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2 problem areas

Grandad 99Grandad 99 Posts: 52
in Garden design
This photo was taken about 7 o'clock this evening

I have just cleared the dense masses of bluebells from the empty spaces at the back of the bed in the lawn and against the fence. Ideally I would like to dig up them up  but my wife loves them.

 I'm looking for suggestions for medium height perennials that could survive through the bluebells and  provide colour for the rest of the summer/autumn.

The border by the fence is in shade for much of the day, both beds dry out easily despite annual dressings of garden centre compost.
   

Posts

  • steephillsteephill Posts: 2,841
    My suggestion is to remove the conifer and expand the island bed to link up with the border behind it. That would help with the shade and dryness problems. I think I see a stump at the front of the island bed, have you had a tree removed recently?
  • Grandad 99Grandad 99 Posts: 52
    Another conifer removed a few years ago.

    No chance of taking the other one down as it has special memories for us. We brought it from our previous house 40 years ago when it was small enough to be moved in a pail.

    I'm hoping that someone will suggest some perennials that will meet our needs.

  • didywdidyw Posts: 3,573
    I would try persicaria Red Dragon.  I have it and have chucked it around the garden in various positions and it doesn't mind a bit.  It does sulk in my sandy soil if I don't water it but soon perks up.

    Try here: https://www.bethchatto.co.uk/conditions/plants-for-shade-conditions/persicaria-microcephala-red-dragon.htm
    Gardening in East Suffolk on dry sandy soil.
  • ERICS MUMERICS MUM Posts: 627
    Erysimum Bowles Mauve.  It’s a perennial wallflower which can flower 8/9 months of the year although probably lasts 3 or so years before getting very straggly & unsightly.

    I’ve grown them in sun and semi-shade and both did well.
  • ERICS MUMERICS MUM Posts: 627
    Verbena Bonariensis has quite tall and thin flower stems but low leaves so they can be planted toward the front of flower beds without blocking sight of plants behind.

    lavender likes sunny positions.
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