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Plants (In Pots)
Hi.
I am trying to cover a large area of my Garden with weed fabric and then cover that with Bark. My Aim is to make myself a little wild Oasis with Banana Plants, Ferns, Hostas etc.
I live in the West Midlands, South Facing Garden.
My Question is this...
Could I buy Ferns and Plant them in 20cm Pots and Then Bury the Pots in the ground to stop them spreading? Or would this eventually kill them off?
The same question applies to Shrubs and Trees.
Can anyone also recommend any Tropical looking Hardy Plants?
I am concerned about anything becoming Pot Bound, but I am trying to keep weeding to a minimal and also to stop things from spreading out of control.
Any help appreciated.
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Hi Kassponia. I would just make cross shaped cuts in the membrane and plant through it - do not leave in pots. The only exception to that would be your banana plant as you would have to take that inside during the winter. Tree ferns would look good but they also need winter protection. The less invasive bamboos - which are hardy would do well. Trachycarpus fortunei looks very palm like and tropilcal and arum lilies.
Hi LadyBird
I Heard that you can cut back the leaves of Banana Plants and wrap the stems in Bubble-wrap to prevent damage during winter. I've also seen articles of Someone in Yorkshire who grew Banana plants in the ground and they have survived their harsh winters.?
No apology needed Verdun.
Hi Kassponia, I had a banana plant which was supposed to be quite hardy. I'm in Yorkshire and it didn't survive in its pot in the GH with fleece over it
I'd not use membrane personally. I'd also say don't wrap anything in bubble wrap. It causes the plant to " sweat" and there's no fresh air around. It'll rot in no time. Use fleece, or for bananas, lift it out of the ground and stick it in the shed / garage and keep it frost free.
Last edited: 20 May 2016 14:34:52
I wouldn't put any of the above mentioned in 8" flower pots, cannas for one will split the pot.
good choices of plants but all better in the ground, or at least in very big tubs. My cannas, which I left out have not survived the winter and that's in Devon.
Unfortunately this isnt going to be possible with what I want to do.
I have a very large area that will be accommodating at least a dozen Banana Plants, as well as ferns. I want big plants to cover an area of about 80ft x 50ft. It just wont be practical to dig each plant up every season because i have put down thick weed fabric 200gsm, in some areas ive layed two lots. Then i have covered that with Bark chips to simulate a Forrest floor.
Weeds in my Garden are a nightmare, and I'm a Commercial Artist & Designer, and During the Summer I want to be able to concentrate on that rather than weeding constantly. I also want an area I can escape to and just relax in my own little Oasis. Basically I want minimal Gardening and maintaining.
I will be rigging up an irrigation system to fine spray all the plants, on a timer, three times a day. And once a week i will spend a few hours pulling any weeds that do appear, hopefully not many after ive finished.
I will post a picture of my garden before and after to give you an idea of what i'm thinking.
Last edited: 22 May 2016 15:15:21
I rushed it but it gives you an idea of what im looking towards doing.