I have made a list of my plants and added some more to buy, divided them up depending on aspect and border size. The photo was taken from the south facing patio so the wall and fence face east.The 'Elephant in the room' is obviously the wall and fence. I plan to put some wires along the fence. The wall will have Parthenosisus Henryana. Think it will mark the wall. Any other suggestions I would like your imput please.
I thought I might put together some planting ideas for this bed, which at present has a few plants that I needed to move quickly. I need to consider the lower border as part of my plan too, not forgetting to balance things with the other side of the garden. This border whilst wet at the moment will be warm and dry in the summer and it is draining.
Here are a few of my planting ideas, is there is enough green not sure at this stage? I always find placing plants easier if I am actually in the garden.
Some considerations. Sambucus nigra Eva[this will go at the far end nearest the chair to give height ] Geranium Rozannex3, Calamagrostis Overdam x3, Pulmonaria Diana Claire, Euonymous Green Pillar x3, Parahebe Perfoliata, Ophiopogon planicapus nigresens, Seslaria Nitida, Helianthemum Wisley Primrose, Hedera Helix Ice Cream, Erigeron Lavendar Lady, Pulmonaria Diana Claire. I have all these plants other than the Sambucus. Too many or may be not enough and possibly over the top. I would welcome any thoughts. Thanke Suze
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
An early Christmas gift Cornus Midwinter Fire. I have never grown this before, it is beautiful sun lit, en masse. However there are lots of red brick in the garden and with dark evergreens it should be fine. I think this Cornus may be a Bressingham introduction but not sure. Does anyone else grow it?
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
I'm very jealous of your specimen! I hunted high and low for Midwinter Fire here in the states and finally found someone who carried them in Maryland. I bought two, and they are probably 10 inches tall by 12 inches around, very small. I paid a pretty penny for them, too.
I also want to take a moment to say how inspirational this thread is; I'm trying to build new gardens and often get overwhelmed. I love being able to see your step by step process, it helps me understand planting a little more. Normally I just throw things in the ground and hope for the best, with no thought.
New England, USA
Metacomet soil with hints of Woodbridge and Pillsbury
@CrankyYankee When I worked as a gardener I was often presented with plants purchased by clients.They had visited a Garden Show or special garden, chosen a new treasure, without alot of thought as to where it might fit in their garden. It was my job to solve the problem, it happened so often it made me focus on where a plant should go before purchasing for my own garden.
These days because I have been so lucky to plant so many different things for others I try to focus on a space, or a plant I already own when purchasing more. It is important to work out how plants work together throughout the different seasons. How the leaf textures and shapes work together. Plants like Cornus are great for anchoring a garden during the winter months. I personally think a garden with a good rhythm at this time of year using grasses, evergreens and plants with a good skeletal shape will always be pleasing. Not about a plant that just appeals but what it adds to the look is important.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
@punkdoc It was discovered in a German garden. Not sure about the Bressingham connection I mentioned earlier. Perhaps they were the first to stock it in the UK not sure. I have seen it in the Winter Garden at Anglesey Abbey en masse on a cold bright winters day, beautiful.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
@Fairygirl Thankyou for your previous comments on the thread 'Just how wet is your Garden'. You have offered your thoughts regarding Raised Beds and Med plants which is very helpful. There is over a ton of fine top soil in each one but as I mentioned further down clay. A total of three all the same shape, one thought was to repeat plants in each to introduce some height. I will avoid anything deep rooted.
The med plants are from my old garden [no silver leaves a waste of time] but Origanum Foxleys, Origanum Bellisimo, Thymus Mimimus etc. It is supposed to be an opportunity to have some plants that like free drainage. At the moment they all still look good even with the weather.
The wall behind faces West and this will be a hot part of the garden in summer. I am hoping that I can get away with planting Meds on the edges. Nothing to loose is my thought. About 99% of plants have survived the move so I think I should be pleased.
Raised Beds are full of plants at present but as soon as I can I will check how far down the clay is. Yes I will add more compost even though the Meds like poor soil. It is going to be one big experiment as you suggest and a puzzle too I think.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
I have been busy tackling the long narrow border that runs the length of the path. There is alot of cement under the paving so I have needed to be careful. I also came across some grit, sure sign of a pipe. Found that and took the opportunity to add more grit. I expected a second pipe but luckily no, think it was further down. The soil here like the rest of the garden consists of a small amount of top soil, squishy clay then the hard pan which was dry! you can see some of the grey/red pan in the photo where I have broken through.
