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Inspiration for coastal container

aecoombsaecoombs Posts: 11
in Garden design
Dear GW team,
I have this roadside container and looking for inspiration of what to put in it. We're in Cornwall, close to the sea so get high winds indeed. It is south facing but out on the road. I'd love summer colour against the white wall, but it has to be relatively low maintenance as I don't want to be stood out on the road tending to it for hours as the cars pass. It's a out 3 metres long. Any ideas greatly appreciated, and examples even more so!!
Thanks again.


Posts

  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Try Erigeron karvinskianus, Nepeta and a small upright grass like Stipa tenuissima or a tall one like Calamagrostis Karl Foerster. They make a colourful, easy maintenance group. They don’t require rich soil but it might be worth refreshing the medium in your container with a combination of MPC, topsoil and some horticultural grit. Top the container with gravel, slate or pebbles to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • Fran IOMFran IOM Posts: 2,872


    Now they are the right way up it could make it easier for posters to make more suggestions. Hope so.  :)
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    That first one needs a bit more rotation @Fran IOM 🙃


    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Here's a combination of Erigeron and Stipa tenuissima @aecoombs:





    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • Fran IOMFran IOM Posts: 2,872
    Sorry about that @Plantminded ! I had a feeling I had got it wrong but couldn't make up my mind. It would probably have been better if I had left it as it was.  :/
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    It puzzled me too @Fran IOM 😊!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • aecoombsaecoombs Posts: 11
    Thanks team, appreciate the more tech savvy nature of the replies as well!
    Would agapanthus work in there? I see them around and love the summer colour you get from them.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Yes, they can be grown in containers and make an excellent display. You'll need to check hardiness though as they may require winter protection. I've tried to grow them in my borders here without success.  The flowers fade quickly, this could be down to my dry, sandy soil. May be someone else here can recommend a variety which would suit your container and conditions. This RHS link below should also help you. 
     
    https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/agapanthus/growing-

    Another idea, to get some instant easy colour in spring, while you are thinking about other plants, you could plant some Tulip bulbs now, many retailers are offering end of season discounts.  An easy fix!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    Agapanthus Navy Blue is a deciduous form. One of the best for flowering.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
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