It wasn't the winter, it was a combination of the factors mentioned. Potted plants can't cope the way they do in the ground. Camellias and rhododendrons are completely hardy if in the right conditions, regardless of winter weather A screen further in with climbers would probably be better in the circumstances, as there isn't room for a stand alone bed, unless you don't mind some space nearer the house. Mine is done with posts and roofing battens, but there are plenty of trellis types too, according to your budget. Something planted at the door end, and one planted at the other end, or half way, would be enough. They need a proper area prepped, and not too close to the screen. Tied in as they go, or - in the case of clematis, just guided in the direction required, depending on the choices. The aspect of the wall will dictate choices, but there are clematis for every site and time of year. A single montana, which flower at this time of year would cover the whole length easily, and they form a framework which means you don't have to worry too much about pruning or tying in once it's established. Or a smaller Group 1 for one half, and a Group 2 for the other. Both types need little pruning once established, but they need properly prepped, and have slightly different requirements. You can look at specialist growers for ideas. Taylors, Thorncroft, Hawthornes etc. All reliable sellers. Roses too probably, but someone else can advise on those or you can look at the rose thread, and ask for help with choices https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/1071462/roses-spring-summer-2023/p174 There are other climbers that might suit, but avoid the ones suited to walls, like Parthenocissus and climbing Hydrangeas. They won't work so readily on a timber screen
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Thank you fairy girl that all sounds very interesting and plenty of food for thought! Btw do you think that a rhododendron could grow in our soil? It is a bit chalky here.
If the soil's alkaline, forget rhodos, camellias, pieris, skimmia etc. There are some which can tolerate it, but the overwhelming majority will not thrive, and you'd be wasting your money. If other people around you are growing them successfully - and that's the important word, then you could try, but there are thousands of other plants which will suit the site.
There is no point in trying to grow plants which don't suit your conditions, and the only alternative is a large raised bed if you want shrubs which prefer a neutral to acidic medium, but that also becomes expensive because you need to fill it correctly, and maintain it as well as the planting. It's not that different to containers, and it's the ongoing year round care that matters with them
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Posts
A screen further in with climbers would probably be better in the circumstances, as there isn't room for a stand alone bed, unless you don't mind some space nearer the house. Mine is done with posts and roofing battens, but there are plenty of trellis types too, according to your budget.
Something planted at the door end, and one planted at the other end, or half way, would be enough. They need a proper area prepped, and not too close to the screen. Tied in as they go, or - in the case of clematis, just guided in the direction required, depending on the choices. The aspect of the wall will dictate choices, but there are clematis for every site and time of year. A single montana, which flower at this time of year would cover the whole length easily, and they form a framework which means you don't have to worry too much about pruning or tying in once it's established. Or a smaller Group 1 for one half, and a Group 2 for the other. Both types need little pruning once established, but they need properly prepped, and have slightly different requirements. You can look at specialist growers for ideas. Taylors, Thorncroft, Hawthornes etc. All reliable sellers.
Roses too probably, but someone else can advise on those or you can look at the rose thread, and ask for help with choices
https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/1071462/roses-spring-summer-2023/p174
There are other climbers that might suit, but avoid the ones suited to walls, like Parthenocissus and climbing Hydrangeas. They won't work so readily on a timber screen
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
If other people around you are growing them successfully - and that's the important word, then you could try, but there are thousands of other plants which will suit the site.
There is no point in trying to grow plants which don't suit your conditions, and the only alternative is a large raised bed if you want shrubs which prefer a neutral to acidic medium, but that also becomes expensive because you need to fill it correctly, and maintain it as well as the planting. It's not that different to containers, and it's the ongoing year round care that matters with them
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...