...and to finish answering your question Fg yes, I would love something softer...the slate, raised beds etc already add a certain hardness to my garden, so the plants I have are mainly softer and I'm worried that if I have anything too formal in that middle bed it'll be too much...
Thanks WW - yes, I fear your analysis is correct! I thought seed mix would be an easier and cheaper way to get on with it, but am regretting my decision.
So yours are all perennial wildflowers then?
I like the idea of adding to it as you go on...I am too impatient for my own good sometimes
All are perennials and most are wildflower species, not the cultivated varieties... for a natural look. There is a succession too from the snowdrops in late Jan/Feb through the fritts, camassia cowslips etc to summer, with daisies, birdsfoot, and orchids at present. In such a small bed as yours I would think of 3 or 4 types, say snowdrops and crocus followed by cowslips and fritts. Always take the long view and you will be surprised how quickly your plans come to fruition.
Do cowslips and camassis last the summer? I haven't any of those. My fritillaries finished weeks ago - they were lovely. Have a few in amongst some other shrubs.
Cowslips and Camassias are for the early summer but mine are over now. Most of the impact at the present is from the ox-eye daisies, which started out as a few small plants and now are seeding around vigourously and could swamp your space. Some orchids would have real impact now.
Now that's a thought Sara! Always good to add height I suppose - but there is another pergola right next to this bed - would they work together, you think?
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...and to finish answering your question Fg yes, I would love something softer...the slate, raised beds etc already add a certain hardness to my garden, so the plants I have are mainly softer and I'm worried that if I have anything too formal in that middle bed it'll be too much...
All are perennials and most are wildflower species, not the cultivated varieties... for a natural look. There is a succession too from the snowdrops in late Jan/Feb through the fritts, camassia cowslips etc to summer, with daisies, birdsfoot, and orchids at present. In such a small bed as yours I would think of 3 or 4 types, say snowdrops and crocus followed by cowslips and fritts. Always take the long view and you will be surprised how quickly your plans come to fruition.
WWW - Wise Woodgreen Womderboy
Do cowslips and camassis last the summer? I haven't any of those. My fritillaries finished weeks ago - they were lovely. Have a few in amongst some other shrubs.
Off to google the ones I don't know!
Cowslips and Camassias are for the early summer but mine are over now. Most of the impact at the present is from the ox-eye daisies, which started out as a few small plants and now are seeding around vigourously and could swamp your space. Some orchids would have real impact now.
thanks WW - swaping in a tiny bed could be tricky, yes...
Now that's a thought Sara! Always good to add height I suppose - but there is another pergola right next to this bed - would they work together, you think?