These sections are updated regularly with all of the answered questions that pass through the
Gardeners Club, so click back and check each section periodically for future assistance in your garden.


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Questions & Answers - Flowers For An Instant Garden

Blank Canvas
From Gary, UK



Hi. I have a so called "blank canvas" urban garden which is approx 30 ft x 80 ft. It is north facing so gets the sun in the mornings and at one end in the evenings. I have bought a Dicksonion Fibrosus fern which stands around 2.5 ft, an "Agave", a palm & 2 cordilines so far, to plant in our moist soil (we are near a river). I would eventually like to achieve the "Jungle / rainforest look" but I am not an experienced gardener. Will these plants/trees grow successfully and what sort of treatment should I give them come winter time. At present I am watering them once a day with the fern and Agave in pots whilst the others are planted. Any suggestions or advice or even plants I could add are most welcome. Thanks for your time.



From Mr Clark, UK

I would suggest the BBC Gardening website for in depth information and advice on the subject.


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Blank Canvas
From Mrs Jeckells, UK



Hi all, we have moved into a new house, and the garden is a blank canvas so to speak - there is nothing. It is south facing so will be in the sun for most of the day in the summer. The size is approx 35ft wide by 60ft long. Any ideas how to personalise it and any good plants, shrubs to plant would be good.



From Mr Clark, UK

I would look around at similar gardens in your own area. Take notes and incorporate them into your own main plan, sketch what you want to go where.

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Celebration
From Liz, UK



Can anyone give me a list of plants that have 'Birthday', 'celebration' or similar in the name? I'm trying to design a commemorative flower bed (full sun with some partial shade, slightly clay-based soil but quite well draining) to celebrate my mother's 60th birthday and wanted to theme the choice of plants accordingly.



From Justine,UK
I have a rose called 'Birthday girl'

From Diana R, UK
Liz, not being much of a gardener I don't know whether roses like that sort of soil, but I was given a rose called Happy Birthday for my 60th, and I know there is also one called Celebration.

From Tracy, UK
There is also a rose called Many Happy Returns



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Colour Display - Perennials
From Tom D, UK



My query is that whilst I enjoy a good looking garden my knowledge on plants and flowers is limited. I have redesigned my garden and finally finished major reconstruction work - walls, veranda and patio decking, paths, new lawn etc. Plans are afoot to add a water feature at some time. Now I'd like to purchase plants to provide an all year round colour display particularly around the decking and path borders. I'm interested in perennials but don't know what to look at or what to consider. Any Ideas?



From Michael Barratt, the Gardeners Club resident gardener

An informative website with an online ordering service as well as plenty of advice is at, www.fsperennials.co.uk

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Community Project
From Deborah L, UK



I've been charged with planting out a very small (6m x 4m) west facing garden with north and south flanking walls, making it very sheltered for a local community project. Have you any ideas as to what plants we can buy (on a budget) and what will survive? Thanks for any help.



From Elizabeth C, UK

Hello Deborah,, climbing Roses, shrub Roses etc.
I am a compulsive taker of cuttings and always have young plants to either give away to visitors or supply the various organisations in a small village when they have their annual sales. If you let me know what sort of plants you are looking for I'll see what I can find for you. At present I have Jasmin - summer and winter. Forsythia, Helleborus Orientalis ........ I can't remember any more but I do know that I have two benches full of plants, looking for a good home. For such a project of yours I certainly wouldn't want payment at all but as an OAP perhaps a little help with the postage would be much appreciated. but that could come later. Do let me know soon. Best of luck with your project. Yours sincerely .................. Elizabeth.


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Costa Blanca
From Billy B, UK



Hi there. Shortly I will be Moving to Costa Blanca. Can you give me some idea as to which plants I will be able to grow over there? Will the likes of dahlias and geraniums flower all year? Your assistance gratefully appreciated.



