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What to grow to hide large tree stumps?

Bramble55Bramble55 Posts: 39
in Plants
Recently had 2 large trees removed (were not safe) Would really appreciate any idea as to what to do here now as not looking very pretty? Climbing plants, if so which ones? Quite a sheltered spot where it is, between garage and house but does still get the sun. Also the area in front would be quite nice to make into a little rockery area with various plants? Any ideas? (I'm a novice at this gardening!) Thanks in advance 😀
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Posts

  • BluejaywayBluejayway Posts: 392
    I quite like the effect as it is but maybe a very large pot in the centre of the stumps with something like an Amelanchier or a hydrangea?
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    Do you have a nearby garden centre that sells alpines that you could use for the rockery area? I would wait until spring though and while you are waiting you could do some online research.

    For the tree stump area you may find planting a bit difficult as there will be roots and the soil may be poor having fed the trees for years.

    As @Dovefromabove says, ivy should be OK, there are some pretty variegated ones. If you can find a big enough hole and can enrich it with compost and fertiliser you may be able to plant a clematis. The group 3 ones, like Etoile Violette and Kermasina are fairly tough and easy to grow. Vinca minor could scramble around the base but it can be quite rampant. I wouldn't plant it in a flower border but in that space it should be fine.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    It looks rather stark at the moment but will soften in appearance. Let the Ivy have them


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I use a stump - evened off at the top - for a pot dispay and it works pretty well. I like the extra height it gives. Yours would look terrific with trailers cacading down the sides. A rose in a large pot exploding out from height would look magnificent. 

    You could set a mini pond (and pump) in between the stump - mini fountain, birdbath.

    I guess, the beauty is, you could try out all sorts of ideas fairly easily.
  • WaterbutWaterbut Posts: 344
    I covered mine in old man’s beard which grows very fast but you cut it back quite severely in Spring then watch it grow again.
  • WaterbutWaterbut Posts: 344
    Meant to say if you have the money you could employ a chain saw artist who could carve them into your favourite birds or animals like a neighbour in my last house.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited December 2023
    Or if you have some young folk in your life you could make a fairy
    glade … ideas here 
    https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2019/04/how-to-make-fairy-doors/

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Waterbut said:
    Meant to say if you have the money you could employ a chain saw artist who could carve them into your favourite birds or animals like a neighbour in my last house.

    Yes, I was going to suggest sculpture too. Doesn't have to be chain saws
  • borgadrborgadr Posts: 718
    Dovefromabove said:
    I’d go for a woodland theme … small-leaves with variegated ivies, hostas, ferns … and snowdrops and primroses for the spring followed by foxgloves. 

    Well done for leaving the stumps to decompose naturally 😃  .., they’re a wonderful resource for wildlife, particularly beetles, as they break down. Just remember to cut off any new growth from the stumps each year or you’ll get a forest within a few years. 
    I agree with this, I would embrace the stumps and work with them. Personally I don't think they look ugly at all - to the contrary. And they'll look even better when the tops have weathered and darkened, and with planting around them.  Woodland planting will be ideal if the area is shaded for a large part of the day. 
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