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New border help!
Hiya, I have done a lot of clearing and landscaping in my first garden but really need advice for what shrubs/tall plants to put in the borders I have created. The garden is a terraced house one - so long and narrow and I really need some height up the right hand side to cover the ugly fence And things for under the tamarisk tree (I just want the fences to not take over!!... I'm no expert but am ok at gardening, picking up what my mum taught me. I need low maintenance and preferably quicker growing as I get impatient! :S the garden is east facing but is sunny all day with well drained but good soil. I dont know where to start, any advice would be greatly appreciated!
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Hi bighevs. Always a bit daunting if you have a blank canvas and aren't sure what to do!
If you want to keep the basic layout of the grass and borders, the best way forward is to use some climbers for the fence to cover them. Clematis or roses would be lovely (loads to choose from) but you need to prepare the ground well first and you'll need trellis, wires or similar for them to cling or be tied onto. If it's east facing then I'm assuming the tamarisk is on the sunniest side and the other side will get a fair bit of shade through the afternoon. You could use some shrubs to give structure and repeat those through the garden to give continuity. There are plenty which will do well in any area, and will be fairly low maintenance. You can then add a few different things in each border to suit the conditions and give some variety. If you like wildlife we can suggest things which will attract birds, bees etc.
Initially, I'd get lots of fresh compost and organic matter into the beds to give them a boost before putting any plants in, and when you start planting, begin with the area nearest the house as that's the bit you'll see most through winter and into spring and it keeps up the motivation. Decide on colours that you like and then we can all make particular suggestions for you.
Hope that gives you a couple of ideas to think about
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Right then, we need to narrow this down a bit! Do you want evergreens, flowers, climbers, there is tons of stuff to choose from!
A few things i grow which i would reccomend are
Choysia
Shrubby fuchsia
Camellia
Rosemary
Roses
Forsythia
Escallonia
Most of these things are commonly grown, you might find some of your neighbours will give you a cutting or two
Thankyou everyone! Really appreciate it! Here are some better pics! the tree side is indeed the hottest/sunniest side. The hot lips salvia has loved it there this summer, but mum says May not last through a cold winter...
I have managed to do some planting near the house as above (climbing roses on trellis and a honeysuckle).. Belfast sink, reclaimed bench etc.. My mum has bought me several plants, (bless her) however not many bushes to bring the height up near the back of the borders. It's a bit random with the colours as a result... Mainly the permanent plants to the tree side are purple and orange (which I love anyway) and to the non tree side pinks and purples (lavender, verbena and rock rose) with a yellow rose On the fence.
I would like evergreen,( preferably..) bushes which flowers that aren't just in summer if poss with therefor either purple or yellow flowers - fuschias?. I have a hebee already That I salvaged from the bottom of the garden... Hope that narrows it down?
Many thanks again