[bthorn]

A newbie to this forum.
(Found it on Google. A great informative forum - no short answers either unlike more.)

Previous posts have offered some ideas on grasses/perennials to plant on the perc area itself.
My question is what shrubs would suit the perimeter of a raised percolation area?
I'd like to have some bordering to both delineate the edge and effect anti-flooding during times of heavy rains -- which maybe often in coming years.
Clearly something with a good appetite for water, good colour all year round, roots not too deep, height not so much as to block view of flowers within.
Native species preferred but all shrubs growable in Kerry considered.
Perc area would be about 15m x 10m.

[michael brenock]

suitable shrubs for damp sites.
Cornus alba. Spirea van houtteii. Viburnun opulus. Sambucus albovariegata. Salix species. Prunus spinosa.
in the outer drier parts try hydrangea, crinodendron, viburnum tinus, Prunus otto luyken.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

[bthorn]

Thanks.
A good selection there.
Pity all native candidates are lacking in colour.
Any opinions on buckthorn alder for here ? Some say it's suitable for wet ground.
Guelder rose ?

[kindredspirit]

What about variegated ivy on a small trellis fence?

You've then instantaneously decided the exact height of your screen.

Ivy can't stand being waterlogged but if it's not, then it'll hoover up occasional overflows.

[bthorn]

Interesting.
Could do both if the trellis isn't too dear.

[James Kilkelly, was GPI.]