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Coastal, wet, windy, Scottish garden surrounded by livestock.

Pink LavenderPink Lavender Posts: 2
in Problem solving

Hello,

I am attempting to create a garden that is extremely wind proof, coastal spray proof, rabbit proof, slug proof, and if it grows too high over the small drystone fence won't poison any cows or sheep that will definitely have a go at it. The winters are also very wet and extremely windy.

So far the only thing that I planted last year that looks alive are the bulbs I put in in October - daffodils and crocus.

All the heathers, fuschias, escallonias, and small rhododendron seem to have wind burn and are completely brown or very nearly completely brown with no or very tiny signs of life. The olearia x haastii seems to be the only other thing that is ok and coming back to life.

If you could please give me any ideas it would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you.

Posts

  • Joyce21Joyce21 Posts: 15,489

    Pink Lavender -  Firstly, which coast are you on as gardening conditions are quite different on West compared to East and North?  Once we know that, we can advise on plants suitable  for providing a wind break.

    SW Scotland
  • Pink LavenderPink Lavender Posts: 2

    Thanks Joyce it's the west, so I am guessing that we get hit with the worst winds first before it travels across?

  • hogweedhogweed Posts: 4,053

    It may be worthwhile to see if there are any gardens open to the public in your area which would have similar conditions and have a gander round them, notebook in hand. There will be a list somewhere on the net of plants for coastal positions (I have a list if you are stuck) but I think the best bet is to get nosy in your area.

    'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
  • Joyce21Joyce21 Posts: 15,489

    PL   Correct !   On the SW coast,I get the wind as it crosses from Ireland. 

    You can erect plastic windbreak material which will afford some protection before you start planting.  Take a look in the local area and see what others have planted; as that is your best guide.   Depending on the size of your garden, good old gorse will make a good, if prickly windbreak.

    Hydrangeas and some of the hardy fuchsias do well on the west coast.  If you are on Skye, gentians grow well there.

    SW Scotland
  • frittererfritterer Posts: 28

    Take a look at these sites, could be useful:

    https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/Profile?pid=472

    http://www.burncoose.co.uk/site/page.cfm?page_ref=Planting_in_Coastal_and_Windswept_Locations

    We live on the very West of Cornwall and have found that Eleagnus x ebbingei is totally unaffected by the wind so makes a brilliant windbreak hedge.

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