From Alex M, UK

Hi Billy. You ask>> Will the likes of dahlias and geraniums flower all year in Costa Blanca<< I don't know about all year but I would have thought they would grow for most of it. If you consider that you can see Geraniums growing wild in similar climates and the fact that Dahlias originate from Mexico where they grow wild. The only thing I would say is Geraniums do not need loads of water but Dahlias do, so this matter would have to be dealt with..........A

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Damp Friendly
From Irene G, UK



I have a cottage in France and there is an area of the garden that leads down towards some caves. This is an area that gets quite a lot of sun in the summer but is always moist/damp. Can anyone suggest what plants I can grow there, apart from ferns, hostas etc. that would make a splash of colour. This area is about 15 ft below normal ground level.



From Michael Barratt - the Gardeners Club resident gardener

With the advantage of having full sun the following plants will survive quite happily in moist/damp soil conditions. Cornus, Astilbe, Iris, (bearded & Flag) Salix eleagnos,lanata and repens. Sambucus(elder), Deutzia Lobelia cardinalis, Lysimachia, Lysichiton.

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Drought Resistant
From Anne H, UK



Can anyone suggest plants which are particularly not in need of watering, ie: drought resistant, for a city garden in the Cambridge area. Chalky soil. Plants of all types ie shrubs, annuals, perrenials.



From Alex M, UK

Anne you could try any of these:
Yellow Yarrow 'Moonshine' (Achillea)
Threadleaf Coreopsis 'Moonbeam' (Coreopsis verticillata)
Rock Cotoneaster 'Robusta' (Cotoneaster horizontalis)
Fortnight Lily (Dietes bicolor)
Evolvulus glomeratus 'Blue Haze'
Sunsplash Daisy (Gamolepis chrysanthemoides)
Red Hot Poker 'Primrose Beauty' (Kniphofia uvaria)
Crape Myrtle 'Natchez' (Lagerstroemia)
Gayfeather 'Floristan Violet' (Liatris spicata)
Sea Lavender (Limonium perezii)
Cupflower 'Purple Robe' (Nierembergia hippomanica violacea)
Portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora)
Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha)
Fan Flower 'Mauve Clusters' (Scaevola)
Common Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
Wall Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys)
Garden Verbena (Verbena x hybrida)



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Ground Cover
From Mrs Morgan, UK



I am a clueless, lazy gardener! I'm looking for colour and ground cover for a heavy, clay soil. I really want things that I can plant, then forget about! Any ideas please? Thanks



From Mr Clark, UK

You cut the grass & peel the vegetables you cook etc and by turning this & some gravel [for drainage] into the ground you can condition the soil. Then one can grow almost anything. Here in the UK, the only plants that thrive in clay soil are weeds - the worst ones. Prepare the soil for long time, perenial plants, then "almost" forget them - just be aware of their existence & condition.


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Hay Fever
From Pippa & Sisters, UK



Me and my five sisters have a very untidy garden in Nottingham. I want to make the garden pretty but my sisters have hay fever. What can I do to make the garden nice but not make my sisters ill?
From Pippa - 9, Michelle - 6, Liz - 8, Farah - 11, Hannah - 12 & Nicola - 14



From Mr Clark, UK

Why not make a small lawn & bare border. Decorate the border with a selection of artificial flowers. Rinse in slightly soapy water from time to time, in order to revitalise the cleanliness & appearance of them.


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Hot Sun & No Shade
From Barbara W, Willits California



I have a area in my front yard that is flat for about 8ft, then go downhill for about 3 ft to a stream that runs in front of my trailer. I would like to plant colorful flowers along the bank so I can see them from my cabana. Any suggestions? I need flowers that can stand hot sun as there is no shade. Also we get frost and snow. THANK YOU.



From Alex M, UK

Chrysanthemum, Michaelmas Daisy, Osteospermum, Mesembryanthemum all come to mind or any of the Poppy's

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Instant Garden
From Debra A, UK



Help! - I have moved into a new house with a garden that has been neglected over the years. The soil is clay based, shaded by beech hedges, and I have two cats. Any advice re plants/shrubs/flowers for a nearly instant garden?















From George M, UK
Can't help you with the plants but if you buy some cheap grow bags and dig them into your soil it will help break the clay down. Good luck, George.