@McRazz suggested on another thread to try and get down into the soil to a depth of 300mm if possible. The 'pan' was just a little deeper but in some parts three inches thick. I doubt if I have got through everywhere but it has been a brave attempt.
The wet topsoil was taken off, some of the clay removed and then the very hard work dealing with the 'pan'. Once broken I added a thick layer of manure, returned the top soil and added soil conditioner. Phew! six hours over a couple of days, half way along.
I have often enjoyed a little gardening on Christmas Day but this year will settle for just a walk I think....
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
It looks like you are doing a fine job @GardenerSuze, the improvement is very visible in your second photo. You won’t have to worry about too much Christmas fare after all that exercise! 🍰 🍾
@Plantminded Thanks, the encouragement is most welcome. Years ago I had to eat plenty to keep the weight on when working. Not a problem as I get older!
Just been out to check the plants in the West facing raised beds, closer to the wall I may have a rain shadow. Something else I hadn't thought about.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
Posts
I thought I might put together some planting ideas for this bed, which at present has a few plants that I needed to move quickly. I need to consider the lower border as part of my plan too, not forgetting to balance things with the other side of the garden. This border whilst wet at the moment will be warm and dry in the summer and it is draining.
Here are a few of my planting ideas, is there is enough green not sure at this stage? I always find placing plants easier if I am actually in the garden.
Some considerations. Sambucus nigra Eva[this will go at the far end nearest the chair to give height ] Geranium Rozannex3, Calamagrostis Overdam x3, Pulmonaria Diana Claire, Euonymous Green Pillar x3, Parahebe Perfoliata, Ophiopogon planicapus nigresens, Seslaria Nitida, Helianthemum Wisley Primrose, Hedera Helix Ice Cream, Erigeron Lavendar Lady, Pulmonaria Diana Claire. I have all these plants other than the Sambucus. Too many or may be not enough and possibly over the top. I would welcome any thoughts. Thanke Suze
I think this Cornus may be a Bressingham introduction but not sure. Does anyone else grow it?
These days because I have been so lucky to plant so many different things for others I try to focus on a space, or a plant I already own when purchasing more. It is important to work out how plants work together throughout the different seasons. How the leaf textures and shapes work together. Plants like Cornus are great for anchoring a garden during the winter months. I personally think a garden with a good rhythm at this time of year using grasses, evergreens and plants with a good skeletal shape will always be pleasing. Not about a plant that just appeals but what it adds to the look is important.
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
I have seen it in the Winter Garden at Anglesey Abbey en masse on a cold bright winters day, beautiful.
You have offered your thoughts regarding Raised Beds and Med plants which is very helpful.
There is over a ton of fine top soil in each one but as I mentioned further down clay.
A total of three all the same shape, one thought was to repeat plants in each to introduce some height. I will avoid anything deep rooted.
The med plants are from my old garden [no silver leaves a waste of time] but Origanum Foxleys, Origanum Bellisimo, Thymus Mimimus etc. It is supposed to be an opportunity to have some plants that like free drainage. At the moment they all still look good even with the weather.
The wall behind faces West and this will be a hot part of the garden in summer. I am hoping that I can get away with planting Meds on the edges. Nothing to loose is my thought. About 99% of plants have survived the move so I think I should be pleased.
Raised Beds are full of plants at present but as soon as I can I will check how far down the clay is. Yes I will add more compost even though the Meds like poor soil.
It is going to be one big experiment as you suggest and a puzzle too I think.
There is alot of cement under the paving so I have needed to be careful. I also came across some grit, sure sign of a pipe. Found that and took the opportunity to add more grit. I expected a second pipe but luckily no, think it was further down.
The soil here like the rest of the garden consists of a small amount of top soil, squishy clay then the hard pan which was dry! you can see some of the grey/red pan in the photo where I have broken through.
@McRazz suggested on another thread to try and get down into the soil to a depth of 300mm if possible. The 'pan' was just a little deeper but in some parts three inches thick. I doubt if I have got through everywhere but it has been a brave attempt.
The wet topsoil was taken off, some of the clay removed and then the very hard work dealing with the 'pan'.
I have often enjoyed a little gardening on Christmas Day but this year will settle for just a walk I think....
Just been out to check the plants in the West facing raised beds, closer to the wall I may have a rain shadow. Something else I hadn't thought about.