I have west facing mature rockery that has become overgrown with persicarius. I have decided to dig it out and replant. I am 67 so I want easily manageable plants that will give ground cover and colour without being invasive like the persicarius.
That won't be an easy job at all I'm afraid, as I think the roots will have gone right under the rocks. You might have to dig up all the plants you want to keep and pot them temporarily, whilst you weed kill the whole area, (maybe twice) before replanting.
More hardy geraniums too. They're all pretty straightforward. Spring bulbs under them to give you a succession of flowering, and not much effort needed. They'd all work well with the Phlox too. Heucheras would be fine, as long as it isn't too dry. Pachysandra is also good ground cover, but like the Heucheras, it likes a reasonable amount of moisture to do well. Possibly the bit where the wee terracotta pot is, would be suitable
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I am making definite, but slow, progress. I am now thinking of putting weed suppressor and gravel in the gaps. This would mean planting more compact plants and ultimately make weeding easier. Any advice? I assume I would have to cut the fabric and fit it like a jigsaw?
Weed seeds will find the cracks between the membrane and the rocks, and any weed/persicaria roots left behind will also grow through the cracks (if they don't pierce the membrane. Plus, I think it would be hard to hide all the edges and when they show it just looks tatty.
Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
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Good luck, I wouldn't want to do it!
Spring bulbs under them to give you a succession of flowering, and not much effort needed. They'd all work well with the Phlox too.
Heucheras would be fine, as long as it isn't too dry. Pachysandra is also good ground cover, but like the Heucheras, it likes a reasonable amount of moisture to do well. Possibly the bit where the wee terracotta pot is, would be suitable
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...