just to get closer to extended family
Well I’m at the tail end of a dose of covid so mostly indoors at the moment Suze! Yes the forum is fairly quiet at the moment. Karl F was just the grass I was thinking of, looks lovely mixed with Verbena B and other wafty plants, saw a photo of that combination somewhere.
Water is a great idea Stuart, an excellent contribution to the sensory experience - there are some ‘falling water against a wall’ type of water features that would be safe for kids, but maybe not so good for frogs..
Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
@Stuart wilson134 I don't grow Buddleia but a great idea as it is an easy to care for plant. I know alot of forum members do and there are some lovely ones so hopefully there will be some suggestions for smaller ones. I love West Bridgford great place for a coffee and a chat outdoors.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
At such a worrying time, I'm sure your garden plans will be a great comfort for your niece and her family. I agree with all the views expressed above, particularly the recommendations to include grasses in your design - they will provide interest throughout the year, with very little maintenance required. In addition to Calamagrostis Karl Foerster, I'd also recommend Panicum Northwind which is similarly upright and well contained, plus Panicum Skyracer or Stipa gigantea which will add a bit of drama. I would probably keep the planting quite simple with maybe three different grasses, repeated to create rhythm and unity, and a few flowering perennials, shrubs or annuals to add colour and attract bees and butterflies. Your choice of a Buddleja is a good one and other bee magnets include Nepeta and Lythrum, if you have a sunny spot for them. Enjoy making your plans!
The water feature only needs to be a half barrel with a few plants, a small fountain, possibly solar-powered to make life easy for you, and a gangplank for tiny critters to walk along to get to the water. I would bear in mind your niece may have problems with walking or being mobile in time so easy access to level paths or patio for a wheelchair or walking frame. Ask your niece if she has any favourite flowers, plants, and colours. Seats are important as well, for resting, weeding from, etc. Lots of ideas for plants have already been suggested.
A small half barrel type pond would be fun ... the children might like to get involved in helping to set it up. You can get some lovely dwarf water lilies .... before you know it your mini pond will have lots of little visitors ... maybe even dragonflies in summer.
Also, your niece may feel a bit self-conscious about how she looks after her treatment. So somewhere with a bit of privacy for sitting out might encourage her to come outside when she's not feeling great.
Not sure if herbs have been mentioned so far ... but some pots of lemon verbena, marjoram, and lavender near to where she will be sitting would be therapeutic.
Good luck, and keep us posted with your progress.
Bee x
Gardener and beekeeper in beautiful Scottish Borders
A single bee creates just one twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in her lifetime
Hi … just popped in and felt your ‘nudge’ @GardenerSuze 😊 Currently getting ready for two family birthdays before Christmas!!!
I can only echo much of what has already been said … I would go for quiet areas where your niece can sit/lounge and see things ‘in close up’ , either peacefully on her own or wondering at nature with her children.
Sounds within the garden, bubbling water and the rustle of leaves help maintain focus and stop the mind wandering can help, so a bubble fountain or similar, and grasses or something like a Nandina in a container would be lovely and give changing interest throughout the year.
Placing plants where they can cast beautiful moving shadows on a sunny day is another facet of design that can add to the enjoyment of a garden.
I would also make sure that there are little spots of earth where the children can poke in a few seeds of nasturtium, sweet peas or Morning Glory and watch them grow and enjoy the flowers with their mum.
I have a close relative who is similarly unwell, and as has been said, he finds it’s the small things that give most pleasure.
The garden makeover is a lovely idea … villages are special places where special things can happen.
Every good wish to your niece and all those who love and care for her.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Posts
Water is a great idea Stuart, an excellent contribution to the sensory experience - there are some ‘falling water against a wall’ type of water features that would be safe for kids, but maybe not so good for frogs..
@Stuart wilson134 I don't grow Buddleia but a great idea as it is an easy to care for plant. I know alot of forum members do and there are some lovely ones so hopefully there will be some suggestions for smaller ones.
I love West Bridgford great place for a coffee and a chat outdoors.
I would bear in mind your niece may have problems with walking or being mobile in time so easy access to level paths or patio for a wheelchair or walking frame. Ask your niece if she has any favourite flowers, plants, and colours. Seats are important as well, for resting, weeding from, etc. Lots of ideas for plants have already been suggested.
Just to chip in with a couple of thoughts.
A small half barrel type pond would be fun ... the children might like to get involved in helping to set it up. You can get some lovely dwarf water lilies .... before you know it your mini pond will have lots of little visitors ... maybe even dragonflies in summer.
Also, your niece may feel a bit self-conscious about how she looks after her treatment. So somewhere with a bit of privacy for sitting out might encourage her to come outside when she's not feeling great.
Not sure if herbs have been mentioned so far ... but some pots of lemon verbena, marjoram, and lavender near to where she will be sitting would be therapeutic.
Good luck, and keep us posted with your progress.
Bee x
A single bee creates just one twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in her lifetime
Currently getting ready for two family birthdays before Christmas!!!
I can only echo much of what has already been said … I would go for quiet areas where your niece can sit/lounge and see things ‘in close up’ , either peacefully on her own or wondering at nature with her children.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.