From Alex M, UK
You say 'for a nearly instant garden?'.......
Virtually impossible, the nearest you will get to this is to grow annuals
Any advice re plants/shrubs/flowers
You should approach this in the 'long term' by deciding what you would like and go from there. If you can narrow your choices down a bit then I think I can help you. For example I have been gardening at my home for over thirty years and still each year I change something.
I agree with George - dig in as much bulky organic material as you can lay your hands on as this is the best way to break down clay. I leave you to your thoughts........Alex

From Debra:
My soil is clay based so if an instant garden is out of the question, any ideas for hardy annuals that I will benefit from in a few years time? I love colour and scent and I am now prepared to wait


From Alex M, UK
Hi Debra. I think you mean perennials which are the ones which come out each year, annuals only survive the year in which they are planted. This year you could mix some annuals with any perennials you decide upon, at least this way you will have some colour this year. Treat your garden as a long term thing. For instance I have lived at my present house for over thirty years and I still change something every year. I suggest you write for, or look for, catalogues on line. To be going on with, I placed an enquiry into some software I have for an "infomal garden" and it came up as follows:
Achillea
Hollyhock
Allium
Antirrhinum majus
Aster
Leopard Flower
Campanula
Cosmos
Delphinium
Dianthus x allwoodii
Carnation
China Pink
Foxglove
Eryngium
Ageratum
Hydrangea
Bearded Iris
Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia)
Lily
Madonna Lily
Annual Statice (Limonium)
Blue Flax (Linum perenne)
Lupine (Lupinus)
Campion (Lychnis)
Hollyhock
Daffodil(Narcissus)
Phlox
Climbing Rose
Rudbeckia
Scabiosa
Spiraea
Aster
Verbena
Vinca major
Vinca minor


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Instant Garden
From Jules, UK



Hi ! We moved into our Victorian Semi in August last year ( small garden I'm afraid ! ). Unfortunately it is north facing and seems to be quite damp. We haven't done anything with it but would like to blitz it during this summer/spring.
What do you suggest re: shrubs, plants? We brought lots of poppy seeds from our previous home and thought about scattering them around for a bit of instant colour. We are also thinking of putting down a gravel drive and using gravel in the front garden. Do you have any tips to do this or indeed suggest who ? I look forward to hearing from you



From Alex M, UK
Hi Jules, have you had a look in previous questions and answers under trees and shrubs for ideas? Perhaps if you could suggest a few preferences we might be able to say if they are suited to your situation. I am not trying to avoid your question but the choices are very much a personal thing, eg. do you want, flowering/evergreen/large/small/climbing plants? Get back to us...


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Instant Garden
From Meta S, UK



I live in Northern Ireland and I would appreciate it if anyone could suggest a few garden centres here where I might obtain a good variety of plants and shrubs for my garden at a reasonable price. I have approximately 3/4 of an acre of garden laid out in various flower beds etc.but I still need a lot more plants etc. which I can "split" at a later date to pad out the gaps!



From Elizabeth, UK
I'm afraid I do not know of any Garden Centres in your area but I am very familiar with you present problem. We have a similar sort of garden and although it is not 'instant' gardening I would recommend you start to sow seed of perriennial plants and take cuttings of anything and everything.
Lots of 'womens' organisations have Spring Fairs' etc. and almost always have a Plant Stall - well worth a visit. Failing that be sure to stop, look interested and admire a garden that takes your fancy ......... the lady of the house is bound to come out and then you can beg a 'slip' (or two). Pop them in a pot on your window sill and 9 times out of 10 they will grow for you.
All this takes longer but a lot cheaper than Garden Centres.

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Italian Garden
From Virginia B, UK



We have a guest house and so time is really limited. We are in the N East of England and I would like to create something of an Italian feel to the garden with maybe cordilines etc. Can anyone suggest some low maintenance shrubs etc. which can withstand the cold and rain. I lived previously in the South East and it is really different weather up here. Any thoughts or suggestions gratefully received.



