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Plant suggestions

eloisewalsh8447867eloisewalsh8447867 Posts: 4
in Plants
Looking for plant suggestions for our new house. The front garden isn’t very big (but is about 3m x 3m) as there’s a shared drive and most of our front is paved. On the lawn area in front of the window, I wanted to plant something in the middle of the lawn that looks nice but also provides some screening/privacy (without growing too tall) to the front room that looks out onto this area, but wasn’t sure what to go for. I was initially thinking something like pink pampas grass, but not sure if it will spread too much and become a nuisance. We’ve got quite heavy clay soil and the garden is west facing. Any suggestions would be gratefully received. Thanks!!
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  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited December 2023
    @eloisewalsh8447867 Do you have a photo of your front garden? Is the grassed area very small? My first thought would be do you need a lawn. Perhaps there is areason why you want to keep your lawn. For such a small area it will take longer for you to bring out the mower and put it back than mow the lawn?
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • eloisewalsh8447867eloisewalsh8447867 Posts: 4
    It’s the design of the house, the lawn is in front of the house that is at the end of the shared drive, then the rest is in front of the garage so it’s paved. I want to keep the lawn as the front gets wet and it breaks up the paved areas and it looks nice. It’s probably bigger than 3x3, as it goes down the side of the house, but that’s the area where I’d put some kind of screening. Plus the mower would be out for the back anyway so wouldn’t make a difference, plus it’s an estate with no front fences so it merges with the neighbours lawn so looks bigger than it is. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Whereabouts are you @eloisewalsh8447867 and what time do you want to spend on maintaining it? If you have clay soil you may need to amend it a bit to give more scope. Climate will also dictate how well various plants manage. What works well in the south east of England wouldn't work in the north of Scotland, for example. Drought is hard to deal with but so is consistent moisture, especially with clay. 
    I'd agree with @GardenerSuze about the lawn, as there are lots of shrubs etc which are low maintenance and will give more interest year round. A photo will really help  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • eloisewalsh8447867eloisewalsh8447867 Posts: 4
    We’re in the south. I don’t mind about time maintaining it as the rest of the front is low maintenance. I want some kind of nice shrub or any type of plant to put in the centre of it to give privacy to the front room, but one that adds interest and looks nice year round. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    A good bet is Amelanchier. There are several types but all pretty similar in habit. Small tree, light, open canopy, flowers in spring, berries later with nice autumn colour. It manages in any soil and conditions, and the only thing you'd need to do is prep the space well before planting, and staking it correctly and securely until well established.
    Another possibility is Pyrus salicifolia pendula - weeping pear. They can eventually get quite big, but can be pruned if necessary. Both can be underplanted with bulbs or lower perennials too, which adds interest.
     
    The main thing to remember with anything you plant is to have enough clearance for maintaining the windows etc, and general access, but the former are very neat and not overpowering in a small space, and both are deciduous but you have a good framework over autumn/winter. A dense evergreen shrub might be too much. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited December 2023
    @eloisewalsh8447867 I am battling with heavy clay and it is important to get the soil right before you plant. Putting any grass into ground that is wet and poorly drained in winter months is not a good idea. The wet soil can freeze roots and the plant will grow poorly or just give up.

    If your property has a retro vibe I can see this idea working. Pampas in a circular bed was popular when I was young, less so today. The roots do travel, not sure if this could be a problem for any underground utilities? Gardening is about looking at your property and trying to find a link with what you plant in it. 

    In my old garden I had Stipa Gigantea just outside the front window, south facing like your garden warm. The soil was clay that had been improved. Looking out the window in the summer there was a lovely veil of flowers that shimmered in the sun. The light was never blocked but it would encroach on a lawn. I hope this has been of some help and it's all about the soil at the start.

    Just to add be very careful handling Pampas it is 'cruel' thick gardening gloves required.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • floraliesfloralies Posts: 2,718
    Amelanchier Canadensis would work well in your heavy soil . Amend it well with organic matter before you plant. I Have two in my clay soil, one is in quite a wet spot but still thrives. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    They wouldn't grow well in this part of the country if they didn't like a bit of the wet stuff @floralies ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    I think I would be concerned about Amelanchier in a small space next to a house. Yes it can be pruned but even a multistem can make 12ft if left unpruned.
     
    A small front garden needs to be welcoming, a well thought out space can also add value.
    Colour of a front door or brick can be a start. I have a Black front door maybe not what I would have chosen. I could have gone for two planters either side of the door but instead have planted alot of black Ophipogon and snowdrops in the ground. I will add more in the spring. My garden is a reflection of how I want to fill the space. 

    I love wandering the streets[that sounds bad] and looking at front gardens a great reflection of ideas. However one that did stop me in my tracks was a garden with six ill looking Sansevarias. Not sure on these one but some great ideas out there.


    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • robairdmacraignilrobairdmacraignil Posts: 782
    If you do go for an Amelancheir I have planted a shrub version called Amelanchier spicata that does not get taller than about two metres and still has the nice features of spring flowers, summer berries and interesting leaf colours at times. There are other Amelanchier species that could in time get too big for the site described. 

    Another small tree I would suggest as a possibility is the Fuji cherry Kojo no Mi which has nice spring flowers and maybe better autumn colour than the Amelanchier.

    Happy gardening!
    https://www.youtube.com/user/sustainableveg/videos
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