Advice on planting
All,
I have recently had my patio relaid (ignore the stained walls; due to the excess rain the pots have caused this discolouration and I just need to jet wash it off), and as part of this process I asked them to leave me some room to plant around the area - not a load of space as I wouldn’t be left with any patio, but enough to plant some climbers, perhaps some thin Italian cypress trees, etc. In the corner though I’d like a large shrub or small tree that will make dining on the patio pleasant.
My thoughts were:-
1. Either Italian cypress or jasmine climbers in the narrow parts
2. In the corner I’ve no idea. Dogwood? Camellia? It has to be something that I can keep to around 10-12ft. Ideally Evergreen, but it’s not mandatory.
The area is South East facing so gets the sun all morning until about 2pm when the house casts a shadow over the area.
I have recently had my patio relaid (ignore the stained walls; due to the excess rain the pots have caused this discolouration and I just need to jet wash it off), and as part of this process I asked them to leave me some room to plant around the area - not a load of space as I wouldn’t be left with any patio, but enough to plant some climbers, perhaps some thin Italian cypress trees, etc. In the corner though I’d like a large shrub or small tree that will make dining on the patio pleasant.
My thoughts were:-
1. Either Italian cypress or jasmine climbers in the narrow parts
2. In the corner I’ve no idea. Dogwood? Camellia? It has to be something that I can keep to around 10-12ft. Ideally Evergreen, but it’s not mandatory.
The area is South East facing so gets the sun all morning until about 2pm when the house casts a shadow over the area.
I will dig out the sand and put decent manure/soil in (obviously!)
Position is well sheltered from winds.
I really look forward to hearing your ideas.
Thanks so much.
Daniel
Position is well sheltered from winds.
I really look forward to hearing your ideas.
Thanks so much.
Daniel
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If you live in Derbyshire, as I do.
The first thing l would say, is that whatever you end up planting is going to need a lot of help.
Narrow beds, a brick wall with associated footings and sunshine means that plants will struggle.
The soil is the most important thing so will need improvement before you even think about planting.
I'm guessing from the photo that the beds are about a foot wide (old school measurements !) and even narrower in some places, which means even a small tree would struggle.
Sorry to be so down on your ideas, but there are ways around it, l'm sure. Others will hopefully have helpful suggestions while l have a think.
Like the pots by the way.
Having said that - there are plenty of clematis that would be fine there. The alpinas and koreanas etc prefer drier conditions than the ones we usually plant in our gardens, so you could easily cover the walls if you wanted. Many of those types also need little attention in the way of pruning, so it's a win win
Improving the soil as you're intending will also benefit the planting. I think you might get away with a pencil cypress in that corner if you give it the right attention to get it established.
You can always add bulbs and some vertical perennials, like alliums and salvias etc, for a succession of colour in the borders, if that's the look you want.
Remember, you can also add some statuary, large statement pots [unplanted] a sundial or a birdbath to add interest, especially if you're looking for a Mediterranean look
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I can't, offhand, think of any plant that is going to thrive in such narrow beds at the foot of wall. They are going to be so greatly challenged for root space, moisture and nutrients. I would suggest instead that you cover that soil with a good, deep mulch of gravel or chipped slate to allow drainage but prevent weeds and then invest in a few deep planters that can grow trailing, vertical and/or climbing plants according to your preference.
If they're deep enough and you use good quality compost/planting medium you could grow quite a wide range of plants including some evergreens which will give year round interest. You will need to water and feed them according to their needs to keep them looking good.
"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
(less than 30cm) between the drive and the wall of the house which we have planted with the sort of plants that would traditionally be planted on a rockery. They cope with the poor soil and don't get watered and don't even seem to mind being walked on. The disadvantage is they are low growing, although there are some bearded iris in there which thrive in there.