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Help for small gardens

Ruby12Ruby12 Posts: 2,193

I have 2 lovely cardoons.However as soon as they grow beyond 3 feet they break and become tatty and sparse.

Any tips please?

 Occasional flights into reality. B) 
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Posts

  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 37,906

    Hi Ruby. Is your garden in a windy, exposed area?

    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • Ruby12Ruby12 Posts: 2,193

    Hi!  Ladybird4.

    thank you for your input.

    Do you have a small garden? If so can you suggest any robust perennials that creat structure and colour?my garden is mature but I would like something spectacular!

    thanks for your interest.

     Occasional flights into reality. B) 
  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 37,906

    My garden is small too Ruby. Phlox would be good with a range of different colours but many of the spectacular plants tend to be more greens. I use shrubs more.

    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • Ruby12Ruby12 Posts: 2,193

    Hi! Ladybird4.

    I have never grown phlox. I will get some when inext go to a garden centre.

    Do they have any special needs?

    Although I have been gardening for many years,it has been trial and error.Over time I have made many mistakes which has cost . I am now trying to learn about plants before I purchase.

    It is so lovely to share with someone who obviously loves gardening.

     Occasional flights into reality. B) 
  • Mark56Mark56 Posts: 1,653

    The Phlox Paniculata Peacock series are bred to be mildew resistant, a fungus that regular Phlox are prone to. They will flower late Summer, whereas creeping Phlox will bloom April/May and spread as a ground cover. Both are nice. 

    Last edited: 14 May 2017 13:09:21

  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 37,906

    So pleased to be of any help Ruby image

    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,088

    Maybe you are squishing your cardoons into too tight a space.  They like room to grow and fertile soil with plenty of moisture while they are growing.

    You may find the info on this site intresting - http://www.seedaholic.com/cynara-cardunculus-cardoon.html

    A small garden needs careful thought so that every plant in it gives full value and offers contrasts of height, shape and texture in its form and foliage as flowers are often fleeting features.  It is usually better to keep to a few bold plants rather than lots of dotted plants that get lost in the whole.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • Ruby12Ruby12 Posts: 2,193

    Thank you for all your help.

    I have another question .

    I have purchased a standard lilac.they grow very in my area. But i would like to plant it in a container.

    what do i need to do to keep it healthy?

     Occasional flights into reality. B) 
  • Ruby12Ruby12 Posts: 2,193

    Hi! everyone .

    The weather here in Yorkshire is great ,but the heat has brought the lily beetle . We haven't even any lily buds yet , but the beetles are busy. Can anyone suggest a non toxic remedy?

     Occasional flights into reality. B) 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,146

    Finger and thumbnail ....... it's what I use.  


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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