Incorrect hedge planting

About 2 years ago this Beech hedge was planted (not by us), at the time of planting these  bare-root hedging plants should of had approx 12" taken off the height of the plant to encourage sideways branching. As you can see 2 years later they  not met with their adjacent hedging plant and probably never will if these are not reduced in height. Most if not all hedging plants are trees in their own right and want to grow as such, it is only by our manipulation they become a hedge. 

 

Bulb planting depths and distances

It's bulb planting time again so here are few of the popular bulbs you may be planting and the suggested planting densities.

Alliums ( large bulb) (depth) 20cm (apart) 20cm

Alliums (small bulb) (d) 10cm (a) 10cm

Crocus (d) 8cm (a) 8cm

Hyancinths (d) 20cm (a)15cm

Daffodils (small flower) (d) 15cm (a) 10cm

Daffodils (large flower) (d) 20cm (a) 13cm

Tulips (short) (d) 12cm (a) 12cm

Tulips (tall) (d) 12cm (a) 13cm

It's better to put a bulb in too shallow than too deep, a bulb will pull itself down with its roots to a correct depth all on its own but a bulb that is planted too deep can not pull itself up. 

 

 

 

Think big - think Allium giganteum

If it's a statement you want to add in your garden, place a focal point or just want to add something fun the Allium giganteum  bulb is a must. This bulbs grows into a monster, up to 1.5 metre in height and a perfect purple rounded flower head. As with most Alliums the foliage starts dying just as soon as the plant is ready to flower so plant in the middle of a border to hide the foliage at the base, you might also want to plant this bulb in a  sheltered position (because of its height) and although these bulbs are expensive as far as bulbs go plant in small groups of 5 or more for maximum impact.

Allium giganteums are not fussy about soil type, chalk, clay, loam or sand but plenty of sun is a must. If you are planting in a clay soil dig in some grit, this will improve drainage and stop any winter bulb rot from excessive winter wet. These really are the giant allium bulbs, don't be confused, many suppliers are offering other allium bulbs confusing the matter by saying "giant flower". 

A Splash of Autumn Colour

With most flowering plants now done and dusted for the year (or on their last legs) this plant is a must for late season colour. Helianthus "Lemon Queen" is a real beast and needs to go at the back of a border, reaching up to 2m in height .It does need full (ish) sun but does not seem to mind soil type, I have them growing in two different planting designs, one in clay soil the other in a dry, poor soil and they are both doing as well as each other.

 Being a late flowering plant consider planting Helianthus "Lemon Queen" with  tall Miscanthus which is also flowering at the moment. I took this picture  at the weekend so you can see it's at its best at the moment and also providing much needed nectar to bees late in the year. 

Helianthus "Lemon Queen" is available from Crocus 

Winter colour - think Hellebore plants

Hellebores,  evergreen herbaceous plants are invaluable in winter, with varieties flowering from early December right through to spring they really do add a much needed splash of colour to your borders until the spring bulbs emerge. 

Hellebores are shade loving plants and only plant in a semi - full shade area in your garden, they will even thrive under trees. With a range of colours from whites to deep purple there's always a spot in anyones garden to enjoy these fantastic winter flowering plants. 

Climbing roses for the shade?

No such thing I'm afraid, sure climbing roses for partial shade but not complete shade which is common if you have a tricky north facing wall. When we say partial shade this is an area that will enjoy a minimum of 4 hours of sunshine, morning or afternoon that doesn't matter as long as it gets the 4 hours minimum. 

What will happen if the climbing rose does not get enough sun is it will become very leggy, climbing higher and higher in search of sunlight, the flowers will be sparse, small and generally the whole plant very tatty. Think about planting a climbing hydrangea instead. This plant holds itself, no need for trellis, just one short clip a year to keep it in check and has lovely lace cap flowers. A perfect solution to an unsightly shady garden or house wall.

Climbing roses - quick note

As many of you may be thinking of buying new bare root roses as the season now approaches where they become available from suppliers, a quick tip. NEVER prune bare-root climbing roses within the first two years of planting. 

Hedges - don't get caught out

Recently, hedge plant suppliers have been recommending you plant new hedges 50cm apart, be warned this is just to get you to buy more. 

With the exception of Box (Buxus) you need to be planting hedge plants 75cm apart which allows for good root growth and your new hedge will not end up bare at the bottom. It's tempting to buy smaller hedging plants and plant them closer together but avoid this buy buying larger plants and stick to the 75cm rule. A newly planted hedge that has room for root growth, gets light and air will establish and grow much quicker than one that has been planted too close.

 Bare root hedging is available from November onwards, if your looking for something now we can source containerised hedge plants which can be planted all year round. Please call with your enquiry.

You plant it - we'll come

Within 4 weeks of planting a group of 12" high Monardas they are now 3 feet high and full of bursting scarlet red flowers. You can see why this plant is also known as 'bee balm'. 

This is an excellent plant for attracting bees and butterfly's, quickly establishes itself and is a rapid grower, perfect for filling in spaces in your border and can be left over winter with beautiful seed heads. 

  

Kirengeshoma Palmata

I have just come across this plant at one of the nurseries I visit when buying plants for a client and promptly purchased a few for shady borders I am planting.

I am blogging about this as it's a great plant for a shady border. It will flower late Summer - early Autumn, with funnel shaped butter coloured flowers on purplish stems and maple like foliage. Height and spread is 90 x 60cm.