From Alex M, UK

Study this list, see what you would like, then ask the club after you have made your choice.
Flowering Shrubs
Glossy Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora)
Chenille Plant 'Fire Tail' (Acalypha hispida)
Red Bougainvillea 'Barbara Karst' (Bougainvillea)
Pink Buddleia 'Pink Delight' (Buddleia davidii)
Camellia japonica 'Kramers Supreme'
Wild Lilac 'Ray Hartman' (Ceanothus)
Flowering Quince 'Cameo' (Chaenomeles speciosa)
Flowering Quince 'Texas Scarlet' (Chaenomeles speciosa)
Orchid Rockrose (Cistus x purpureus)
Summersweet Clethra (Clethra alnifolia)
Redtwig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
Smoke Tree 'Royal Purple' (Cotinus coggygria)
Garland Flower (Daphne cneorum)
Slender Deutzia (Deutzia gracilis)
Euryops pectinatus
Forsythia intermedia 'Beatrice Farrand'
Dwarf Fothergilla (Fothergilla gardenii)
Fuchsia x hybrida 'Voodoo'
Sunsplash Daisy (Gamolepis chrysanthemoides)
Gardenia
Broom 'Lydia' (Genista)
Chinese Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Smooth Hydrangea 'Annabelle' (Hydrangea arborescens)
Big-Leaf Hydrangea 'Glowing Embers' (Hydrangea macrophylla)
Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum)
Japanese Kerria (Kerria japonica)
Beauty Bush 'Pink Cloud' (Kolkwitzia amabilis)
Crape Myrtle 'Natchez' (Lagerstroemia)
Crape Myrtle 'Potomac' (Lagerstroemia indica)
Shrub Verbena 'Dwarf Yellow' (Lantana camara)
Shrub Verbena 'Irene' (Lantana camara)
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Tree Mallow (Lavatera thuringiaca)
Texas Silverleaf (Leucophyllum frutescens)
Tatarian Honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica)
Oleander (Nerium)
Oleander 'Hardy Red' (Nerium oleander)
Tree Peony 'White' (Paeonia suffruticosa)
Mock Orange 'Snowgoose' (Philadelphus)
Mock Orange (Philadelphus virginalis)
Cinquefoil 'Goldfinger' (Potentilla fruticosa)
India Hawthorn 'Pink Lady' (Rhaphiolepis indica)
Chionoides Rhododendron 'Chionoides' (Rhododendron)
Evergreen Azalea 'Coral Bells' (Rhododendron)
Dwarf Red Spiraea 'Anthony Waterer' (Spiraea x bumalda)
Bridal Wreath (Spiraea cantoniensis)
Vanhoutte Spiraea (Spiraea x vanhouttei)
Persian Lilac (Syringa x persica)
Snowball Bush 'Roseum' (Viburnum opulus)
Doublefile Viburnum 'Mariesii' (Viburnum plicatum tomentosum)
Old Fashioned Weigela 'Minuet' (Weigela florida)

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Japanese Style
From Anne, UK



I have a rather big garden and don't quite know what to do with it as my husband and I are not gardeners. I would like to do a japanese theme - any suggestions on flowers, furniture etc. Much obliged



From Mr Clark, UK
Start with Burmese Bells and a small water feature with water lillies will start you off. Then try books from the public library to set you in the right direction at no cost to you book wise

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Perfume Garden
From Kay, UK



I live near Cambridge and would love to have a perfumed filled garden. I have nicotiana, lavender and a few not very scented roses already established in the garden but would like some suggestions for a totally sensual garden?



From Alex M, UK
Kay the following list are all plants grown for fragrance,the choice is yours:
Peacock Orchid (Acidanthera bicolor muielae)
Snowdrop Anemone (Anemone sylvestris)
Pink Buddleia 'Pink Delight' (Buddleia davidii)
Sweet Autumn Clematis (Clematis maximowicziana)
Summersweet Clethra (Clethra alnifolia)
Maiden Pink 'Zing Rose' (Dianthus deltoides)
Cheddar Pinks 'Spotty' (Dianthus gratianopolitanus)
Freesia
Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens)
Hyacinth 'Delft Blue' (Hyacinthus orientalis)
Hyacinth 'Gypsy Queen' (Hyacinthus orientalis)
Pink Jasmine (Jasminum polyanthemum)
Madonna Lily (Lilium candidum)
Sweet Alyssum 'Easter Bonnet' (Lobularia maritima)
Japanese Honeysuckle 'Halliana' (Lonicera japonica)
Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata)
Bee Balm 'Croftway Pink' (Monarda didyma)
Grape Hyancith (Muscari armeniacum)
Wild Sweet William (Phlox divaricata)
Silver Lace Vine (Polygonum aubertii)
Persian Lilac (Syringa x persica)
Common Lilac 'Madame Lemoine' (Syringa vulgaris)
Creeping Vervain 'Homestead Purple' (Verbena canadensis)
Horned Violet (Viola cornuta)

