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Gardener Suze's New OAP Garden

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  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @clematisdorset No tea bag mesh anywhere. I have been reading your comments. I have seen it used in the past but very occasionally.  I planted a rose once in a biodegradable pot for someone and the pot didn't break down. The instructions were clear that it would, I managed to rescue it in time and take it out of the pot.
    It is interesting that there have been many reports of this product. I must have planted thousands of plants over the years finding it was rare.

    Before the lawn was laid I did read here about turf suppliers using a type of degradable mesh to hold the turf for transportation.The landscaper assured me that wouldn't be used here and the lawn is doing well. I understand it is to be banned in the near future as it causes many problems in the future including scarifying.
    This type of product is also used for strips of wildflower meadow turf or it would fall apart when being transported very ecological!
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    Just arrived from Knoll Gardens and looking good five pots of Molinia Torch. I plan to space these along the long narrow border that runs the length of the path along side  the lawn. These will be planted with Ophiopogon at intervals and possibly a third plant. Maybe an annual.
    Sesleria was also considered but it's flowers are a creamy white which may not have worked so well. It isn't an easy space as plants must not encroach on the lawn, choices are limited. Thankyou to Knoll, helpful as always.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • clematisdorsetclematisdorset Posts: 1,348
    I am glad there was no teabag mesh. Would you usually check the roots and remove the soil when planting or not necessarily? I think without removing at least 95% of the soil, it would not be possible to tell? Do you think that is right? I am only saying this from what I found with 3 litre potted shrubs.
    Sorry to witness the demise of the forum. 😥😥😥😡😡😡I am Spartacus 
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Molinia Torch are a good choice for a narrow border @GardenerSuze, they are upright and compact with gentle, airy flower stalks. They tend to have less impact over winter though as they fade quite quickly, so bear that in mind with your other planting. I have three in a sunny border with Molinia Skyracer behind.


    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @clematisdorset Thankyou I certainly will be looking carefully at the roots now. I hadn't realised you had found it it pots as big a three litres.

    @Plantminded Thankyou for your photo that is helpful. Yes the down side of Molinias is the winter months when there is nothing. This border will be seen all year round and as you know the Ophiopogon is evergreen. I wanted to add just one other plant it will either needs to be evergreen like Euonymous Green Pillar so it can be clipped which may be enough or some seasonal bedding such as Tagetes Burning Embers which I might add as well not sure? I want to repeat and keep it simple. It will need some editing and continuous change as plants grow towards the lawn.

    I might swap the Molinias at a later date for Calamagrostis Eldorado but thought it too tall. M Torch as you say has a great shape for a narrow border. When the other borders are planted I will have more of a chance to checkout heights throughout the garden
    Nothing better than a 'plan B' when gardening.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    If you are finding tea bags on plants in 3l. Pots then they are not a problem because the roots must have grown through them.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    I like to have a Plan B too @GardenerSuze! There are three small Euonymus Green Pillars on the right in my photo above if that helps. I like the look of Calamagostis Eldorado, the variegation would add extra interest.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • Bee witchedBee witched Posts: 1,295
    Hi @clematisdorset,

    I've no connection with this company ... but I know for certain that Macplants never use teabags on any of their plants. I had good chat with them last time I was there.
    They have an excellent range of plants, all reasonably priced.

    I mostly buy 9cm pots from them, and am lucky that I live close enough to collect, but they do mail order too.

    Bee x
    Gardener and beekeeper in beautiful Scottish Borders  

    A single bee creates just one twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in her lifetime
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @punkdoc Yes you would of course need to pull the plant apart to get to the 'tea bag' not a good idea. I wonder if it is only certain nurseries that continue with this form of propagation. This is my first purchase from Crocus I have checked the roots all are OK
    other than one fern that had no roots a replacement recieved very promptly today.
    No sign of weevil grubs but I suspect that could be the cause.

    @Plantminded I have to say my eye was drawn to your obelisk your black eyed susan is lovely especially with the rustic obelisk. Another idea I may steal!
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Thank you @GardenerSuze, that’s going to be repeated this year. The rest of the border is being cleared tomorrow to make way for more Heleniums which grew well here last year, thanks to one of your tips about keeping the roots moist in summer!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


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