Some structural planting to soften that fence would be good Simon. It would be worth getting some trellis on it and putting a few climbers there. I'd be inclined to create a border along the front edge and have some planting along there as well to give a little screening and make the deck seem more secluded. Grasses would be good as there are loads of different heights and shapes to choose from, and the flowers spikes give a bit of movement. You could mix airier types like Miscanthus and Stipa with the aforementioned Phormiums. They won't like sitting in heavy soil so you'll need to spend a bit of time creating a good environment for all your plants first, as you said.
If you have other planted areas round the garden you could use some of the same plants to give a bit of unity. Repeat planting is very effective to link areas of the garden together.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
If the area on the left hand side is only 40cm then this will prohibited what size plant can go it to that space. If you did put a raised bed then you could have as assortment of plants that will give all round colour? I have a patio garden that has mondo black grass and euonymus harlequin. Both are evergreen and give out a striking colour match of lime green from the harlequin and obviously black from the mondo grass. Add a stone /pebble layer of white or slate to add another contrast.At the rear of the decking possibly a black bamboo, but plant it in its pot to restrict its growth. It will also screen off the fence Nd will give you another sound in your garden when the wind runs through them
With regards the heavy clay , add well rotted manure and loads of it . Break up the clods before adding the manure , then let the worms do the rest
Brilliant thanks. Definitely lots to think about. I like the idea of plants in front of the decking. Unfortunately the decking was there before we moved in so anything to improve it is great.
In terms of the climbers any particular ones? How long do they generally take to grow to get good coverage?
Regards your question about climbing plants. It all depends on what you choose.Clematis could take a year or two to give you a good spread.Honeysuckle again possibly a year. Ivy can take some time to grow but is a evergreen and will completely cover a fence without trellis being required. The first 2 climbers will requires a sunny to part shade position while the ivy will grow in dappled or deep shade and comes in various sizes of leaf
I would recommend a visit to your local garden centre and ask for them to give you some advice on climbers based on your garden requirements
Posts
Some structural planting to soften that fence would be good Simon. It would be worth getting some trellis on it and putting a few climbers there. I'd be inclined to create a border along the front edge and have some planting along there as well to give a little screening and make the deck seem more secluded. Grasses would be good as there are loads of different heights and shapes to choose from, and the flowers spikes give a bit of movement. You could mix airier types like Miscanthus and Stipa with the aforementioned Phormiums. They won't like sitting in heavy soil so you'll need to spend a bit of time creating a good environment for all your plants first, as you said.
If you have other planted areas round the garden you could use some of the same plants to give a bit of unity. Repeat planting is very effective to link areas of the garden together.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
If the area on the left hand side is only 40cm then this will prohibited what size plant can go it to that space. If you did put a raised bed then you could have as assortment of plants that will give all round colour? I have a patio garden that has mondo black grass and euonymus harlequin. Both are evergreen and give out a striking colour match of lime green from the harlequin and obviously black from the mondo grass. Add a stone /pebble layer of white or slate to add another contrast.At the rear of the decking possibly a black bamboo, but plant it in its pot to restrict its growth. It will also screen off the fence Nd will give you another sound in your garden when the wind runs through them
With regards the heavy clay , add well rotted manure and loads of it . Break up the clods before adding the manure , then let the worms do the rest
pppp
In terms of the climbers any particular ones? How long do they generally take to grow to get good coverage?
Ditsy
Regards your question about climbing plants. It all depends on what you choose.Clematis could take a year or two to give you a good spread.Honeysuckle again possibly a year. Ivy can take some time to grow but is a evergreen and will completely cover a fence without trellis being required. The first 2 climbers will requires a sunny to part shade position while the ivy will grow in dappled or deep shade and comes in various sizes of leaf
I would recommend a visit to your local garden centre and ask for them to give you some advice on climbers based on your garden requirements