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Gardener Suze's New OAP Garden

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  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    edited 28 January
    It’s borderline hardy @GardenerSuze so should be OK here but I’m not sure if it will be where you are.  I got some in the sale at Crocus so not a great expense if they expire! I’ve never gardened on clay soil but it sounds like all the work you are doing will give your plants an excellent start in your new garden, take some time off now to relax!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Plantminded I do like the idea of Imperata cylindrica with Panicum Northwind. The grey in the grass with the dark red of the grass sounds like a winning combination.
    Hebe Red Edge would be another thought. I am sure the must be many other possibles.
    As you say time now to relax!
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Plantminded Just an update I have decided to plant lots of C Karl Foerster in this border.
    I did grow a Panicum very similar to Squaw. It was very happy in the clay soil in my old garden in full sun. I think it will be going in the raised beds to start.
    I thought it would be wise to use something tried and tested in clay until I have a better understanding of what is going on. I do have a long area of grass out the front and to the side of the house. It is turfed at present but would make a lovely long border.  Many more plants will be needed there in the future so there will be lots of changes, lifting and splitting to follow.  
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    That’s an excellent choice, @GardenerSuze. As you know it’s one of my favourites too! Out of all the grasses in my garden it’s the only one that is still standing upright and neat at this late time in the season. I am going back to a lot of my old favourite plants this year having experimented in the last couple of years and been disappointed! If something is happy in your garden and you like it, you’re on to a winner!🏆 
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Plantminded I have three of them and have ordered two more. That should give a good start. As you mention wev'e had  a number of winter gales, still they stand amazing all considered.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    edited 30 January
    @GardenerSuze and @Plantminded , I was admiring these grasses this morning in our hotel's garden by the sea. Could you please ID them for me? I quite fancy a couple in my garden. Many thanks.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494

    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    They are certainly impressive @Lizzie27! In their dessicated state at this time of year many grasses look very similar. Without being able to see the flowerheads, the upright habit, cane like stems and neat clumps suggest a variety of Miscanthus or Panicum to me, but I’m not sure. I also think there are two different grasses there. Let’s see what @GardenerSuze thinks. I hope you are enjoying the sea air!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    They don’t look like any of my Miscanthus’
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    Thanks folks. I looked on the Knoll Gardens site last night and am leaning towards C. Karl Foerster?

    Sea air is certainly bracing! Super hotel.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
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