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Perfume - evening
From Ann, UK



Can you suggest plants that will provide evening perfume and also where can I obtain plants of the same by mail order.
Thank you



From Mr Clark, UK

Night scented stock seeds. I would also buy virginia stock for daytime fragrance. I would fill plant pots with multi-purpose compost to the top; put some of the compost - about a kilo - in a carrier & add a packet of each of the flower seeds. Sprinkle this on the top of each of the pots and place the pots on trays to let the water run off. When you water the pots with a watering can, use a watering rose!


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Quick Colour
From Marion G, UK



We have just moved here from South Africa and finding the British temperate gardening very different. We are in a cottage in Shropshire with a very neglected garden, no flowers, only fruit trees, lots of nettles and a large expanse of grass. Is there anything easy I can plant for colour and quick growth in Spring/Summer, even anything to plant now for winter?



From Colin C, UK
Try Narsturtiums - you just press them into the soil with a finger and off they go giving great cover and colour in the summer. Also Californian Poppies; perhaps the best of all are Larkspurs: rake the soil to a fine tilth, sow the seed thinly and cover with the back of the rake - a real beauty in late summer and autumn.


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Sardinia
From Sheena M, UK



Hi my name is Sheena, I am wondering if you are able to tell me the best spring planting time in Sardinia Italy, I am english but will soon be moving to Sardinia, where I have a vast garden. I shall be taking seed packets from the UK, but of course planting instructions are for the British climate. South Sardinia is very hot and can be windy in springtime. I hope you can advise.



From Alex M, UK

Hi Sheena. I see no problem, just follow the instructions on the packet. The most critical thing about planting/sowing is 'Temperature' so when you can maintain the temperatures indicated on the packet, sow.
The reason there is a difference between them and us is simply the prevailing weather conditions. Think about it, if I simulate their weather conditions in a propagator then I too can sow earlier. Another thing is much of the seed purchased in this country originates from the 'Med' and Israel simply because they can ripen the seed better than we can...............A


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Small Garden
From Grace G, UK



I have a back garden approximating a pocket handkerchief in size with two raised flower beds - a pond and a greenhouse and small patio. I would like to grow flowers for cutting. Which would be my best choice for continuous cuttings. Any help would be greatly appreciated.



From Michael Barratt - the Gardeners Club resident gardener

Space is obviously at a premium, so one thought is to stick with annuals in containers or growbags. Sweet peas are dead easy and can be grown in a container using a wigwam method for support, or netting in a grow-bag against a wall. Other annuals would include Rudbeckia, Papaver (poppy) Cosmos, Calendula, Clarkia, Gypsohila, Iberis, Scabious.


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Trailing Plants
From Beryl W, UK



I am disabled and my son-in-law has just built me a raised bed from railway sleepers. Can you please advise me of suitable plants, preferably evergreen or perennials with some colour to trail over the edge and down the side of the sleepers? Many thanks



From Elizabeth, UK
Dear Beryl, lucky you with your raised beds. I have uncooperative legs too .....if I'm upright I can't get down and if I'm down I can't get up ......... you do seem to get the feeling that you can't win but we must battle on. I can think of several plants that would suit your purpose just fine. Pratia Pendunculata - Is a very small leaved plant which is evergreen. It has tiny blue flowers from Spring onwards which are a delight. It does creep but gently so and you can always nip bits off and make another plant. It will dribble over your sleepers just fine.
If you would like some and can't find it anywhere please let me know and I will send you a bit (e-mail- cushy_butterfield@manx.net).
Another choice would be the small leaved variagated Ivy, there are many different types and all would do a good job for you.
Another choice would be Viola Labradorica. It is a sweet little thing, almost always in flower .......... I even found one today in a sheltered spot, smiling away at me .
Any of the Aubretia's would do a grand job for you, so many colours to choose from and are evergreen too which is a bonus.
Best of luck with your raised beds...... Elizabeth.

