@JoeX I think you have put alot of thought into your planting scheme. As you say Laurel for an evergreen back drop and also the winter months. I wondered if you are also using it to screen something?
I am sure you have taken time to choose your roses. Cornus variegata maybe? for winter stems and summer foliage. Plus bulbs for the spring. Covering all the seasons especially in a small border is a skill. You have also considered the different layers/tiers which is important. You can break these rules now and then with maybe a grass to the front that acts like a veil you can see through to other plants.
These are all skills that gardeners learn over time and you have started to make great progress with your new garden space. You have vision which is a great place to start. I assume that you have already planted up your new border and because you are very keen and developing your skills it will also be a place from which to learn.
At this point your soil could be perfect for roses but what the growers cannot tell you is how your roses will cope with the plants that surround them. Planting schemes need to be continuously changed and adapted as plants grow and sometimes die too. A garden is always changing, not a hobby for those who want to just plant walk away and say job done. The garden then becomes static something that can happen with a professionally landscape garden that doesn't have continued maintenance.
I would stay positive you are obviously enjoying what you do the advice given is good but only you will be the judge on how you progress.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
@JoeX I agree sometimes you can put in alot of effort, it doesn't work but that is what encourages you to try even more things! Crazy I know.
I have moved a plant or two only to find Iv'e made things worse , always good to consider the surrounding plants their leaf shape, texture, flower colour, season of interest, growing conditions, skeletal shape, plus spacial awareness, no wonder gardeners are always moving stuff. The positive is I can forget everything else whilst working on these kinds of projects that is what I enjoy the most.
Also these sorts of problems become less as your knowledge builds, I am sure you will agree.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
Put in some hard hours digging out plants and making space, putting in dogwoods and roses, today.
Already clear I can’t do this in three rows, so with laurel still mostly at the back, it’s more a case of interspersing everything else to give them space.
Feels good to be clearing things out and simplifying.
@JoeX Taking photos especially in August when many plants are in full growth can remind you of just how much space things need. At this time of year that kind of information can be very useful. I also have a tatty old note book which I have found useful over time. It has stopped me repeat buying plants and is full of garden notes that have proved to be very helpful at times. Today has been a great day weather wise to get out in the garden, as long as soil isn't too wet enjoy!
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
Posts
I am sure you have taken time to choose your roses. Cornus variegata maybe? for winter stems and summer foliage. Plus bulbs for the spring. Covering all the seasons especially in a small border is a skill. You have also considered the different layers/tiers which is important. You can break these rules now and then with maybe a grass to the front that acts like a veil you can see through to other plants.
These are all skills that gardeners learn over time and you have started to make great progress with your new garden space. You have vision which is a great place to start.
I assume that you have already planted up your new border and because you are very keen and developing your skills it will also be a place from which to learn.
At this point your soil could be perfect for roses but what the growers cannot tell you is how your roses will cope with the plants that surround them. Planting schemes need to be continuously changed and adapted as plants grow and sometimes die too. A garden is always changing, not a hobby for those who want to just plant walk away and say job done. The garden then becomes static something that can happen with a professionally landscape garden that doesn't have continued maintenance.
I would stay positive you are obviously enjoying what you do the advice given is good but only you will be the judge on how you progress.
There is a screening element - pedestrians
I do like experimenting in the garden and changing things up - maybe a bit too much
The frustrating part is when you put in a lot of effort, bide you time and be patient and the end result is still disappointing! Such is gardening.
I have moved a plant or two only to find Iv'e made things worse , always good to consider the surrounding plants their leaf shape, texture, flower colour, season of interest, growing conditions, skeletal shape, plus spacial awareness, no wonder gardeners are always moving stuff. The positive is I can forget everything else whilst working on these kinds of projects that is what I enjoy the most.
Also these sorts of problems become less as your knowledge builds, I am sure you will agree.
Already clear I can’t do this in three rows, so with laurel still mostly at the back, it’s more a case of interspersing everything else to give them space.
Feels good to be clearing things out and simplifying.
I also have a tatty old note book which I have found useful over time. It has stopped me repeat buying plants and is full of garden notes that have proved to be very helpful at times.
Today has been a great day weather wise to get out in the garden, as long as soil isn't too wet enjoy!