this bed is mostly herbeacous perennials but I need more structure as there is nothing to give interest in the winter spring. Any ideas would be appreciated
I find Hebes useful for winter interest cathy. I use Vernicosa in pots as they resemble box balls and they will also work well in a border as a nice plump 'ball'. They like a sunny well drained spot. To contrast with that you could use Pittosporums - various colours available, and Euonymous - variegated foliage which you can trim and prune. Put at the back of the border -some types will climb up the fence a little. I also have Osmanthus burkwoodii which is evergreen and has little white scented flowers in late winter/spring. It likes a bit of shade. You could also use Christmas box (Sarcococca) which also has little white flowers followed by berries. You could also use things like Yew to keep as a pillar to give a contrast in shape. Loads of spring bulbs from Crocus and species Tulips through to Narcissus will link winter into summer too.
Hope those give you a few ideas to start off with.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Euphorbia characias wulfenii and Phormium tenax give good evergreen structure, either would look good there. A swathe of lavender running through the planting, or edging the border, would give some winter presence too.
"What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour".
Fairygirl, thanks, the bed gets full sun so I think hebe would work well, would yew not grow very large?
Will,I have taken loads of slips of lavender and didn't know where to put them or give them away, I never considered puting them through the bed, thanks. If you don't mind me asking, does euphorbia spread a lot or am I thinking of something else?
There's lots of different Euphorbias Cathy - I think the one Verdun's mentioned is smaller so it's a case of picking a suitable one for your site. Yew can be trimmed tightly - the golden one is best for that. Verd grows it so he might be able to advise
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
This is brilliant I think I opened this bed further last year and got so far and then got stuck! My mother has a big garden and I think maybe I've tried too hard to think smaller, but you suggestions mean I should be able to get away with more!
Euphorbia characias doesn't spread, just becomes a big handsome silvery leaved 'shrub'. It can seed a bit but that's a good thing as you'll have replacement plants to replace it if need be. There are variegated and 'dwarf' forms available but the form called wulfenii is still the best imo.
"What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour".
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I find Hebes useful for winter interest cathy. I use Vernicosa in pots as they resemble box balls and they will also work well in a border as a nice plump 'ball'. They like a sunny well drained spot. To contrast with that you could use Pittosporums - various colours available, and Euonymous - variegated foliage which you can trim and prune. Put at the back of the border -some types will climb up the fence a little. I also have Osmanthus burkwoodii which is evergreen and has little white scented flowers in late winter/spring. It likes a bit of shade. You could also use Christmas box (Sarcococca) which also has little white flowers followed by berries. You could also use things like Yew to keep as a pillar to give a contrast in shape. Loads of spring bulbs from Crocus and species Tulips through to Narcissus will link winter into summer too.
Hope those give you a few ideas to start off with.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Euphorbia characias wulfenii and Phormium tenax give good evergreen structure, either would look good there. A swathe of lavender running through the planting, or edging the border, would give some winter presence too.
Fairygirl, thanks, the bed gets full sun so I think hebe would work well
, would yew not grow very large?
Will,I have taken loads of slips of lavender and didn't know where to put them or give them away, I never considered puting them through the bed, thanks
. If you don't mind me asking, does euphorbia spread a lot or am I thinking of something else?
Thanks , this gives me a great start
There's lots of different Euphorbias Cathy - I think the one Verdun's mentioned is smaller so it's a case of picking a suitable one for your site. Yew can be trimmed tightly - the golden one is best for that. Verd grows it so he might be able to advise
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
maybe some coloured stemmed dogwoods?
This is brilliant
I think I opened this bed further last year and got so far and then got stuck! My mother has a big garden and I think maybe I've tried too hard to think smaller, but you suggestions mean I should be able to get away with more!
Thanks for the advice Will, I think they are great but he spreading thing put me off, I can now get one!