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Windy Sites
From Thomas, UK



Can you give me a list of flowers,shrubs and plants that don't mind a windy site? Also could you list a few rock plants and alpines that would be suitable for my garden?



From Alex M, UK
Plants for windy sites is very much of a muchness! Low growing species where the shrubs can protect the flowers are best. If you can elaborate on your choice and then perhaps I could help more.
Here is a list of rockery plants that should be suitable:
Carpet Bugle 'Atropurpurea' (Ajuga reptans)
Chives (Sllium schoenoprasum)
Spring Flowering Anemone (Anemone blanda)
Albida Arabis 'Snowcap' (Arabis causcasia)
Angel's Hair 'Silver Mound' (Artemisia schmidtiana)
Alpine Aster (Aster alpinus)
Compact Basket-of-Gold 'Compacta' (Aurinia saxatillis)
Cheddar Pinks 'Tiny Rubies' (Dianthus gratianopolitanus)
Myrtle Euphorbia (Euphorbia myrsinites)
Evolvulus glomeratus 'Blue Haze'
Pink Creeping Baby's Breath 'Rosea' (Gypsolphila repens)
Sweet Alyssum 'Easter Bonnet' (Lobularia maritima)
Wild Sweet William (Phlox divaricata)
Creeping Phlox 'Red Wing' (Phlox subulata)
Stonecrop 'Dragon's Blood' (Sedum spurium)
Cliff Tulip (Tulipa saxitalis)
Creeping Vervain 'Homestead Purple' (Verbena canadensis)
Garden Verbena (Verbena x hybrida)
Speedwell 'Goodness Grows' (Veronica)
Hungarian Speedwell 'Crater Lake Blue' (Veronica latifolia)
Hope this helps, Alex.

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Winter Flowers
From Melanie, UK



I have just won a gardening contract but they have asked for the summer flowering annuals to be replaced at the end of September by plants that will flower from October to April. Apart from winter flowering pansies, is there any other plants I can grow on during the summer months and plant out for the winter?



From Elizabeth, UK
Garrya Epilictica which gives a wonderful show during the winter months and can be cloaked during the summer with climbing annuals - eg. Rhodochiton, .... which can be grown from seed or some other brightly coloured annual.
Mahonia x media 'Charity ' with some tallish summer flowering perrenials to plant in front of it - Lilies perhaps.There are the Heathers of course and some of the Sages. The silver leaved Lamium ( I have a big clump of that but can't think of the name). Winter Aconite which makes anice bright show for the front of a border/bed and of course Snowdrops - which I'm sure you have already got on your list. You could of course cheat a bit by submerging pots of course with clipped Box and Heathers plus smallish or spreading Conifers. You can always lift them and replace with Agapanthus also in pots for
the summe or other. I grow Ceanothus which is lovely when in flower but of course rather dull when it has done it's thing ......... so, I plant Morning Glory all around it .A humble old flower but because it is crawling through the Ceonanthus people stop by my gate and ask what it is. !Geraniums are wonderful too for the summer border and are so .obliging.I'm afraid it is now getting late and I'm afraid I've run out of steam so I close for now but if I can think of anything else that may helpyou I'll get in touch again.I hope you are charging these folk enough ..... a constantly beautiful garden is extremely difficult to achieve.


Hi again Melanie, Just about to get myself away to bed when I remembered something Helleborus Orientalis. If you can get these in within the next few weeks you will have show stopping winter flowers. Mine usually come into bloom January.Try to get Helen Ballard plants if poss although that dear lady is no longer with us but I know somebody has the National Collection.I have the Plum coloured also Pink and a few white. They last for ages then produce plenty of seed.Goodnight again ..............Elizabeth.



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Winter Hanging Baskets

From

Tex A, UK




I would like to make some winter hanging baskets - (have never done them before) - can anyone advise me what plants to use.



From Elizabeth, UK
Hi there Tex A, I must admit that I have never done this myself but have often thought of planting up some Ajuga (bronze leaves, blue flowers) and some of the silver leaved Lamium in baskets. They show so brightly on winter days, when not overshadowed by their more glamourous neighbours.
Give it a go Tex. Best of luck ........Elizabeth.

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