The problem with growing anything in a container is - they require more attention than in the ground. If the container is purpose built and at least a couple of feet in each direction, that makes it easier. Plants in pots are totally reliant on you for their needs, whereas in the ground, they can manage better once established, assuming the prep has been done well. A N.East aspect can also be colder, and morning sun in late winter can be far more damaging than to many plants than summer sun, because of new growth or flower buds emerging, so that also affects choices. On the plus side, soil stays moister,so that helps through hotter, drier months.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Thanks again all, I hadn't anticipated the time spent - moreover the quality of response - it's really appreciated from a novice's standing.
I'm certainly dissuaded from Armandii - thank you. Likewise from containing whatever plant I choose. We're hoping to have our driveway paved in April, and so I'll factor being able to plant into soil in our plans.
Roses have always done very well in our front garden (where the garage is located), and so I'm leaning towards Rosa 'Madame Alfred Carrière'. However I would prefer an evergreen plant!
This said, I'm hopeful that Star Jasmine will do well; with an RHS hardiness rating of H4, I don't see my location being an issue (winters very very rarely dip below -10). Unless anyone can advise otherwise!
It's wet cold that does for those jasmines, which is why they suffer here where I am. The problem with the hardiness ratings is exactly that - they're based mainly on temperature alone, and that's only a small part of the picture. Dry, cold [frost level temps] in lighter soil causes far fewer problems for plants than long term wet, cold, heavier soil. If you're going to do your driveway, I think that's an ideal opportunity to sort out a good area in the ground for your intended plants, and gives you a chance to look at the soil and do some good prep with it. It will pay off in the long run
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Star jasmines cope OK down to -5 but any lower than that means their foliage and new buds suffer, thus affecting looks in winter and flowering and new foliage performance in spring and summer.
Given you have clay, you'll need to open up the soil structure by forking in loads and loads of organic matter such as the afore mentioned well rotted manure and garden compost to help whatever you do finally plant.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
Indeed! Back-breaking work ahead. Thank you again for your helpful advice
Bear in mind, that when garages are being built, the ground around the eventual finished product will be full of rubble which will need to be removed and replaced with topsoil, compost, and manure if you decide to make the beds on each side of the garage door. You will need to dig down a meter or so at least to give future plants room to put their roots into fertile soil. Plants' root spread is surprisingly large. Also remember, just because we want a plant to fill a particular space, they are living things and do not stop growing when they reach "our" desired size.
If you go for a borderline hardy plant species I would definitely consider the risk that you could grow it successfully for years, get it to the point you want it, only for a bad winter to cut it back so you have to start again. It is sometimes better to grow these types of plants where it doesn't matter as much if they fail.
Indeed! Back-breaking work ahead. Thank you again for your helpful advice
Bear in mind, that when garages are being built, the ground around the eventual finished product will be full of rubble which will need to be removed and replaced with topsoil, compost, and manure if you decide to make the beds on each side of the garage door. You will need to dig down a meter or so at least to give future plants room to put their roots into fertile soil. Plants' root spread is surprisingly large. Also remember, just because we want a plant to fill a particular space, they are living things and do not stop growing when they reach "our" desired size.
Thanks again. When the driveway concrete is lifted ready for the new one to be built, I'll have plenty of room to get working. Really looking forward to cracking on with this next month.
I'll try and remember to post some before/after pictures
Posts
Plants in pots are totally reliant on you for their needs, whereas in the ground, they can manage better once established, assuming the prep has been done well.
A N.East aspect can also be colder, and morning sun in late winter can be far more damaging than to many plants than summer sun, because of new growth or flower buds emerging, so that also affects choices. On the plus side, soil stays moister,so that helps through hotter, drier months.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I'm certainly dissuaded from Armandii - thank you. Likewise from containing whatever plant I choose. We're hoping to have our driveway paved in April, and so I'll factor being able to plant into soil in our plans.
Roses have always done very well in our front garden (where the garage is located), and so I'm leaning towards Rosa 'Madame Alfred Carrière'. However I would prefer an evergreen plant!
This said, I'm hopeful that Star Jasmine will do well; with an RHS hardiness rating of H4, I don't see my location being an issue (winters very very rarely dip below -10). Unless anyone can advise otherwise!
The problem with the hardiness ratings is exactly that - they're based mainly on temperature alone, and that's only a small part of the picture. Dry, cold [frost level temps] in lighter soil causes far fewer problems for plants than long term wet, cold, heavier soil.
If you're going to do your driveway, I think that's an ideal opportunity to sort out a good area in the ground for your intended plants, and gives you a chance to look at the soil and do some good prep with it. It will pay off in the long run
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Given you have clay, you'll need to open up the soil structure by forking in loads and loads of organic matter such as the afore mentioned well rotted manure and garden compost to help whatever you do finally plant.
Also remember, just because we want a plant to fill a particular space, they are living things and do not stop growing when they reach "our" desired size.
It is sometimes better to grow these types of plants where it doesn't matter as much if they fail.
https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/plants-blogs/plants/december-2020/trachelospermum-winter-ruby-trared
I'll try and remember to post some before/after pictures