Advice for tiny patio
Goto page 1, 2 Next
|
Author |
Message |
mariafp Guest
|
Posted: Thu May 17, 2012 4:11 am Post subject: Advice for tiny patio |
|
|
I have a small back yard that needs some gardening help. There is no space neither good light. The views from the window aren't exactly spectacular...
I am considering a climber, but I find it to be very difficult to find what I am looking for... must do well in the shadow and must not be poisonous for dogs and cats, as I have dogs and I foster dogs and cats as well. I would love something like a Boston Ivy, no flowers, no plenty of light needed, etc. but I don't think there is anything like that.
I know there is no too much I can do, money also is tight, but I would like to improve it a wee bit. I am open to any ideas you have. Much appreciated! |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
kindredspirit Rank attained: Chlorophyll for blood

Joined: 10 Nov 2008 Posts: 2300 Location: Mid-west.
|
|
Back to top |
|
 |
Greengage Rank attained: Chlorophyll for blood
Joined: 09 Nov 2011 Posts: 3129 Location: Kildare
|
|
Back to top |
|
 |
Anonany Rank attained: Hawthorn Tree

Joined: 09 May 2011 Posts: 67 Location: Bray, Co Wicklow
|
Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 6:32 pm Post subject: |
|
|
One evergreen climber you might want to consider is Ampelopsis -- AKA Cissus striata, Parthenocissus striata and Vitis striata -- which has small, pretty leaves and, occasionally, tiny little clusters of pink flowers followed by dark purple/black berries. There's some useful information here ...
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=402
Given its head, it can become quite rampant, but it doesn't in the least mind being hacked back hard. In my experience it grows just about anywhere !
It climbs using tendrils, so will need some support. One of my favourite supports is sheep wire as it's not overly obvious and NEVER needs any maintenance !
In an ideal world, you would plant the climber in the garden soil (at the end of the passageway, perhaps ?) and train it along the supports. If that's not an option, it might be worth trying a narrow -- so as not to block access -- but very deep planter.
I've not noticed it for sale recently, but do have a rooted bit which I'ld be happy to post on to you if you want to give it a try. |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
mariafp Guest
|
|
Back to top |
|
 |
mariafp Guest
|
Posted: Sat May 19, 2012 2:07 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I just bought the house and I don't have enough money to do the full garden yet. I just finished doing the kitchen. I want to improve it without spend too much. I like the idea of the black metal trellis. I will check in Greenfingers, B&M, etc. to recreate a cheap version!  |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
mariafp Guest
|
Posted: Sat May 19, 2012 3:51 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Anonany wrote: | One evergreen climber you might want to consider is Ampelopsis -- AKA Cissus striata, Parthenocissus striata and Vitis striata -- which has small, pretty leaves and, occasionally, tiny little clusters of pink flowers followed by dark purple/black berries. There's some useful information here ...
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=402
Given its head, it can become quite rampant, but it doesn't in the least mind being hacked back hard. In my experience it grows just about anywhere !
It climbs using tendrils, so will need some support. One of my favourite supports is sheep wire as it's not overly obvious and NEVER needs any maintenance !
In an ideal world, you would plant the climber in the garden soil (at the end of the passageway, perhaps ?) and train it along the supports. If that's not an option, it might be worth trying a narrow -- so as not to block access -- but very deep planter.
I've not noticed it for sale recently, but do have a rooted bit which I'ld be happy to post on to you if you want to give it a try. |
I think they are not poisonous to pets. However, I couldn't find then on the ASPCA database. I am going to send them an email regarding it. Much appreciated! |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
kindredspirit Rank attained: Chlorophyll for blood

Joined: 10 Nov 2008 Posts: 2300 Location: Mid-west.
|
|
Back to top |
|
 |
Greengage Rank attained: Chlorophyll for blood
Joined: 09 Nov 2011 Posts: 3129 Location: Kildare
|
Posted: Sat May 19, 2012 5:38 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Ampelopsis ive seen this 30feet high and still going.
Id paint the wall, Gate and get a trough for the window sill either annuals or rockery plants perennial whole job should cost €50 |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
Anonany Rank attained: Hawthorn Tree

Joined: 09 May 2011 Posts: 67 Location: Bray, Co Wicklow
|
Posted: Sat May 19, 2012 6:28 pm Post subject: |
|
|
As kindredspirit mentioned, animals rarely (if ever ?) eat anything that's not good for them. They seem to have a built-in instinct.
We've had assorted cats and dogs (not forgetting the rabbits and hamsters when the kiddies were young !) for the last 40 years and -- despite there being a great many poisonous things growing in our garden -- they've never even tried to eat any of them.
I'm all in favour of being careful, but it's possible you may be worrying a little bit more than necessary ? Having said all that, I'll be very interested to know whether the ampelopsis is considered to be poisonous or otherwise ! |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
mariafp Guest
|
Posted: Sun May 20, 2012 1:34 am Post subject: |
|
|
One of my dogs eats everything, which is pretty common in dogs who have been nearly starved to death. He ate an indoor toxic plant. In fact, that the reason I have the little gate which separated the garden from the small corridor. |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
mariafp Guest
|
Posted: Sun May 20, 2012 2:11 am Post subject: |
|
|
Greengage wrote: | Ampelopsis ive seen this 30feet high and still going.
Id paint the wall, Gate and get a trough for the window sill either annuals or rockery plants perennial whole job should cost €50 |
I feel embarrassed... but I painted the gate and the door just a few weeks ago. I used the wrong colours or I just didn't do it properly? |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
Anonany Rank attained: Hawthorn Tree

Joined: 09 May 2011 Posts: 67 Location: Bray, Co Wicklow
|
Posted: Sun May 20, 2012 9:33 am Post subject: |
|
|
Quote: | One of my dogs eats everything, which is pretty common in dogs who have been nearly starved to death. He ate an indoor toxic plant. In fact, that the reason I have the little gate which separated the garden from the small corridor. |
Ah ... ... I didn't think about the problems that might arise with abused animals. I had wondered about your concerns, so appreciate the explanation. We live and learn. |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
mariafp Guest
|
Posted: Sun May 27, 2012 8:39 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I bought some wall planters, troughs and trellis for a few pounds in B&M. I am going to "try" to plaster the wall myself. I am considering doing a mosaic with broken tiles too. I have never done something like that, but I can't afford to hire someone to do it. I will keep posting pictures! Many thanks! |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
Anonany Rank attained: Hawthorn Tree

Joined: 09 May 2011 Posts: 67 Location: Bray, Co Wicklow
|
Posted: Sun May 27, 2012 10:12 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Quote: | I am considering doing a mosaic with broken tiles too. |
That sounds like enormous fun ! And you've just reminded me that it's such a pity we don't have a B&M here ... last time I was in the North I had a whale of a time stocking up on all kinds of everything ! |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum You can attach files in this forum You can download files in this forum
|
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group
Privacy Policy | Copyright © 2006 - present IrishGardeners.com (part of GardenPlansIreland.com)
|